SUSTAINABLE JOBS ACT PRIORITIZES WORKERS

In 2023, the Government of Canada introduced the Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50), an act promoting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy. This important bill ensures collaboration among workers, unions, the industry, and the government as Canada transitions to a carbon neutral economy. The legislation includes several key aspects:

+ Creating a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to engage in ongoing dialogue with the Government and provide advice on the most effective measures to encourage sustainable job creation and to support workers and communities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

+ Publishing a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years, beginning in 2025, to put in place measures to invest in the net-zero emissions economy and skills of the future.

+ Establishing a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to ensure consistent policies and programs across federal entities on the Government’s sustainable jobs approach and support the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council. The Canadian Labour Congress, the central federation of Canadian trade unions, calls for collective efforts to achieve Canada’s climate goals while creating and protecting good, unionized jobs in a low-carbon economy, with pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups.

“The Sustainable Jobs Act protects labour’s interests as Canada tackles climate change by giving workers a voice at the table,” said BAC Canada Regional Director Craig Strudwick. “We look forward to engaging with the Government to advocate for policies that will include all workers.”