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Latest Research

Supply chain worries weigh on businesses’ investment plans

Over the past year, businesses were understandably telling us that they thought their investment prospects would improve in the six months ahead. However, the optimism is fading, and firms are shifting their focus from the economic recovery to concerns about the pandemic’s fallout.

Quick take  |  2-min read
November 25, 2021
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

man in the dark
Measuring Digital Trade

The digital economy is growing. Thanks to technological advancements in international trade, businesses and consumers have increasingly turned online for purchases, and the demand for digital services—has gone up. There is widespread agreement that digital trade’s contribution to the Canadian economy is increasing, and that international trade is growing. But classifying and measuring the opportunities and challenges of digital trade is difficult.

Online experience  |  8-min read
November 17, 2021
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

nurses
Valued Workers, Valuable Work: The Current and Future Role of (Im)migrant Talent

Essential work is critical to Canada’s economy and the provision of basic goods and services. Canada relies on immigrants and temporary residents in many essential sectors and occupations. And the pandemic has put the spotlight once again on their contributions—and the vulnerabilities they face—in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

Impact paper  |  24-min read
October 29, 2021
Focus Area—Immigration

people looking at computer
Canadian Human Resources Metrics Benchmarking

Build and refine your Human Resources (HR) practices for managing your teams. Understand the current business environment, and know what’s changing. Our data from across Canadian industries and regions will help you see where you excel and where you can grow.

Online experience  |  8-min read
October 28, 2021
Focus Area—Human Resources

Focus Areas

Group of women working on a computer; looking up at skyscrapers

Future Skills Centre Research

Two men working in a mine
Skills Development in Northern Mining Regions

For many northern Indigenous communities, mineral exploration properties and active mines are the closest employers. Mining is big business in northern Manitoba. The industry has been a strong source of employment for Indigenous workers, with accessible entry-level positions and opportunities to learn on the job. While the benefits of short-term job training are attractive, Indigenous communities are having to make complicated decisions about economic development that have long-term implications.

Case study  |  15-min read
November 4, 2021
Focus Area—Indigenous & Northern Communities
Client—Future Skills Centre

Two female students building a machine
Future Skills Summit

Our nation’s labour market is undergoing massive change. It’s being shaped by effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unprecedented demographic shifts, economic changes and technological advances. To navigate these disruptions and foster the future prosperity of Canada, we must support the lifelong skills development of our workforce.

Summit  |  Virtual
February 22–24, 2022
Client—Future Skills Centre

Waitress looking at a tablet
Searching for Strengths: Gaps and Opportunities for Social and Emotional Skills Development in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector

The tourism and hospitality (T&H) sector was hit especially hard by the pandemic. The International Monetary Fund reported that the industry “will continue to struggle until people feel safe to travel en masse again.” Helping displaced workers in the sector find new and meaningful employment is crucial to both the people who have been directly affected and the broader economic recovery.

Issue briefing  |  15-min read
September 21, 2021
Focus Area—Education & Skills
Client—Future Skills Centre

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