Podcast
Explore some of the most crucial emerging challenges to the future of work.
Canada is facing wide-reaching demographic and technological changes that pose increasingly significant challenges to the world of work.
The Future Skills podcast, presented by The Conference Board of Canada, will explore these crucial emerging challenges to the future of work. In each episode, we will unpack a unique issue facing Canadians and hear from varying perspectives—such as community members, decision-makers, and thought leaders—to discuss solutions and paths forward.
24
Episodes
17,904
Downloads
(as of February 12, 2025)
Episode Details
In this special live mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, recorded at Cannexus25 in Ottawa, host Jeremy Strachan explores how labour market information (LMI) is shaping career development, workforce planning, and skills training in a time of rapid change. Featuring insights from Jason Dennison (Fleming College), Tony Bonen (The Conference Board of Canada), and Tricia Williams (Future Skills Centre), the discussion unpacks how data-driven decision-making can help job seekers, educators, and policymakers navigate economic shifts, automation, and AI’s growing influence on the labour market.
From understanding regional job trends to leveraging tools like OpportuNext for career transitions, this episode highlights the critical role of LMI in building a resilient workforce. What skills will be in demand? How can Canadians future-proof their careers? And, how do we make labour market data more accessible and actionable? We’ll hear three expert perspectives on the evolving skills ecosystem and what it means for the future of work.
Host
Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
Guest
Jason Dennison
Director of Business Intelligence & Analytical Services, Fleming College
Tony Bonen
Lead Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
Tricia Williams
Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization, the Future Skills Centre
February 12, 2025 • 13-min listen
In this mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, Jeremy Strachan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate at the Conference Board of Canada, about her recent study on neurodiversity in Canadian post-secondary education. The research, conducted in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, explores key findings from the report Creating Inclusive Campuses: Neuroinclusive Policies and Practices in Post-secondary Education.
The discussion highlights the challenges neurodivergent students face, including their invisibility on campuses, complex accommodation processes, and persistent stigma. Dr. Fane calls for greater accessibility within equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and offers practical recommendations, such as establishing neurodiversity hubs and providing campus-wide neurodiversity training.
The episode also previews upcoming Future Skills Centre research on inclusive employment pathways for neurodivergent individuals.
Host
Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
Guest
Lead Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
February 5, 2025 • 12-min listen
In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, new host Jeremy Strachan dives into highlights from the Magnet Network Live event held in Toronto in October 2024, where leaders gathered to address Canada’s talent, training, and skills challenges. The episode features insights on AI, productivity, and Canada’s “12/21 problem,” where outdated learning models fall short in a 21st-century workforce.
Key discussions focus on the need for risk-taking in business, the importance of social and emotional skills, and the critical role of trust in the workplace. Strachan also explores immigration’s role in Canada’s future, barriers faced by international students, and the impact of the Future Skills Centre’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy through innovative partnerships and initiatives across Canada.
Host
Jeremy Strachan
Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
Guests
Noel Baldwin
Executive Director, Future Skills Centre
Michael Burt
Vice President, The Conference Board of Canada
Mark Patterson
Executive Director, Magnet
Emily Madden
Senior Director, Magnet
Ashok Kasilingam
Executive Director, M2M Tech
Erin Rose
Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
December 4, 2024 • 28-min listen
The Black population in Canada is expected to exceed 3 million by 2041. Despite growing awareness of the root causes of inequities faced by Black communities, we don’t yet have interventions at scale in the skills ecosystem. In this episode, our guests describe the importance of culturally relevant, targeted programing for supporting Black communities in Canada to thrive in education and employment.
Our guests envision a future where gaps in educational attainment and wages between black and non-black individuals are closed, and where anti-Black racism in our classrooms and workplaces is eradicated. They share successful components of workforce development programs, including social capital development, mentorship, socioemotional development, and community involvement.
Host
Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada
Guests
Kofi Hope
CEO and Co-Founder, Monumental
André McDonald
Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Research Initiatives and Performance, University of Alberta
Mohamed Elmi
Executive Director, Diversity Institute
September 19, 2024 • 43-min listen
We’ve heard the term “productivity” come up a lot lately. But what does the term really mean? And why does strong productivity matter for leaders, decision makers, and to Canadians at-large? Three experts join us in this episode to help us unpack this concept. They give us an overview of the economic concepts behind productivity, suggest solutions to help boost Canadian productivity, and explain why skills development and innovation are an important part of this conversation.
Learn more:
Host
Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada
Guests
Jonathan Barr
Senior Director, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
Senior Manager, Economic Research, The Conference Board of Canada
August 15, 2024 • 33-min listen
The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. The transition to a clean economy demands significant changes in skills, occupations, and attitudes. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with developing higher education graduates who are equipped to lead and grow a sustainable economy. Our distinguished guests provide key employer, post-secondary, and international perspectives. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of higher education, employment, and a sustainable future.
Learn more:
Host
Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada
Guests
Kevin Nilsen
President & CEO, ECO Canada
Charles Hopkins
UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability, York University
Tanzeela Faisal
Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
July 18, 2024 • 32-min listen
In this episode, we delve into the implications of the AI revolution for teaching and learning within Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Join us as we speak with a researcher, an AI sector leader, and a university Chief AI Officer to uncover how this technology is reshaping education. From real-world applications to ethical considerations, we explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) into the classroom, offering insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.
Learn more:
Host
Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada
Guests
Mark Daley
Chief AI Officer, Western University
Melissa Judd
Vice President, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships, Vector Institute
Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada
June 20, 2024 • 37-min listen
350,000 Indigenous youth are set to come of age by 2026, offering unique contributions as they enter the workforce. Discover the multifaceted impacts of Indigenous youth on the labour market as two distinguished experts delve into this topic. In this episode, they explore the challenges, opportunities, and incredible value that Indigenous youth bring to the modern job market and how companies can advance inclusive environments that honor and integrate Indigenous traditions, thereby empowering young Indigenous employees to bring their authentic selves to work. We also learn about some of the collaborative approaches between employers, educational institutions, and Indigenous communities to bridge the gap and foster increased opportunities for Indigenous youth.
Learn more:
- Indspire Research Knowledge Nest, Indspire
- Indigenous Resources Library Guide, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships BCIT
- Indigenous Finance and Management Professionals: Critical for Reconciliation and Indigenous Self-Determination, The Conference Board of Canada
- Readiness and Resilience: Mapping the Contours of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Ecosystem in Canada, Future Skills Centre
Host
Julie Cafley
Executive Director, Catalyst Canada
Guests
President & CEO, Indspire
Executive Director Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT
September 27, 2023 • 29-min listen
Neurodiversity is a range of different ways of thinking, interacting, and processing information, and is especially important to the future of work. In this episode, experts in neurodiversity in the workplace join us to discuss the immense potential of neurodiverse individuals in professional settings. Our guests share practical strategies and valuable insights for employers looking to create supportive environments for neurodiverse employees—from implementing accommodations for all to fostering inclusive company cultures.
Host
Julie Cafley
Executive Director, Catalyst Canada
Guests
Neil Barnett
Director, Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft
Radha MacCulloch
VP and Head of Canada, Specialisterne North America
August 9, 2023 • 27-min listen
In 2020, women accounted for only 16.8% of majority owners of Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises (SMEs). In this episode, we consider the experience of women in entrepreneurship, the barriers that impede them from participating and the recent growth of women-created businesses.
Our guests are leaders at a large employer and an organization that works to help women entrepreneurs and the networks that support them easily connect and collaborate. They share their personal and professional experiences, provide insights on opportunities and barriers, and discuss suggestions for potential future and current women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Download transcript (episode in French)
Host
Julie Cafley
Executive Director, Catalyst Canada
Guests
Salwa Salek
Chief EDI Officer, Desjardins
Sabine Soumare
Executive Director, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)
June 22, 2023 • 44-min listen
In 2022, Canada welcomed a record number of newcomers to the country: over 431,000 new permanent residents. In this episode, we consider the issue of the economic and employment integration of newcomers to Canada, focusing on the New Brunswick context.
Our guests are leaders at a large, local employer and at an organization that works to enable newcomers to participate fully in the province’s society. They share their personal and professional experiences and provide insights and suggestions for communities, employers, and the skills ecosystem across Canada.
Download transcript (episode in French)
Host
Julie Cafley
Executive Director, Catalyst Canada
Guests
Jason Limongelli
Vice President for the Woodlands Division, J.D. Irving, Inc.
Moncef Lakouas
President, New Brunswick Multicultural Council
March 15, 2023 • 26-min listen
More people are working than before the pandemic, yet there is still more demand for labour than there is supply. In this episode, our guests share insights on the economic context surrounding these shortages and the implications for Canadian businesses. We discuss what all this means for skills leaders, employers, and workers.
Download transcript (episode in French)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
Geneviève Bich
Vice President, Human Resources, Metro Inc.
December 19, 2022 • 25-min listen
Technological change is affecting every sector, and these changes shift the roles and the skills in demand. Our guests share their perspectives on what needs to happen to ensure Canada has the skilled talent it needs to take full advantage of the growing digital economy. We hear about two rapid training initiatives that seek to help their learners transition mid-career to jobs in the digital economy.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Namir Anani
President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
Rushmi Hasham
Director, Development and Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Programs, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Nathalie Sanon
Head, Training Program, IVADO
August 18, 2022 • 29-min listen
In the face of the climate crisis, shifting to more carbon-neutral economic activities is a necessity. The growth of this clean economy can also be an opportunity—for individuals to have in-demand and meaningful careers, and for Canada to become a global leader in this area. In this episode, we hear from three Canadian organizations. Our guests tell us about the growing clean technology and blue economy sectors, and about the skills needed in these sectors, and share their insights on what needs to happen to support the development of a strong workforce in the clean economy.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Darren Gresch
Senior Research Associate, Innovation and Technology, The Conference Board of Canada
Jeanette Jackson
CEO, Foresight Canada
Yogendra Chaudhry
Vice-President of Professional Services, ECO Canada
July 7, 2022 • 26-min listen
Microcredentials are a recognition of learning, assessing specific competencies and addressing employer needs. In this episode, we discuss the rise of microcredentials, their potential, and ongoing challenges such as coordination across Canada and assessment quality. Our guests provide perspectives from industry and from post-secondary education and include Emma Gooch from eCampusOntario, Kerri Korabelnikov from Red River College Polytechnic, and Theresa Davis-Woodhouse from the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Emma Gooch
Program Manager, Microcredentials, eCampusOntario
Kerri Korabelnikov
Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, Red River College Polytechnic
Theresa Davis-Woodhouse
Director of Project Management, Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace
June 1, 2022 • 25-min listen
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the Canadian economy and the workplace of many Canadians. But these businesses face steep difficulties in the coming years as COVID-19 government supports end. How can SMEs tackle challenges, such as skill and labour shortages, to flourish as businesses and employers?
In this episode we speak to three guests about the economic trends and opportunities facing SMEs in their region, from remote-first small businesses to new jobs in the green economy. They discuss the skills, roles, and supports needed to take advantage of these opportunities.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Jason Rasevych
Partner, National Indigenous Client Services Lead, Deloitte Canada; and President, Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
Dorinda So
Executive Director, pointA
Patrick Sullivan
President and CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
April 21, 2022 • 30-min listen
Restaurants, hotels, and attractions across Canada are an important place of work, particularly for youth, students, and newcomers to Canada. But with cycles of closures and layoffs, health and safety concerns, and new enforcement requirements due to COVID-19, there has been an exodus of workers from the hospitality and tourism industry. How are businesses rethinking their hiring, training, and compensation practices to adapt and recover?
This episode explores issues of workforce development and business strategy in the hospitality and tourism industry, in conversation with Matt Pearson from Living Waters Resorts, Krista Bax from go2HR, and Adam Morrison from OTEC. We also hear firsthand from a business about their experiences.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Matt Pearson
Director, Human Resources, Living Waters Resorts
Adam Morrison
President and CEO, Ontario Tourism & Education Council (OTEC)
Krista Bax
CEO, go2HR
March 16, 2022 • 20-min listen
We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
We know that COVID-19 has had disproportionate economic impacts on certain groups, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada. We are experiencing an undesirable “K-shaped recovery” where certain individuals and sectors recover more quickly than others.
This episode highlights key challenges facing certain groups—such as Indigenous students and youth more broadly—when it comes to education and employment during the pandemic. We make the case for a more inclusive skills training strategy, that give all workers the skills to navigate a changing economy (and provides businesses the workers with the skills to help them adapt to future technological changes and economic shocks).
Kory Wilson from BCIT, and Chris Duff and Erick Pelayo Aubert from the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity (CCYP) join us to share their perspectives.
Host
Linda Nazareth
Economist and Author, Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy
Guests
Kory Wilson
Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT
Chris Duff
Executive Lead, CCYP
Erick Pelayo Aubert
Undergraduate student and Coordinator, CCYP
January 13, 2022 • 22-min listen
The nature of jobs is changing, with the growth of the gig economy and more work in all fields being tasked to contract workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. These independent workers lack the social support net that full-time employees benefit from. What are some ways to bridge the “support gap” and ensure that people don’t fall between the cracks in these precarious job markets?
In our final episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss this question and more with Armine Yalnizyan (Atkinson Fellow).
Armine Yalnizyan
Fellow on the Future of Workers, Atkinson Foundation
October 16, 2020 • 39-min listen
Canada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of its rates of postsecondary education attainment as well as annual spending per postsecondary student. While a majority of education providers believe that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce, a much lower proportion of students and employers share that belief.
This points to a disconnect between the education and work worlds, one that could be bridged by incorporating real-world or experiential work into students’ education. The Business + Higher Education Roundtable aims to do just that, by ensuring that 100% of Canadian postsecondary students participate in a form of work-integrated learning before graduation. In our fifth episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Valerie Walker (Business Higher + Education Roundtable) to address some of these issues.
Valerie Walker
CEO, Business + Higher Education Roundtable
October 12, 2020 • 32-min listen
Reskilling and upskilling are now imperative for both employees and organizations to keep pace with the digital and technological innovations that are changing the way we work. This is creating a new echelon of positions—those that require brand new skills and those that require an enhanced skillset.
Investing in reskilling and upskilling is critical at the organizational and individual level to ensure mutual preparedness and success in the new technology-driven world. But how can governments, organizations, and workers work together to ensure the right supports are being provided to those who need them most? In our fourth episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Glenda Quintini (OECD), Sashya D’Souza (Toronto Finance International), and Karn Singh (Cognizant) to answer some of these questions.
Glenda Quintini
Senior Economist, Skills and Employability Division, OECD
Sashya D’Souza
Senior Vice President, Talent Initiatives, Toronto Finance International
Karn Singh
Director, Workforce Development, Cognizant
September 28, 2020 • 34-min listen
Apprenticeships get a bad rap. All too often, we perpetuate negative images of the trades: dirty, low pay, and boring. These stereotypes couldn’t be further from the reality of work—young people who pursue an apprentice-able trade should expect intellectually stimulating work, increasingly diverse workplaces, and significant opportunity for financial reward.
The knowledge and skills of our construction, manufacturing, automotive, and food service tradespeople can help support Canada’s transition to a more prosperous and sustainable future, but they will need resilience and teamwork to adapt to workplaces that are more efficient, automated, and digitally connected.
What emerging skills will tradespeople require to adapt to future work trends? How are emerging technologies changing what and how apprentices learn? Will traditional physical labour become a thing of the past, replaced by a need for digital, green, and social and emotional skills? In our third episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss these questions with Jeff Ranson (Canada Green Building Council—GTA), and Jim Szautner (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology).
Jeff Ranson
Regional Director—Greater Toronto Area, Canada Green Building Council
Jim Szautner
Dean, School of Manufacturing and Automation, School of Transportation, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
September 14, 2020 • 35-min listen
Driven by an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, the Future Skills Centre recognizes the competitive advantage that comes from fostering innovative solutions which address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, newcomers, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Indigenous, rural, remote, and northern communities.
Through authentic engagement with grassroots organizations and diverse communities across Canada, as well as the use of a strength-based and asset-focused perspective, knowledge and solutions are needed that shift the focus from just “fixing” job seekers to eroding systemic barriers to change our institutions, helping us build a more inclusive and equitable labour market. In our second episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Maya Roy (YWCA),and Ed Ng (Bucknell University) to take on some of these issues.
Maya Roy
CEO, YWCA Canada
Ed Ng
James and Elizabeth Freeman Chair in Management, Bucknell University
August 31, 2020 • 27-min listen
Driven by an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, the Future Skills Centre recognizes the competitive advantage that comes from fostering innovative solutions which address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, newcomers, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Indigenous, rural, remote, and northern communities.
Through authentic engagement with grassroots organizations and diverse communities across Canada, as well as the use of a strength-based and asset-focused perspective, knowledge and solutions are needed that shift the focus from just “fixing” job seekers to eroding systemic barriers to change our institutions, helping us build a more inclusive and equitable labour market. In our second episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we speak to Maya Roy (YWCA),and Ed Ng (Bucknell University) to take on some of these issues.
Paul Brinkhurst
Innovations Developer, Futureworx
Jennifer Adams
Consultant and President, Karanga
August 17, 2020 • 30-min listen
A podcast exploring some of the most crucial emerging challenges to the future of work, presented by The Conference Board of Canada.
Heather McIntosh
Former Associate Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada
August 13, 2020 • 2-min listen
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