Feds create mining workforce alliance to address labour shortages

The federal government launched a Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance to tackle skilled worker shortages threatening Canada's critical minerals sector.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu announced the initiative at the Prospectors and Developers Association convention in Toronto, bringing together industry leaders, unions and educational institutions.

Canada faces mounting workforce pressures from tariffs, supply chain disruptions and skills gaps across key economic sectors. The mining industry contributed $112 billion to GDP in 2024 and employed 438,000 workers directly.

The alliance will focus on exploration, extraction and processing roles needed for critical mineral supply chains. These materials power clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing essential for national security.

"Canada's workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As external pressures continue to affect key sectors, these investments will help empower Canadian workers with the skills they need to adapt. In the mining sector, this means addressing workforce shortages, supporting workers affected by economic shifts and strengthening Canada's economic security," Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson emphasized worker importance to the sector's future.

"Canada's mining sector has been built for generations by highly skilled Canadian workers. From exploration to processing, the success of our government's critical minerals agenda depends on the people and the communities who make up our industry. We are working directly with workers to ensure Canadian mining continues to be a lynchpin of our economy, security, and climate ambitions," Tim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resources, said.

The mining alliance joins five others targeting advanced manufacturing, housing, transportation, energy and care sectors. Together, these areas represent over one-third of Canada's GDP and employ almost eight million people.

"The creation of a Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance reinforces the federal government's commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian mining and accelerating mineral investment and job creation. They will help industry and employers attract, train and support the next generation of skilled workers, building on Canada's strength as a highly educated, skilled, qualified and productive mining jurisdiction," Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, said.

Industry faces aging demographics while demand grows for minerals powering electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Canada produces 60 minerals and metals at 200 mines nationwide, with mineral production totaling $64 billion in 2024.

"Canada is facing an unprecedented opportunity as new mines move from concept to construction across the country. Through the investment in the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council looks forward to collaborating with employers, educators, labour partners and communities to create pathways for more Canadians to build meaningful careers in mining. Meeting current labour market challenges is imperative to developing a safe and highly skilled mining workforce that benefits all Canadians," Ryan Montpellier, executive director of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, stated.

The government announced workforce measures in September 2025 to help workers affected by tariffs and economic shifts. The alliance aims to align skills development with emerging technologies, automation and sustainable mining practices.