Canada bets on workforce alliance to fill mining jobs

Canada has launched a new industry-led alliance to address labour shortages in mining and minerals as the sector faces rising demand for critical minerals, new technologies and major infrastructure projects.

Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu announced the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance initiative in Nova Scotia on Thursday, saying the group will identify workforce challenges and coordinate public and private investments in skills development. 

The alliance is the first of six planned workforce partnerships backed by Ottawa and will be led by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) with support from the Mining Association of Canada.

“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together,” Hajdu said. “The Alliance will serve a crucial role in ensuring that Canada’s mining workforce is well equipped to support the ambitious national infrastructure projects that will strengthen Canada and enhance our economic independence.”

Industry challenge

The initiative comes as Canada seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains and secure the skilled workers needed for critical minerals development, advanced manufacturing and economic security.

Ottawa has committed C$81 million ($58 million) over five years to establish six workforce alliances in sectors that collectively account for more than one-third of Canada’s GDP and employ roughly 8 million people.

Mining alone contributed C$112 billion ($80 billion) to the country’s GDP in 2024 and directly employed about 438,000 workers, according to official figures.

Talent pipelines

The alliance will bring together employers, labour organizations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous partners and under-employed groups to develop workforce strategies based on industry needs. 

MiHR executive director Ryan Montpellier said the collaboration will help build talent pipelines needed to support growth across the mining value chain as demand for critical minerals continues to rise.

The sector faces persistent challenges recruiting workers in specialized trades, technical fields and remote regions. The alliance’s success will depend on translating industry discussions into practical training, apprenticeship and recruitment programs capable of meeting future labour demand.