Opinion: How to Win a Just Transition for All Workers
Strickland, S. (2022, April 12). How to win a just transition for all workers. The Hamilton Spectator. https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2022/04/12/how-to-win-a-just-transition-for-all-workers.html UTL Link: http://myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fnewspapers%2Fhow-win-just-transition-all-workers%2Fdocview%2F2649499739%2Fse-2%3F
Sean Strickland writes: “The emissions reduction plan (ERP) unveiled by the federal government March 29 puts Canada on the road to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This will be no small task. In fact, it represents a transformative adjustment for the Canadian economy that must strike a balance between combatting climate change and ensuring the continuation of good, middle-class jobs. No one gets left behind must be operative words as Canada heads toward 2050. It is encouraging that Ottawa’s introduction of the first ERP, which lays the path ahead to 2030, includes $9.1 billion in investments, including an additional funding of $400 million for zero-emission vehicle charging stations. The plan includes moving forward on the Atlantic Loop — a regional power grid that will help to transform Canada’s energy landscape and put Canadians to work.”
“In all, Ottawa has taken a big step forward. But Canada’s net-zero objectives remain a work in progress. It is clear a Team Canada approach is needed to make the ERP a long-term political — and a climate — success. ... The best way to ensure public confidence in ERP is to follow the important principle of Just Transition — preparing the workforce to fully participate in the low-carbon economy while minimizing the impacts of labour market transitions.”
“Labour markets need confidence that livelihoods and interests will be protected under the principles of Just Transition as Canada follows through on promises of clean economy infrastructure. Just Transition will mean a lengthy to-do list to follow up on the ERP’s initial success:”
“Labour market analysis to determine how employment opportunities in oil and gas will be impacted by the transition to net-zero emissions to determine and ensure how feasible it would for workers in oil and gas to transfer to a job in clean energy.”
“Investment in large-scale infrastructure projects to bridge the gap during this transformative period until new energy technologies come on stream.”
“Public and private Investment in new technology including CCUS, hydrogen and small modular reactors.”
“Our deadline for net zero is just 28 years away. The task ahead won’t be easy. But it can be done and the 600,000 skilled trades members of Canada’s Building Trades Unions are up to the task.”
Additional Information
Building Canada’s Net-Zero Future: A Just Transition for Energy Workers. (2022). Canada’s Building and Trade Union. https://buildingtrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/030922-Just-Transition-Brief-EN_Finalized.pdf
Enviroeconomics & Navius Research. (2022). Assessing Net-Zero Electricity Supply and Demand Models in the Atlantic Loop. Ecology Action Centre. https://ecologyaction.ca/sites/default/files/images-documents/Assessing%20Net%20Zero%20Electricity%20Supply%20and%20Demand%20Models%20in%20the%20Atlantic%20Loop%20-%20Final%20report%20-%20May%202022.pdf
Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050/canadian-net-zero-emissions-accountability-act.html
Photo source: [Photograph]. Torstar File. https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2022/04/12/how-to-win-a-just-transition-for-all-workers.html