Strategic Investments in Education Needed to Meet Future Labour Needs

(TORONTO– January 24, 2023) – Today, Daniel Safayeni, Vice President, Policy of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), released the following statement to mark International Day of Education:

“Labour shortages across all sectors continue to hamper business growth and competitiveness. To meet current and future labour market demands, Ontario needs an inclusive and resilient workforce supported by coordinated training options from the post secondary education sector, employers, unions, and government.

“Education plays a foundational role for young Ontarians as they consider various career paths. We are pleased the Ontario government has introduced several initiatives to support this, including promoting the skilled trades as a viable career for young people, expanding financial literacy within Ontario’s education curriculum and modernizing the computer studies and tech-ed curriculum to promote digital literacy.

“Our message this International Day of Education is to make targeted investments in education and training options to help bridge the learning gap faced by historically marginalized communities. Ontario’s diversity is an economic advantage, but we must ensure barriers to accessing education and training programs are eroded, particularly for equity-deserving groups.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure an inclusive and vibrant workforce of the future.”

-30-

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Samir Janmohamed
Policy and Public Affairs Specialist
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
samirjanmohamed@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 916-3110