By: Sydney Lang
On June 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-50, the “Sustainable Jobs Act.” This legislation sets out to ensure ongoing engagement and accountability with regards to Canada’s sustainable jobs and just transition commitments, as well as its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The bill is one of the 10 key action areas outlined in government’s interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, which was released on February 17, 2023 (and outlined our blog post from March 2, 2023). The Plan was an initial framework seeking to guide and organize efforts to support workers in the transition towards a greener economy.
The Sustainable Jobs Act includes many of the action areas outlined in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan. The current text of Bill C-50 at First Reading includes the following:
- Recognizes in the preamble that climate change is a “global problem that requires immediate and ambitious action by all governments in Canada” and has “disproportionate impacts, including on vulnerable groups and individuals.”
- Introduces guiding principles that will inform the government’s approach to building a net-zero economy, including to ensure adequate and ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholders and partners and support the creation of decent work that accounts for the local and regional needs and potential of workers and communities.
- Establishes a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council that will provide the designated Minister with independent advice on measures to foster the creation of sustainable jobs and to support workers, communities, and regions in the shift to a net-zero economy. The Council will consist of 15 members who are appointed on the recommendation of the Minister, who will consider “the importance of having a balance of members who represent labour, Indigenous organizations and industry.” Workers and labour representatives must have meaningful inclusion and a sufficient voice at the table, and their participation will be crucial to the Council’s success.
- Requires the tabling of a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years, with the first plan expected no later than December 31, 2025, that outlines how the government will create sustainable jobs, sets out measures that will implemented, and provides data on economic growth and the labour market.
- Establishes a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to support the implementation of the Act, including coordinating the implementation of measures identified in each Sustainable Jobs Plan.
Workers across sectors are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and must be included at the forefront of the transition to net zero. Trade unions have been playing a critical role in advocating for sustainable, secure, and well-paid jobs for their members. Consultation with labour on the transition, through the Sustainable Partnership Council and other means, will continue to be essential to strengthening the legislation and fully supporting workers and communities going forward.
We will continue to monitor Bill C-50 as it moves through the legislative process.