Canada's environmental workforce adds 34,600 jobs during pandemic: report

Source: Tony Seskus · CBC NEWS · | March 31, 2021

Ontario and Quebec drive growth, but forecast says all provinces will need green workers over next five years

Ontario wind turbines spin in this file photo from 2016. Gains in green jobs in Ontario and Quebec last year helped drive growth in environmental employment, according to a new report. (David Donnelly/CBC)

Canada's environmental workforce grew by five per cent in 2020 — adding nearly 35,000 net new jobs — even as the impact of the pandemic rattled the economy and labour markets.

That's according to a new report from ECO Canada, which also forecasts thousands more environmental openings over the next five years.

"This is a sector that is continuing to grow and continuing to broaden," said Kevin Nilsen of ECO Canada, a national human resources group based in Calgary that tracks the green jobs market.

ECO Canada's count includes workers across various industries and occupations that drive or support environmental protection, resource management and sustainability.

The report, released Wednesday, says the environmental workforce added about 34,600 net new jobs last year, bringing the total to around 689,900 workers.

The gains were largely driven by environmental employment in Ontario (35,704) and Quebec (11,460), according to ECO Canada.

New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the territories also added environmental jobs.

Six provinces saw decreases — due in part to declines in environmental work associated with natural resource sectors, including oil and gas, which saw activity sink during the pandemic.