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S4 Ep. 05: Insights from Magnet Network Live
In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, new host Jeremy Strachan dives into highlights from the Magnet Network Live event held in Toronto in October 2024, where leaders gathered to address Canada’s talent, training, and skills challenges. The episode features insights on AI, productivity, and Canada’s “12/21 problem,” where outdated learning models fall short in a 21st-century workforce. Key discussions focus on the need for risk-taking in business, the importance of social and emotional skills, and the critical role of trust in the workplace. Strachan also explores immigration’s role in Canada’s future, barriers faced by international students, and the impact of the Future Skills Centre’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy through innovative partnerships and initiatives across Canada. Background On October 23 and 24, 2024, Magnet Network hosted a two-day networking and knowledge-sharing event in Toronto’s distillery district. Featuring an array of speakers who are thought leaders, policymakers, and visionary idea accelerators in the skills ecosystem in Canada, Magnet Network Live (MNL) was a key forum for stakeholders to meet and hear insights on the pressing issues related to training, workforce development, and productivity in Canada. Conference Board of Canada was there in two capacities. Michael Burt, VP, was featured in a session alongside Candice Faktor, CEO of Disco, in a “fireside chat to explore why businesses are holding back on critical investments and how innovative learning models can shift this dynamic.” Jeremy Strachan, SRA, attended to record live audio as content for this episode. Content interviews and ambient and atmospheric textures of the event.Canada’s productivity puzzle remains unsolved, and a combination of skills waste, talent mismatch, and forecast labour shortages in key sectors like the skilled trades and the green economy are set to exacerbate our problems. MNL is one-of-a-kind event where attendees will hear from some of the best ideas on how to maximize our talent pool resources. GuestsNoel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre Michael Burt, Vice President of the Conference Board of Canada Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet Emily Madden, Senior Director of Magnet Ashok Kasilingam, CEO of M2M Tech Erin Rose, Senior Research Associate, Conference Board of Canada
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S4 Ep. 04: Empowering Futures: Supporting Black Talent in the Canadian Labour Market
The Black population in Canada is expected to exceed 3 million by 2041. Despite growing awareness of the root causes of inequities faced by Black communities, we don’t yet have interventions at scale in the skills ecosystem. In this episode, our guests describe the importance of culturally relevant, targeted programing for supporting Black communities in Canada to thrive in education and employment.Our guests envision a future where gaps in educational attainment and wages between black and non-black individuals are closed, and where anti-Black racism in our classrooms and workplaces is eradicated. They share successful components of workforce development programs, including social capital development, mentorship, socioemotional development, and community involvement.Speakers:Kofi Hope, CEO and Co-Founder, MonumentalAndré McDonald, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Research Initiatives and Performance, University of AlbertaMohamed Elmi, Executive Director, Diversity InstituteHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)
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S4 Ep. 03: Canada’s Productivity Puzzle: The Skills Connection
We’ve heard the term “productivity” come up a lot lately. But what does the term really mean? And why does strong productivity matter for leaders, decision makers, and to Canadians at-large? Three experts join us in this episode to help us unpack this concept. They give us an overview of the economic concepts behind productivity, suggest solutions to help boost Canadian productivity, and explain why skills development and innovation are an important part of this conversation. Speaker listJonathan Barr, Senior Director, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, The Conference Board of CanadaAnne-Lore Fraikin, Senior Manager, Economic Research, The Conference Board of CanadaHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)Links: Skills and Productivity: Which Skills Shortages Are Impacting Canadian Productivity?—August 2024Compétences et productivité : Quelles pénuries de compétences influent sur la productivité canadienne?—Août 2024
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S4 Ep. 02: Educating for Sustainability—Green Skills in Canada
The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. The transition to a clean economy demands significant changes in skills, occupations, and attitudes. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with developing higher education graduates who are equipped to lead and grow a sustainable economy. Our distinguished guests provide key employer, post-secondary, and international perspectives. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of higher education, employment, and a sustainable future. Speaker listKevin Nilsen, President & CEO, ECO CanadaCharles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability, York University Tanzeela Faisal, Research Associate, The Conference Board of CanadaHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)LinksToward a More Sustainable Future: Preparing the Students of Today for a Greener Tomorrow (CBoC)
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S4 Ep. 01: Educational AI—Unlocking Potential in Post-Secondary Institutions
In this episode, we delve into the implications of the AI revolution for teaching and learning within Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Join us as we speak with a researcher, an AI sector leader, and a university Chief AI Officer to uncover how this technology is reshaping education. From real-world applications to ethical considerations, we explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) into the classroom, offering insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.Speaker listMelissa Judd, Vice-President, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships, Vector InstituteMark Daley, Chief AI Officer, Western UniversityAdam Vanzella Yang, Senior Research Associate, The Conference Board of CanadaHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)LinksAI and the Future of Post-Secondary Education: Navigating the AI Revolution https://www.conferenceboard.ca/product/navigating-the-ai-revolution/Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_enThe Conference Board of Canada Homepage: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/The Conference Board of Canada Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConfBoardofCdaThe Conference Board of Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConferenceBoardofCanada/
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About The Future Skills Podcast

Canada is facing wide-reaching demographic and technological changes that pose increasingly significant challenges to the world of work. The Future Skills Centre Podcast, presented by The Conference Board of Canada, will explore these crucial emerging challenges to the future of work. In each episode, we will unpack a unique issue facing Canadians and hear from varying perspectives—such as community members, decision-makers, and thought leaders—to discuss solutions and paths forward.

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