The Critical Minerals Talent Strategy is a roadmap for harnessing Ontario’s talent pool in support of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build an end-to-end EV supply chain
(May 30, 2024—Sudbury, ON) The Ontario government, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), is taking a pivotal step to address workforce challenges and empower future generations of talent to power the shift to electrification with the launch of a Critical Minerals Talent Strategy.
Developed by OVIN in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; the Ministry of Northern Development; the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs; and the Ministry of Mines, the Critical Minerals Talent Strategy provides labour market and policy insights to reinforce Ontario’s leadership in the development of a resilient, end-to-end EV and battery supply chain. Building on Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2022–2027, the Critical Minerals Talent Strategy features a comprehensive study of anticipated workforce needs brought on by the EV transition, challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the workforce, and opportunities for talent development.
The Critical Minerals Talent Strategy supports Ontario’s vision of a future-ready workforce primed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive and mobility sector, reinforcing the province’s position as a global leader in responsibly sourced critical minerals. It promotes key practices such as early engagement to raise awareness of opportunities among the next generation of talent; increasing access to training and education programs; meaningful engagement of women and other underrepresented groups; and establishing long-term mutually-beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Recognizing a growing demand to leverage Ontario’s rich critical minerals supply to support the shift to electrification, this Talent Strategy offers short- to long-term labour forecasts and recommendations for fulfilling a projected need of over 3,000 new workers by the year 2040. Informed by insights from stakeholders in the mining industry, postsecondary institutions, training providers, and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario, the Talent Strategy provides a roadmap for attracting and retaining talent and developing a sustainable, highly skilled workforce.
Learn more:
Talent Strategy for the Critical Minerals Sector in Ontario—Impact Report
Talent Strategy for the Critical Minerals Sector in Ontario—Strategic and Policy Insights Report
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions – including connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN reinforces Ontario’s position as a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector. For more information visit: www.ovinhub.ca
Quotes
“Our government is executing on our Critical Minerals Strategy and it is clearly working as game changing investments in every part of the supply chain are pouring into the province,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “When the brilliant minds in Ontario come together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. That’s why we are working closely with industry to develop the skilled workforce needed for this generational critical minerals opportunity and OVIN’s Critical Minerals Talent Strategy is a superb resource that is contributing to those efforts.”
– George Pirie, Minister of Mines
“The race towards Ontario’s electric future starts with harnessing the ability of the current and future generations of the workforce to access our wealth of critical minerals. OVIN is honoured to support the priorities of multiple ministries across the Ontario government to advance the automotive and mobility and critical minerals sectors. Together, we can ensure the development of a highly skilled workforce and keep Ontario at the forefront of the global shift to electrification.”
– Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN
For more information
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca