Ocean Connector: Building Canada’s Workforce for the Future

This Ocean Connector is sponsored by Halifax Partnership and will focus on building a future-ready workforce for Canada’s innovation economy Canada is facing growing pressure to strengthen its workforce as industries adapt to rapid technological change, evolving skill requirements, and increasing demand for talent across the innovation economy. Employers across sectors are focused on developing the people, capabilities, and adaptable skills needed to support long-term economic resilience and growth. This session will bring together employers, educators, community partners, government, and emerging talent to explore workforce readiness, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration. The discussion will highlight how transferable and parallel skills — such as problem-solving, digital literacy, data awareness, systems thinking, adaptability, communication, and collaboration — enable mobility across industries and support transitions into the broader innovation and technology ecosystem. Pathways into areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and other emerging technology sectors will be explored, along with the role of upskilling and reskilling in supporting career mobility. The conversation will also emphasize inclusive access to opportunity for Indigenous, Northern, rural, and underrepresented communities. Hosted by COVE, the July 23 Ocean Connector is sponsored by Halifax Partnership and will focus on building a future-ready workforce for Canada’s innovation economy.