Federal Government Invests nearly $7 Million to Address Critical Mining Workforce Challenges

Ottawa, ON, March 19, 2026 – The Government of Canada is investing nearly $7 million over five years through its Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to address critical mining workforce challenges. Provided to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council’s (MiHR) Mining Workforce Skills and Solutions Project (MWSS), the funding will enable MiHR and its partners to advance mining labour market intelligence, skills development and stakeholder engagement across all provinces and territories.

Canada’s mining sector plays a vital role in national economic security and in the global supply of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. As the sector evolves, ensuring a skilled and inclusive workforce is key to maintaining competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth. The MWSS supports a resilient workforce by focusing on three core objectives:

• Generating and applying labour market intelligence to inform workforce planning, training and policy decisions that support a responsive mining labour market.
• Strengthening workforce capacity to reflect technological change and support inclusive upskilling and reskilling pathways for workers across the sector.
• Fostering sector-wide collaboration to promote mining career awareness, equity, and the participation of underrepresented groups through sustained engagement with industry, communities and training institutions.

“The Mining Workforce Skills and Solutions Project strengthens labour market insights and expands access to training and career pathways, helping ensure Canada’s mining workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the future economy,” said MiHR Executive Director Ryan Montpellier. “We thank the Federal Government for investing in building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready mining workforce capable of adapting to evolving industry needs and technological change.”

“Government investment in Canada’s mining workforce supports industry growth, helping create high paying jobs, boosting exports, creating opportunity for Indigenous peoples and protecting Canadian sovereignty,” said Mining Association of Canada President and CEO Pierre Gratton. “The funding announced today demonstrates this Government’s commitment to its Critical Minerals Strategy, and the positive measures announced in Budget 2025 and to improving Canada’s mining industry. MAC and its members support all of MiHR’s projects and look forward to continued collaboration through the Mining Workforce Skills and Solutions Project.”

“Building a strong economy means understanding existing gaps and barriers and helping our workforce access meaningful opportunities,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy, driving success in every corner of our country. By investing in key sectors and resources, we are equipping industries and workers with the tools they need to succeed today, and the confidence to lead tomorrow.” 

More information about MiHR and its initiatives can be found at mihr.ca.

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About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
MiHR is Canada’s knowledge centre for mining labour market information. An independent, non-profit organization, MiHR leads collaboration among mining and exploration companies, organized labour, contractors, educational institutions, industry associations and Indigenous groups to identify opportunities and address the human resource and labour market challenges facing the Canadian minerals and metals sector.

About the Mining Association of Canada (MAC)
MAC is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry.  Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication. Please visit www.mining.ca for more information.

For More Information:

William Meyer
Director, Communications and Career Development
Mining Industry Human Resources Council
613.270.9696 x 58
wmeyer@mihr.ca

Paul Hébert
Vice President, Communications
Mining Association of Canada
613.292.2876 
phebert@mining.ca