A Just and fair transition for Canadian coal power workers: What we heard from Canadian coal power workers and communities

Description

On April 25, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Task Force on Just Transition for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities. Our mandate was to provide the government with recommendations for how to support a just and fair transition for Canadian coal communities and workers, as Canada has committed to stop generating traditional coal-powered electricity by 2030. To develop our advice, we met directly with coal workers; coal communities; relevant stakeholder groups; and, federal, provincial, and municipal government departments. Together, we: travelled to all four affected provinces toured seven facilities hosted eight public sessions visited fifteen communities met with more than 80 stakeholder groups We received a wealth of information, heard real challenges, and learned about local ideas and solutions. While there are considerable differences across the country, community members and workers shared common concerns about impacts from the phase-out, including job losses, income security, re-training and re-employment, strained municipal budgets, and the social impacts of transition. We also heard hope for what a just transition could mean for the creation of decent work and sustainable communities.