Moderator:
Dan WicklumCEO
Speakers:
Noel BaldwinExecutive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC)
Michelle BraniganCEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)
Vincent CaronVice President, Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
- 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
Workforce Growth for a Prosperous Canada
What kind of skilled workforce does Canada need for a competitive, prosperous future economy—and how do we make sure we have it? As demand for low-carbon energy surges globally, Canada’s role as a producer and exporter of critical minerals, electricity and more could come with big opportunities for workforce growth. The electricity sector is focused on how to train, upskill, and hire the workers needed to produce and distribute enough affordable electricity to meet projected demands. Critical mineral supply chains are facing similar issues, which could become even more challenging should efforts to responsibly speed mine approvals succeed.
Is Canada’s workforce ready to take advantage of the economic opportunities? How are industries planning to make sure they have a world-class skilled workforce? How will potential tariffs impact projections and plans? Join us for a conversation on the opportunities and critical challenges for workforce growth in two sectors that are key to a competitive, low-carbon Canada.
Co-Presented with
Moderator
Dan Wicklum, PhD
CEO
Dr. Dan Wicklum has spent more than 25 years performing and managing research, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration between industry, government, academia, and civil society. He is the CEO of the Transition Accelerator, a pan-Canadian charity that works with groups across the country to solve business and social challenges while building in net zero emission solutions. Dan was also the inaugural co-chair of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB), the statutory independent body that advises the federal government on setting interim emission reduction targets on the way to a net-zero emission Canada by 2050 and on the most likely pathways to net zero.
Prior to joining the Transition Accelerator, Dan was the CEO of Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, Executive Director of the Canadian Forest Innovation Council, and a senior manager at Environment and Climate Change Canada and at Natural Resources Canada. He was a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Montana, and holds a PhD in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Montana. His initial career was in professional football, as a linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Speakers
Noel Baldwin
Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC)
Noel Baldwin has been the Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC) since June, 2024. He brings nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development in postsecondary education, adult learning and skills development. Since joining FSC in 2019 as Director of Government and Public Affairs, Noel has provided leadership in navigating the complex skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. FSC has successfully forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors. Prior to joining FSC, Noel was the Coordinator of Postsecondary Education and Adult Learning at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).
Michelle Branigan
CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)
Michelle is a prominent figure in the electricity and renewable energy sector, known for her expertise in labour market intelligence and HR best practices. As the leader of EHRC’s strategic direction, she has guided the organization to become a key source of valuable insights, programs, and resources that drive industry solutions.
A skilled moderator and commentator, Michelle has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Woman of the Year award from WiRE. She was also recognized at COP27 as one of the 100 Canadian women spearheading Canada’s energy transition and was honoured with the 2024 Impact Campaigner award in 2025 for her commitment to promoting gender diversity and equity within the energy sector.
Michelle actively serves on the Board of the Energy Council of Canada, the Bruce Power Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Irish Film Festival Ottawa in her spare time.
Vincent Caron
Vice President, Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Prior to joining CME, Vincent worked in the governments of Ontario and Canada for 15 years. He has worked for six federal ministers in various departments, including Industry Canada and Public Safety Canada, where he had primary responsibility for the implementation of the Canada/U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan.
He was also exposed to international trade issues as an advisor in the Corporate Affairs department of the LCBO, one of the world’s largest purchasers of beverage alcohol.
Originally from Quebec City, Vincent has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Bristol in England.
