Three new reports caught my attention this week, each offering a glimpse into what’s ahead for Canada’s workforce and what it means for those of us in employment services.

Future Skills Centre’s Building Capacity and Skills to Survive Shock  looks at how not-for-profits can build resilience to navigate whatever comes next. Whether it’s economic shifts, technological change, or workforce shortages, the message is clear: we need to invest in leadership skills, flexible systems, and cross-sector collaboration. That’s something ASPECT members already do so well: adapt quickly and support both clients and employers through uncertainty.
 

RBC’s Powering a Postsecondary Pivot  takes a big-picture look at how Canada can prepare talent for emerging industries like defence, space, AI, and clean energy. While those sectors might sound far from our daily work, the skills they highlight —digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving —are exactly what today’s employment programs are helping people develop.
 

And finally, the Indigenous Employment Hub report, also from Future Skills Centre, reminds us that innovation in workforce development must be grounded in equity and community. It showcases how Indigenous-led approaches can shape more inclusive and sustainable pathways to work for everyone.
 

On a related note, there’s an opportunity to help shape how artificial intelligence (AI) enters our field. The Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), in partnership with Magnet and international collaborators, is inviting CDPs across Canada to share their experiences with AI in career development. The survey only takes 15 minutes and will help guide how our profession integrates these new tools ethically and effectively. You can participate here: AI in Career Development Survey before November 3, 2025.
 

Together, these initiatives remind us that the future of work will demand flexibility, partnerships, and a deep commitment to people. ASPECT members are already leading that charge.

Janet Morris-Reade
CEO