Lighting the Path

Lighting the Path is a labour market study that aims to collaborate with and learn from Indigenous communities to create a sustainable and inclusive energy future that aligns with their traditional values and aspirations. This study focuses on understanding the workforce capacity in rural and remote Indigenous communities to participate in zero to low-carbon energy transition activities.

Indigenous Peoples, especially those in remote areas reliant on diesel fuel, are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. For decades, they have been on the frontlines of this crisis, raising alarms to their respective governments. Achieving Canada’s net-zero objectives necessitates effective collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in northern and rural regions. One of the key challenges in achieving energy transition objectives in these areas is addressing the significant structural issues in the labour market.

Purpose and Goals

In addition to carrying out extensive secondary research, this important study involved conducting focus groups and administering surveys in Indigenous communities.

The information acquired in the research enabled EHRC to:

• Learn about the nature, scope and economics of energy infrastructure (i.e., generation, transmission, distribution) within Indigenous communities
• Better understand the communities’ historical consumption and production of power, focusing on usage patterns, fuel sources and cost structures
• Understand the current economic and labour market impacts and the distributional implications of the communities’ electricity market, as it currently operates
• Examine the communities’ past efforts and current level of interest in transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels to cleaner forms of power
• Assess the capacity of the local/regional educational system, communal structures and labour market to support such an energy transition
• Identify the most impactful sustainable energy initiatives that closely align with Indigenous values and practices

Confidentiality and Respect

EHRC is committed to respecting the confidentiality, privacy and dignity of all participants involved in this study. Any personal information acquired in the study is held in strict confidence by EHRC’s staff and trusted contractors. Insights and perspectives shared by community members are anonymized, ensuring they are not directly attributable to any specific individual or business entity. The identities and contact information of any community members or service providers involved in this study are not publicly disseminated or shared with any third party. EHRC takes concrete measures to ensure that information relevant to this project is only provided to staff and contractors on a need-to-know basis.

Read the report

Our Initiatives

Over the past 19 years, we have implemented several programs to enhance the management of human resources in the electricity sector and improve the efficiency of its labour market. These initiatives include:

• Increasing the participation of Indigenous people in the electricity sector workforce.
• Mentorship and wage subsidy programs to promote employment for equity-deserving groups, students, apprentices, and youth.
• Training and wage support for workers transitioning to renewable energy roles.

EHRC provides labour market intelligence to support Canada’s goal of achieving a carbon-free electricity system and economy by 2035 and 2050, respectively. We are also committed to improving the sector’s performance concerning diversity, equity and inclusion.

Despite the progress made, we recognize that more work is needed to provide Indigenous peoples with greater access to rewarding and meaningful employment opportunities within the electricity sector. This includes the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan and comprehensive education for all EHRC employees on Indigenous history, culture and current issues.

Commitment to Principles

EHRC adheres to the OCAP principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) concerning the storage, use, and dissemination of any information obtained during this project. All EHRC personnel involved in this study are trained to use the OCAP framework.

Mokwateh, an Indigenous-owned consulting firm founded in 2020, specializes in Indigenous engagement and reconciliation. They serve Indigenous communities, organizations, businesses and Corporate Canada. With extensive experience, they bridge gaps, fostering common good by applying corporate best practices through an Indigenous lens, offering tailored, high-quality and innovative solutions to Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients alike.

In alignment with EHRC’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we have partnered with Mokwateh to support our commitments to Indigenous Peoples, respecting and amplifying their voices as part of this work. Mokwateh’s expertise has been instrumental in facilitating our engagement with a diverse representation of Indigenous communities across Canada.

This report would not have been possible without the participation of rural and remote Indigenous communities in Canada. We are deeply grateful for their valuable insight and counsel throughout this research.

This project benefited from the contributions of many talented people. We are grateful for the generous time and support from employers, educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Our sincere thanks to the following individuals.

Electricity Human Resources Canada

Michelle Branigan, CEO

Mark Chapeskie, VP of Programs

Yulia Nerovny, Economist

Sheldon Polowin, Economist

Ryan Baan, Marketing & Communications Manager

Mokwateh

Max Skudra, Partner

Katarina Savic, Director, Advisory Services

Izaak Wapachee, Senior Consultant

Grayden Gamble, Junior Consultant

Project Steering Committee

Mike Belmore, External Relations Officer, The Society of United Professionals

Raquel Boyko, Director, People Strategies and Programs, SaskPower

Donna Burnett-Vachon, Director, Change and Organizational Development, Hydro Ottawa

Al Clark, Member, EHRC Board of Directors

Daniel Deleary, Community Engagement Coordinator, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario

Rod Gallant, Recorder, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers

Tiffany Hoskins, Business Partner, ED&I, TransAlta Corporation

Corey Mattie, Partner, Balsam

Aileen Maynard, Electrical Engineer, Hedgehog Technologies

Mariana Resener, Assistant Professor, Simon Fraser University

Alex Sosso, Professor, Cégep de l’Outaouais

Carol Thiessen, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, Manitoba Hydro

John Wabb, President, CUSW

Jennifer Whyte, Staff Officer, Power Workers’ Union

Geri Yin, Vice President, GRE&T Centre, Alectra Utilities

Design by Spruce Creative, a majority Indigenous-owned agency based in Ottawa, ON. Spruce is on a mission to use their strategic, creative, and collaborative gifts to help the good grow in our communities.