Workforce Development in Ontario’s Green Economy

When February 25, 2026 at 10:30am 1 hr 30 mins

Where Humber Polytechnic, 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7 Canada

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Opportunities in Green: Workforce Development

Crystal Olson

Community Outreach Manager
EmployNext powered by Serco

Crystal Olson leads strategic engagement initiatives to strengthen Employment Ontario’s new Integrated Employment Services Delivery system across Northwestern Ontario. With 20+ years of experience in economic development, education, and stakeholder collaboration, her work is grounded in collaboration, place-based solutions, and empowering communities through innovative strategies.

Kirk Johnson

President
Eco-Efficiency Consulting

Kirk Johnson is President of Eco-Efficiency Consulting, advancing cleantech market transformation across Canada. He has led over $300M of Cleantech & Decarbonization programs for provincial/municipal agencies, national industry associations, colleges/universities, and sustainability NGOs that reduce energy/GHG, increase cost savings, and empower market actors to scale cleantech adoption.

Natasha Daniel

Manager
Efficiency Canada

Natasha Daniel has devoted the past 15 years to contributing to Ontario’s arts and culture sector, excelling in marketing and public relations. She has been honoured by the United Nations for her impactful work supporting equity-seeking communities in Medellin, Colombia and South India, as well as Toronto’s Malvern and Jane-Finch neighbourhoods.

Session Summary

Northwestern Ontario is emerging as a critical player in Canada’s green economy—driven by resource-based opportunities and Indigenous leadership. The region’s future is framed around nation-building projects in critical minerals, clean energy, the bioeconomy, and forestry—aligned with sustainability goals.

Unlike Southern Ontario’s urban, manufacturing-driven transition, Northwestern Ontario’s shift is fundamentally place-based and resource-anchored—centred on mining, forestry, and Indigenous-led initiatives. This presentation explores the opportunities and challenges for workforce development, skills demand, and pathways to employment in Canada’s green future.

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