Building Momentum for a Just Transition in Canada: Perspectives from civil society

The report analyzes perspectives from 48 Canadian civil society organizations on the just transition. It finds a broad consensus on the need for employment security, 'good jobs', and equity for marginalized groups, particularly Indigenous Peoples. The document argues that while Canada has a high capacity for transition, there are significant political gaps, including a lack of institutionalized tripartite processes and the influence of corporate interests. It recommends the implementation of a Just Transition Act, the end of fossil fuel subsidies, and increased support for municipal and Indigenous-led projects. Civil society is positioned as a vital complement to official processes through research, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.

• Civil society organizations in Canada identify employment security and "good jobs"—defined as decent work providing fair income, security, and social protection—as the primary core tenets of a just transition.
• There is a strong consensus that a just transition must prioritize equity for marginalized communities, specifically focusing on Indigenous inclusion, the remediation of colonial legacies, and the ratification of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Respondents argue that a just transition should expand the definition of "green jobs" to include the care economy and spillover roles, such as zero-emission bus drivers, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected women and people of colour in care work.
• Political obstacles are viewed as more significant than technical gaps, with top barriers identified as political polarization, regional alienation, and the influence of corporate power over progressive politicians.
• Canada is perceived as lagging behind European countries in institutionalizing just transition processes, specifically regarding the lack of effective tripartite social dialogue between government, employers, and labour.
• The report identifies several critical government actions needed to facilitate the transition, including the implementation of a Just Transition Act, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, and the adoption of a green industrial policy.
• Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, particularly medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, is identified as a sector where Canada possesses a comparative advantage for job growth and exports if supported by political will.
• Civil society groups are positioned to complement official processes by conducting research on green job creation, building community leadership skills, and raising public awareness through solution-focused communications.
• The report emphasizes that a just transition in Canada must extend its scope to the Global South to ensure that domestic industrial strategies do not cause harm to workers in developing countries.

APA

Beedell, E., & Corkal, V. (2021). Building Momentum for a Just Transition in Canada: Perspectives from civil society. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-04/building-just-transition-canada-civil-society.pdf

Chicago

Beedell, Estan, and Vanessa Corkal. Building Momentum for a Just Transition in Canada: Perspectives from civil society. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2021. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-04/building-just-transition-canada-civil-society.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Beedell |first1=Estan |last2=Corkal |first2=Vanessa |title=Building Momentum for a Just Transition in Canada: Perspectives from civil society |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=April 2021 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-04/building-just-transition-canada-civil-society.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{beedell2021building, author = {Beedell, Estan and Corkal, Vanessa}, title = {{Building Momentum for a Just Transition in Canada: Perspectives from civil society}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-04/building-just-transition-canada-civil-society.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }