Tracking Progress on Sustainable Jobs in Canada

The document outlines a comprehensive approach for Canada to track the socio-economic impacts of its energy transition. It analyzes 19 specific indicators across economic exposure, institutional preparedness, and employment quality, while providing case studies from Scotland, South Africa, and Ireland to illustrate effective monitoring and evaluation (MEL) strategies. The guide emphasizes the need for transparent data collection, the inclusion of qualitative lived experiences, and the use of existing data systems to avoid delaying progress.

• Canada's energy transition success depends on demonstrating the creation of "good, durable, and well-paying jobs for workers and communities," making the tracking of sustainable jobs essential for maintaining public and worker support.
• The report identifies 19 indicators to measure just transition progress in Canada, noting that while some data is available (such as the Gini coefficient and general Employment Insurance eligibility), many indicators currently have "partial or no data available."
• Scotland employs a two-pronged monitoring approach consisting of "whole-of-Scotland just transition" and "sector-specific approaches," using a theory of change to track outcomes like the Gini coefficient and social cohesion.
• South Africa utilizes a monitoring and evaluation system that includes "rapid evaluation exercises" on specific sites, such as the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station, and the "Voices of Transition" project to collect community stories.
• Ireland's just transition approach is integrated into its Climate Action Plan, with a focus on the agriculture sector, which "accounts for nearly 40% of national emissions."
• In Canada, the Environmental and Clean Technology (ECT) sector showed strong growth, with real GDP growing 21% from 2011 to 2021, outpacing the overall economy's 15% growth.
• Sustainable jobs in Canada's ECT sector typically offer higher pay than the national average; in 2019, the average salary was CAD 75,816 compared to the national average of CAD 56,783.
• The guide recommends a pragmatic "starting where you are" approach, urging governments to use existing data and indicators rather than "waiting for a perfect framework."
• Effective communication of progress is critical; the report suggests translating technical data into "clear, accessible, and engaging formats" and being honest about challenges to maintain public trust.

APA

Duennenberger, S., Cameron, L., & Parenteau, S. (2026). Tracking Progress on Sustainable Jobs in Canada. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2026-02/tracking-progress-sustainable-jobs-canada.pdf

Chicago

Duennenberger, Simon, Laura Cameron, and Serene Parenteau. Tracking Progress on Sustainable Jobs in Canada. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2026-02/tracking-progress-sustainable-jobs-canada.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Duennenberger |first1=Simon |last2=Cameron |first2=Laura |last3=Parenteau |first3=Serene |title=Tracking Progress on Sustainable Jobs in Canada |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=February 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2026-02/tracking-progress-sustainable-jobs-canada.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{duennenberger2026tracking, author = {Duennenberger, Simon and Cameron, Laura and Parenteau, Serene}, title = {{Tracking Progress on Sustainable Jobs in Canada}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2026-02/tracking-progress-sustainable-jobs-canada.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }