News
Calgary, AB — Careers in Energy (CIE), a division of Energy Safety Canada, has released its updated Regional Labour Market Outlooks to 2035 for Western Canada, Central Canada and Atlantic Canada, providing region-specific forecasts on workforce needs, hiring requirements and labour market trends shaping Canada's energy future. The regional outlooks complement CIE’s recently released National Labour Market Outlook to 2035.
The outlooks are based on a Current Measures scenario that reflects investment and development leading to energy production and carbon sequestration most likely to occur based on announced plans, policies and programs as of March 2026. Together, the outlooks reinforce the important role Canada's energy workforce plays in supporting energy security, economic growth and an increasingly integrated energy system that includes both established and emerging energy sectors.
Regional outlooks establish a benchmark for workforce planning
The reports highlight the unique role each region plays in Canada's energy system, and the workforce opportunities and challenges shaping its future.
Western Canada employs approximately 175,900 energy workers and remains the country's primary energy-producing region. It is positioned to play a growing role in global energy security through expanded oil and natural gas production, pipelines, LNG exports, carbon capture and storage and low-carbon hydrogen development. The region is projected to add 19,750 direct jobs by 2035 and could require 69,400 hires when workforce growth and retirements are combined.
Central Canada, encompassing Ontario and Quebec, continues to play a critical role through petroleum refining, energy storage and transportation, manufacturing, investment and innovation. While direct employment is expected to remain relatively stable at approximately 7,800 workers, age-related attrition is projected to drive more than 1,800 net hiring requirements over the forecast period. The region also supports approximately 101,600 indirect jobs tied to energy activity across Canada.
Atlantic Canada continues to be an important contributor to Canada's energy industry through offshore oil and gas production and emerging energy development opportunities. The region is projected to add over 3,500 positions from 2026 to 2030, to support the ramp-up of new offshore oil and low-carbon hydrogen production. Beyond 2030, growth in low-carbon hydrogen is expected to help offset potential employment declines associated with maturing offshore oil assets.
Workforce renewal remains a national priority
Across all regions, retirements continue to be a major driver of hiring demand. The reports indicate that replacing experienced workers retiring from the workforce will be as important as filling positions created through industry growth. Occupations expected to face the strongest demand include engineering, skilled trades, facility operations, field operations, transportation and technical roles.
"As energy security becomes an increasingly important global priority, Canada's energy workforce will be central to maintaining our position as a reliable energy supplier," says Energy Safety Canada President and CEO Vineeta Maguire. "But a reliable workforce starts with a safe one. These regional outlooks reinforce the importance of attracting, developing and retaining skilled workers, ensuring they have the training and support to work safely, across both established and emerging energy sectors."
Monitoring a rapidly changing energy landscape
The outlooks also identify key indicators that CIE will continue to monitor, including policy and regulatory developments, project approvals, investment decisions, export infrastructure expansion, technology adoption and evolving workforce requirements. These indicators will help shape future labour market projections and inform the next round of labour market outlooks planned for release in 2027.
"The energy landscape is changing rapidly," says Lisa Stephenson, Director, Industry Impact & Development at Energy Safety Canada. "These outlooks provide a benchmark for understanding today's workforce requirements while helping industry, governments, educators and workforce development partners track the trends and indicators that could significantly influence future workforce needs."
The regional outlooks were funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
About Careers in Energy
Careers in Energy (CIE), a division of Energy Safety Canada, is Canada’s trusted source of labour market intelligence, workforce trends and career resources for the energy industry. CIE supports employers, job seekers, career practitioners, educators and policymakers by providing evidence-based forecasts, insights and practical tools that inform workforce planning and career decision making.
About Energy Safety Canada
Energy Safety Canada (ESC) is the national safety association for Canada’s energy sector. For more than 75 years, ESC has partnered with industry to advance safety performance through training, data, certifications, and shared best practices—supporting a culture of continuous improvement and worker protection.
Media Contact:
Jordan Ignacio, Communications Coordinator, Energy Safety Canada
[email protected]