We are living in a complex era where technologies, consumer preferences, and global trade rules are evolving rapidly.

In this environment, adaptation is no longer optional — it is essential. The most forward-looking countries are finding ways to thrive despite this uncertainty. Global powers like China and the United States have seen their productivity surge over the past decade.

Meanwhile, here at home, productivity is stagnating. Canada ranks near the bottom among OECD countries. Not a position we should accept.

At a time when adaptation is critical, the reality is concerning: only 29.7% of Canadian workers have participated in job-related training over the past 12 months — despite the accelerating pace of technological and organizational change.

Some point fingers at government. “The Trudeau years.”

But the government’s role is only part of the equation. The real responsibility lies with us — entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and leaders.

A Strong Yet Underutilized Ecosystem

The formula is clear: to generate more value per hour worked, organizations must combine capital investment, research and development… and training.

On this last point, Canada is actually well-positioned. We benefit from strong institutions, generous R&D tax credits, world-class universities, and a wide range of continuing education programs.

And yet, it’s not enough.

According to the Future Skills Centre, Canadian companies invest only about $250 per employee per year in training — roughly three times less than the OECD average of $750.

Even among companies that invest more, spending is often uneven. A small group of employees receives high-value training, while the majority receives none.

Across the private sector, two out of three employees receive no training each year. In construction, that number drops to less than 10%.

Charting the Path to Canadian Prosperity

The barriers are well known: organizational culture, cost constraints, and the challenge of identifying relevant training.

But in a world where nearly one in two workers could be impacted by new technologies by 2030, these excuses can no longer stand.

This applies to large corporations, SMEs, and the public sector alike. Everyone shares the responsibility — and the opportunity — to build a culture of productivity.

And productivity doesn’t happen by chance. It is driven by investment, research, and education.

Canada has seen a strong increase in graduation rates over the past 30 years. That is a strength — one we must leverage more aggressively.

In times of uncertainty and disruption, like those currently affecting many industries, the opportunity to invest in training becomes even more powerful. These are the moments that define long-term competitiveness.

The opportunity is there.

The tools, platforms, and providers are ready.

Now, it’s time to act.

By Francis Gosselin, Ph.D., ASC

Consultant, economist, and speaker since 2009, Francis supports strategic planning and leadership development initiatives, as well as the delivery of economic analyses across a wide range of industries. He has extensive international experience, having led strategy, research, and training mandates in Europe, Asia, and North America.