1. Who benefits from ECO Canada programs and services?

Employers need to keep track of current trends and developments in the environment field to ensure that they remain competitive and viable. And they also need to find and keep the best employees to do the job. Here’s where ECO Canada’s wide range of programs and services can help.

ECO Canada also provides resources that support professional growth and development for environmental professionals.

Environmental educators turn to ECO Canada to ensure that their curriculum stays current with industry requirements.

For students and others considering a career in the environment profession, ECO Canada offers a full suite of resources that cover everything from career options and planning to resumé writing and internships.

When governments in Canada are able to keep abreast of the environmental human resource requirements, it strengthens both our economy and our environment—which benefits all of us!

2. Why was ECO Canada created?

Established in 1992, ECO Canada is one of approximately 30 sector councils that were created to address human resource challenges within the Canadian economy.

ECO Canada brings together representatives from its key stakeholder groups in the environmental sector—industry, the academic community and governments—to provide a forum for communicating about and planning for the latest industry needs in this rapidly growing area.

Ultimately, through ECO Canada’s extensive programs and services, environmental employers can connect with graduates and practitioners who have the education, training, and skills they need to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced global economy.

3. How does ECO Canada keep abreast of the latest environmental employment trends?

ECO Canada undertakes ongoing labour market research to identify the latest environmental trends.

It publishes Environmental Labour Market (ELM) reports to identify employment trends, human resource needs, future challenges, and emerging opportunities associated with the environmental profession in Canadian industry.

To download the latest ELM reports click on the “Publications” link that is located in the bottom banner of the website.

4. What are the latest figures on employment trends in the environmental sector?

• 10% of Canadian organizations have one or more environmental employees.
• There are over 530,000 environmental employees in Canada, accounting for 3.2% of the country‘s workforce.
• Women account for 37% of the environmental labour force, which is lower than the general Canadian labour force at 47%.
• By 2011, environmental employment is expected to reach 573,565—an increase of 8.1%.
• The national growth rate is estimated at 6.6%, meaning that jobs in the environmental sector are growing at a rate 23% faster than the national average.

5. Who sits on the ECO Canada Board of Directors?

ECO Canada’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the environment industry, academic community, professional associations, employee groups, and government.

For a full list of current directors click on “About Us”.

6. Why does ECO Canada have a separate program for Aboriginals?

ECO Canada’s Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources (BEAHR) program was created to increase Aboriginal employment in the environment sector. Unemployment rates for Aboriginal people are currently double the national average, while the environmental sector has a shortage of workers.

With 400,000 Aboriginal youth set to enter the labour market by 2016, the BEAHR program offers a unique opportunity to steer Aboriginal students and other potential Aboriginal workers toward a career in a growing sector.