1. 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.

2. Who benefits from ECO Canada's 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!

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

ECO Canada's Labour Market Information (LMI) team undertakes ongoing research to identify the latest trends in Canada's environmental sector.

Reports published identify employment patterns, human resource needs, future challenges, and emerging opportunities.

Download the latest reports.

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

• 17% of Canadian organizations have one or more environmental employees.
• There are over 682,000 environmental employees in Canada (4% of total workforce) who spend 50% or more of their time on environmental activities. Over 2,000,000 workers (12% of total workforce) spend some of their time on environmental activities.
• 40% of all environmental employees are women (representing 45% of the total Canadian employed labour force)
• 44% of environmental employers planned to hire workers in the next two years, either to augment their workforce or to replace workers who leave.  The most common NOS occupation category employers plan to hire for was site assessment and reclamation.
• Strong growth in demand for environmental skills can be observed in the construction sector, the agricultural/forestry/fishing/hunting sector, and the manufacturing sector. 
• Retirements of environmental workers will create vacancies over the next decade as over 100,000 environmental employees (14% of the environmental workforce) reach retirement age.  
   

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.

See a full list of current Board members.

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.