Create a Nationally Recognized Sustainable Energy Retraining Program
In the past decade, Canada has made major strides towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources necessary for our environmental future and long-term economic sustainability. Even now, the transition from traditional oil, gas, and fossil fuel energy is ongoing.
However, this transition could potentially come at the expense of thousands of Canadians and their families who currently work in traditional energy sectors such as oil, gas, and conventional power generation. These workers along with their family support have built Canada’s economy for decades. It’s time we show them the respect they deserve and offer them a pathway to the future along with new energy sector workers.
We believe Canada can pursue a cleaner energy future without sacrificing jobs, livelihoods, or communities.
What is our solution?
Introducing the National Energy Retraining Program (NERP) – an educational initiative that allows workers from traditional energy sectors such as machine/process operators, technicians, pipe fitters, engineers of all fields, and management to retrain for emerging roles in renewable and sustainable energy industries.
The Idea:
NERP will be a 2-3 year program at recognized Canadian post-secondary academic institutions. This program will be offered to workers already established in the energy sector and will be funded by the federal government. Another potential approach may be a cost-sharing model in which employers fund half of the program, with the government matching the contribution. Regardless of the funding structure, the goal and fundamental principle is that the program should be fully funded and free of cost to participating workers. This petition will create national attention and raise enough awareness to be able to partner with Canadian government, universities, colleges, unions, and energy companies to deliver accredited retraining programs with allocated funding.
If you want to learn more about this issue discussed, please visit this short docufilm about the energy transition of our country: https://youtu.be/hhcpXBt7pms
Our Request:
We urge policymakers, educational institutions, and industry leaders to support the creation of the National Energy Retraining Program (NERP) and ensure that Canada’s path to sustainability includes the workers who powered our country in the past while helping us build our future.
By signing this petition, you affirm that Canada can lead in clean energy while appreciating its workers.
Mario Andre Ciotoli Contact the author of the petition