Proposed amendments - to Bill C-50: The Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act

To ensure that the shift to a net-zero economy is fair for workers and communities, the principles must refer to key economic, environmental, and social aspects of the transition and they must inform the mechanisms in the legislation (Council, Secretariat, and Action Plan). [...] We recommend that the Act: ● Expand the principles to ensure that policies and programs developed under the Act (1) advance Canada’s climate commitments, (2) prioritize economic diversification in rural, remote, resourced- based, and transitioning communities, (3) address the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of the transition, and (4) respect the rights of Indigenous peoples;. [...] We recommend that the Act: ● Enable the responsible Minister to enter into “net-zero planning agreements” with Indigenous governments, municipalities, and industries that want to advance a net-zero economy and sustainable jobs in their own communities and sectors; and ● Mandate the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to advance regional economic development and diversification. [...] In particular, the Act should prioritize the participation of Indigenous peoples in decision-making, ownership, and employment in sustainable industries in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. [...] We recommend that the Act: ● Expand the knowledge, expertise and experience required by members of the Council to include the following ones: support for worker transitions, Indigenous participation in the workforce, and addressing climate change; ● Expand the responsibilities of the Council to include providing advice on worker training, social support, and regional development; ● Explicitly name.