Boosting workforce inclusivity could add $200 billion to the Canadian economy: Calgary Chamber

Amid stalling economic growth and fluctuating employment rates caused by shifting trade dynamics and geopolitics, Canada’s labour market has the potential to grow by prioritizing workforce inclusivity. In fact, eliminating current barriers to an inclusive workforce represents a possible economic lift of up to $200 billion, says the Calgary Chamber.

The Chamber said workforce inclusion is a practical approach to strengthening the labour market by reducing employment gaps and easing skill shortages at a time when Canada is looking to build. It means ensuring families have access to affordable childcare so more women can participate in the workforce. It means improving credential recognition to support the integration of internationally trained workers. It also means helping businesses hire, train and support diverse talent.

Deborah Yedlin

“With businesses facing a unique set of economic challenges, diverse talent and perspectives will help them respond with the creativity and innovation these problems require,” saidDeborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Amid skill gaps and labour mismatches across sectors, it is vital that we leverage the full potential of Canada’s workforce to advance the country’s economic agenda.

“Our workforce is the engine of growth for both businesses and the Canadian economy. Inclusivity brings diverse perspectives that drive innovation, increase productivity and expand the talent pool – benefits that are critical to long-term economic success.”

With 58 per cent of Canadians supporting diversity and equitable opportunity in the workforce, the Calgary Chamber’s new report, All In: How Inclusive Labour Markets Unlock Growth and Drive Prosperity, explores the economic advantages of inclusivity and identifies barriers faced by different groups across the country. The report highlights actionable steps for all levels of government, including improving credential recognition and childcare support, advancing procurement for Indigenous businesses and providing targeted assistance to businesses to improve accessibility, said the organization.

Chamber Recommendations

Federal-Provincial

• Advance credential recognition reform at both provincial and federal levels to support equitable labour market integration for internationally trained immigrants;
• Enable and support employer readiness to hire, train and retain diverse and barriered talent through employer-focused tools;
• Target supports for remote and northern communities, including access to training, digital infrastructure and mentorship.

Provincial

• Ensure Alberta is a leader in accessible and affordable childcare;
• Provide specific supports for businesses to improve accessibility, including grants and other support programs that would provide funding for construction, retrofits or communication technology upgrades;
• Prioritize Indigenous-led initiatives to ensure that all training, employment and entrepreneurship programs are designed and delivered by Indigenous organizations or in close partnership with communities.

Municipal

• Continue support for Indigenous businesses, including the Indigenous Procurement Program;
• Support community-led programs and expand funding for workforce initiatives.

Quick Facts

• Existing barriers to an inclusive workforce represent an opportunity cost as high as $200 billion to Canada’s economy;
• Closing the employment gap for people with disabilities could add $50 billion to Canada’s GDP and create 450,000 new jobs by 2030;
• Women earn just 87 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024 and 82 cents in Alberta – the lowest in Canada;
• Increasing women’s participation could generate up to $150 billion by 2026, while bridging the Indigenous economic gap could boost GDP by $27.7 billion annually;
• Bridging the Indigenous economic gap could boost GDP by $27.7 billion annually;
• Nearly 1.9 million working-age Canadians with disabilities are not in school or employment, despite nearly half reporting they are able and willing to work.

Mario Toneguzzi

Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.

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