Partnership Council
The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council (the Partnership Council) provides independent, expert advice to the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on measures and policies related to sustainable jobs, including the Sustainable Jobs Action Plans.
Members of the Partnership Council are appointed with a view to ensuring a broad cross section of expertise, knowledge and lived experience, with positions earmarked for Indigenous, labour and industry representatives, in accordance with the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act.
The Partnership Council:
- engages with Canadians across the country to ensure their voices can influence federal action
- advises on measures to foster sustainable job creation and to support workers, communities, and regions in the shift to a low-carbon economy
- coordinates advice with the Net-Zero Advisory Body and reaches out to other relevant bodies across the federal landscape to ensure activities are coordinated and that various bodies take advantage of one another's expertise
Annual report
Under the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, the Partnership Council is required to submit an annual report to the Minister of Jobs and Families and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The annual report serves as the mechanism for the Partnership Council to provide its advice to the Ministers and to report on its activities for the year. The Partnership Council's first annual report was submitted to Ministers on November 14, 2025.
- Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council Annual Report (published December 10, 2025)
- Ministerial response to the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council's Annual Report 2025
Minister's response
Following the receipt of the Partnership Council's annual report, the Minister must, after consulting with other relevant federal ministers, prepare a written response to the Council's annual report. This Ministerial response must be made public within 120 days after the date on which the Minister receives the annual report.
Engagement Plan
As outlined in the Partnership Council’s Terms of Reference, the Partnership Council will undertake engagement with the public as part of the development of its annual report to the Minister. The Partnership Council’s engagement plan is available for reference:
Appointment process
Members of the Partnership Council are appointed by the Governor-in-Council following an open, transparent, and merit-based process.
For information on the appointment process, refer to the Government of Canada's GIC Appointment Opportunities web page or email EDSC.EMPLOISDURABLES-SUSTAINABLEJOBS.ESDC@esdc-edsc.gc.ca
Members
Members of the Partnership Council are from regions across Canada and possess expertise from a range of sectors relevant to Canada's sustainable jobs approach.
Current Members
- Lionel Railton (Co-chair, Trade Unions)
- Austin Zacharko (Indigenous)
- Beatrice Bruske (Trade Unions)
- Keith Healey (Industry)
- Caroline Brouillette (Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations)
- Kaella-Marie Earle (Indigenous)
- Gavin McGarrigle (Trade Unions)
- Adam Hedayat (Industry)
- Parand Meysami (Other Stakeholder)
Consult the full Terms of Reference that guide the Partnership Council to learn more.
Get in touch with us and stay connected
The Sustainable Jobs Secretariat supports the operations of the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council.
If you wish you reach the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, the Secretariat monitors a central inbox and will ensure your message is actioned as appropriate: EDSC.CONSEILDUPARTENARIAT-PARTNERSHIPCOUNCIL.ESDC@esdc-edsc.gc.ca