News Release

The Council of Canadian Academies Receives a New Question for Assessment on STEM Skills for the Future

The Council recently received a new question for assessment regarding the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills in Canada. The question, referred to the Council by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, asks: How well is Canada prepared to meet future skills requirements in science, technology, engineering, and math?

There is concern about whether Canada is adequately equipped with the STEM skills needed to satisfy labour demand, promote business innovation, and maintain Canada’s prosperity in tomorrow’s knowledge-based economy. The Council’s assessment will examine the role of STEM skills in fostering productivity, innovation, and growth, as well as the extent and nature of the global market for STEM skills. It will also assess how STEM skills are likely to evolve in the future, which skills will be most important for Canada, and how well Canada is positioned to meet future STEM skills needs.

The Council’s Board of Governors has officially approved this question for assessment, and preliminary background research has begun. An Expert Panel will be assembled in 2013. The Panel will consist of experts from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds to ensure the most authoritative, credible, and independent responses to the question.

The Council of Canadian Academies offers science-based insights and evidence to enrich Canadian policy development and decision-making. This is achieved by harnessing the collective wisdom of the finest minds to develop independent, authoritative, and evidence-based expert assessments on the issues that matter most to Canadians.

To learn more about the Council’s active assessments, visit Assessments in Progress.