Canada’s communities are facing major challenges, and opportunities, in the coming decades as the global economy and trade relationships transform.
Efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions are driving changes in technology, markets and trade that are expected to affect workers and communities across the country. A changing trade relationship with the U.S. could also have significant local implications.
By identifying the communities that are susceptible to workforce disruption, governments can collaborate with people who live and work in the communities to provide targeted support that builds resilience and optimism in the face of uncertainty.
This multi-year project includes an interactive map, a methodology paper, community profiles, policy briefs and expert-led studies. Publications will continue to be added to the site as they are ready.
For more information check out the video of our related webinar, which took place on January 21, 2025 — or feel free to contact the team at irpp@irpp.org.
Measuring Community Susceptibility
Futureproofing Communities
For a snapshot of what the Community Transformations Project is all about, check out our infographic! It describes how we measure community susceptibility, plus some ideas on how we can best support workers and communities on the road to net zero.
Policy Briefs
- Shaimaa Yassin, Abigail Jackson, Dena Abtahi, Ricardo Chejfec
- Abigail Jackson, Rachel Samson, Ricardo Chejfec
Stay tuned for more research
Tariff Analysis
Community Profiles
- Institute for Research on Public Policy
- Institute for Research on Public Policy
- Institute for Research on Public Policy
Commentaries
Stay tuned for more Commentaries
Related Project
International Approaches in Place-Based Skills Development
International Approaches in Place-Based Skills Development This joint IRPP–Future Skills Centre research project looks outward to international experiences with net-zero transitions that could be applicable to Canada. Across the world, a changing…
Featured Studies
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To find the right jobs, Canada’s workers need personalized career guidance tools.
Pipe Dream or Panacea? Evaluating the Case for Oil Pipelines in Canada
Oil pipelines are once again a hot topic of discussion everywhere, from political panels to kitchen tables. As Canada navigates a fraught relationship with its largest trading partner, and the economic uncertainty that brings, many see oil pipelines as a panacea. Indeed, memories of the oil booms of past decades — and the economic largesse…
Team Members
Rachel Samson
Dena Abtahi
Ricardo Chejfec
Abigail Jackson
Shaimaa Yassin
Authors
Steven Tobin
Matthias Oschinski
Jacob Greenspon
Jennifer Robson
Partners
Mitchell Beer
Michel Frojmovic
Michael Ditor
Advisors
Jennifer Robson
Tamara Krawchenko
About the project
The Institute for Research on Public Policy is leading the Community Transformations Project, an initiative that seeks to identify the communities that are most likely to be susceptible to the changes in policy, technology and markets that will occur as Canada and the world reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Through research, data analysis and interviews with people who work and live in the communities that are likely to be affected, we will gather information, insight and advice that can support government decision-making and empower workers and communities concerned about their future.
Given the breadth and depth of this multi-year project, the IRPP has partnered with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network’s Community Data Program and The Energy Mix. External experts will also provide advice and guidance, as well as authoring complementary studies.
This project was made possible in part thanks to support from the Max Bell Foundation, the McConnell Foundation, and Vancity. Research independence is one of the IRPP’s core values, and the IRPP maintains editorial control over all publications.
