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Publications

The Public Policy Forum has produced hundreds of reports since our inception in 1987. This site features reports from 2012 and after, as well as our most popular and referenced publications from earlier years. If there is a specific report you cannot find, please contact us.
Publication

Managing Precarious Work: Three Canadian Models for Rebalancing Bargaining Power in the Future of Work

Brave New Work: Key Issues Series

Released: Monday December 2, 2019

Hear the expression “precarious employment” or the “gig economy” and you’ll almost certainly think of the Uber driver who took you to the airport last week. However, precarious employment dates back much further. This report examines three entrenched models—construction workers, those in film and theatre, and those in academia—for recommendations governments can use to address the growing challenge of gig work.
Learn three Canadian models for rebalancing bargaining power in the future of work
Publication

A New North Star

Canadian Competitiveness in an Intangibles Economy

Released: Thursday April 4, 2019

Rapid and far-reaching changes to the global economy, driven by technology, demographics and geopolitics, are forcing us to rethink some of the core assumptions of what makes a nation competitive or not. Robert Asselin and Sean Speer offer a bi-partisan strategy for what Canada can do in a data-driven 'intangibles' economy.
Read 'A New North Star' now
Publication

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

Alternative Pathways | Skills Next

Released: Thursday January 23, 2020

Digital skills and digital careers are part of every industry’s future. Yet employers say they can't find workers with the information and communication technology (ICT) skills they need. In this report, Shortt, Robson and Sabat explain how Canada doesn't really have system for figuring out where digital technology jobs end and regular jobs begin - and explore how a shared definitions of digital skills and careers will be the gateway for policymakers and employers to fill any gaps.
Learn moreabout Bridging the Digital Skills Gap
Publication

Building a Principled Future of Work: Policy Priorities for Stewarding Change in Future of Work Policy for Canada

Released: Wednesday January 22, 2020

As part of its first phase of research under the Brave New Work initiative, the Public Policy Forum held a series of consultations with Banff Forum members on the key issues facing Canada as the world of work changes. Collaboration, people empowerment, adequate literacy and a shift in norms and culture were among the primary priorities for consideration identified by Banffers.
READ THE BANFF CONSULTATIONS SUMMARY REPORT
Publication

Thinking Twice About Technology and the Future of Work

Skills Next

Authors: Jim Stanford
Released: Wednesday January 22, 2020

Technology is being used to change power balances in workplaces and to perpetuate long-standing precarious employment relationships, Jim Stanford argues. But the exploitative practices of the gig economy reflect deliberate choices, rather than the inevitable onward march of technology, and creating better jobs also lies within our power.
Read Jim Stanford's latest report
Publication

Solving the Skills Puzzle: The Missing Piece is Good Information

Skills Next

Released: Tuesday January 21, 2020

In a world of work increasingly driven by the supply and demand of skills rather than the qualifications of graduates, employers have trouble finding the workers they need and workers struggle to keep up with changing demands. Emna Braham and Steven Tobin explain how better and more accessible labour market information lies at the heart of clarifying the skills and training needs of today and tomorrow.
Read how Canada can solve the skills puzzle
Publication

Understanding the Future of Skills

Trends and Global Policy Responses | Skills Next

Released: Monday January 20, 2020

In our first Skills Next report, we look at top research and skills training programs that are succeeding internationally, and highlight for Canadian policymakers key features driving success. Authors Sunil Johal and Michael Urban distill key lessons for Canada to ensure workers are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in tomorrow’s economy, whatever shape it takes.
Read what policymakers can learn from skills training around the globe
Publication

People-Centric Economic Development: Lessons on International Student Retention from Atlantic Canada

Attracting talented people for the long-term prosperity of Atlantic Canada

Released: Wednesday November 13, 2019

The economic fortunes of rural Canada depend on attracting human capital, and while international students are highly skilled & qualified candidates for settlement, they don't often stick around. PPF Fellow Sean Speer identifies lessons from two promising programs in Atlantic Canada which seem to be convincing students to settle, against the odds.
Read about this fundamental shift in how we do economic development
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