Objective 2.2: Grow the Foundational Workforce of the Future Cyber security talent development, attraction, retention, and education are critical to our national success. Already, the Upskilling for Industry Initiative29 allows employers to identify skill requirements in rapidly growing sectors. By encouraging collaboration between employers and training providers, the program helps deliver tailored upskilling programs that meet employers’ needs, particularly in high-growth industries. The initiative is anticipated to help over 15,000 Canadians, including individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, access new employment opportunities. The demand for cyber security professionals is surging, and there is a shortage of cyber skills around the globe. As such, developing and retaining cyber talent is essential for Canadian businesses and government. Canada already has a highly skilled cyber security workforce, but, by making further investments, we can ensure that Canadian companies have access to the staff they need to continue to grow and innovate. Investing in cyber security talent also aligns with the evolving demands of the workforce and fosters a more diverse and adaptable workforce capable of navigating industry transitions. The Government of Canada will work with partners in other orders of government, academia, and the private sector to develop a skilled and diverse cyber security talent pipeline. This will include improved educational opportunities, including expanded private sector apprenticeship and training programs. These programs will help both youth seeking to forge careers in cyber security, as well as mid-career workers looking to up-skill and re-skill. In addition, the Government of Canada will explore support for programs aimed at ensuring the participation of underrepresented groups. In addition, through the Cyber Security Cooperation Program30 (CSCP), Public Safety Canada31 (PS) will provide grants and contributions to a range of initiatives aimed to reduce cybercrime against Canadians, strengthen Canada’s ability to protect its critical infrastructure, increase Canadians’ cyber security awareness, augment Canadians’ cyber security skills, and improve Canada’s competitiveness in the global economy. 29 https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/upskilling-industry-initiative/en 30 https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cbr-scrt/cprtn-prgrm/index-en.aspx 31 https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/index-en.aspx National Cyber Security Strategy 21