Navigating Canada's Digital Landscape: Labour Market Trends and Resilience in the ICT Sector
Alberta’s digital economy has grown significantly since early 2020 with nearly 30,000 jobs added in the province. Alberta’s two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton have had record-breaking investments in recent years and are seen as an attractive and affordable city for internationally trained professionals to call home. To support the growth of Alberta’s digital economy, recruiting talent is essential. Come join ICTC’s Sashie Steenstra and Heather McGeer, who will share insights on in-demand jobs, sectors driving the digital economy, and actionable job search tips for newcomers and internationally educated professionals interested in learning more about Alberta's thriving tech sector.
Presenter: Sashie Steenstra (Director, Workforce Solutions)
With over 20 years of experience in post-secondary and non-profit settings, Sashie’s career has focused on workforce development, experiential learning, curriculum design, business development, and project management. Her expertise lies in overseeing the planning, coordination, and implementation of workforce development programs, ensuring their alignment with organizational goals and industry practices. She actively seeks opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations. In her role as Director, Workforce Solutions the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), Sashie works closely with the Associate Vice-President, Skills Excellence, and plays an instrumental role in spearheading the strategic growth of ICTC’s workforce initiatives. She oversees existing programs, leads planning and development efforts, and pursues opportunities for new initiatives, ensuring alignment with labor market demands, skills mapping, and ICTC’s micro-credential strategy. Sashie holds a BSc. and an MA (Anthropology) from the University of Calgary and has a Certified Career Development Professional designation.
Sashie Steenstra, BSc., MA, CCDP (she/her)
Manager, Workforce Development Solutions | Gestionnaire des solutions pour le développement de la main-d'œuvre Sashie Steenstra <s.steenstra@ictc-ctic.ca>
Presenter: Heather McGeer (Research and Policy Analyst)
Heather is a Research and Policy Analyst at the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). Heather's work at ICTC spans from equitable labour market rebounds following COVID-19, to technological implications for the quality of work, to current initiatives and labour market needs relating to green transportation and sustainable supply chains. Prior to joining ICTC, Heather’s work helped support research in the fields of science, technology, and journalism, as well as supported thought leadership initiatives for more inclusive cities. Heather holds a Master of Professional Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Business from the University of Guelph. Heather enjoys bringing her interdisciplinary background to research focused on the future of work, equity, diversity and inclusion, green initiatives and environmental sustainability, and the digital economy.
Heather McGeer (She/Her)
Research & Policy Analyst | Analyste de la recherche et des politiques Heather McGeer <h.mcgeer@ictc-ctic.ca>