Representatives from the EU and Canada met in Brussels on 19-20 February to discuss the future of work and inclusive growth.

The third annual meeting of the EU – Canada Dialogue on Employment, Social Affairs and Decent Work, took place in Brussels on 19-20 February 2020, and included a site visit at the digital skills provider Molengeek.

The overarching themes included the new world of work and inclusive growth. The event was opened by DG EMPL Director General Joost Korte and the two day sessions were chaired by Director General Ellen Hols from Employment and Social Development Canada, and by Director Jordi Curell from DG EMPL. Participants included Canadian and European public servants, as well as a variety of European Stakeholders.

The fruitful discussions during the plenary and breakout sessions covered a range of topics. On new world of work the participants exchanged on how to provide social and labour protection for workers in the new world of work, and how to equip the workforce to succeed in the new world of work. On inclusive growth, the experts look further at the topics of how to support older individuals and those with low skills, as well as young people and people with disabilities.

Interactive discussions on innovative approaches to policy development, and on the implementation of the Agenda 2030 regarding the Sustainable Development Goals took also place in view of the similar challenges that both the EU and Canada as like minded partners face.