Last year, the Canadian economy continued to feel the reverberating effects of the pandemic. COVID-19 has in many aspects upended the way we work, learn, and transact with the economy. Lockdowns and social distancing overburdened many industry verticals. Small to medium sized enterprises were especially hard hit as they had to navigate declining demand, dwindling supply chains, reduced revenues, and an overly indebted financial landscape. The pandemic also tested the limitations of our academic institutions and underlined some of the shortcomings of the gig economy. The dramatic surge in online business also heightened the risk, and the reality, of cyberattacks.
Despite these trying times, the digital economy continued to demonstrate strong resiliency bolstered by the rapid transition to online channels and the deployment of automation and digital tools across many industry verticals. Many who were able to work from home acquired new skills and reported increased productivity. These changes will have a lasting impact on Canadian society and workplace culture.
In fiscal 2020-2021, ICTC continued to inspire a forward-looking digital agenda for Canada by leading a multitude of national and international discussions on the digital-based economy and society, publishing pioneering research and policy papers to guide and respond to national and international trends. ICTC further expanded its capacity building solutions to leverage the full potential of Canada’s talent, from early schooling and post-secondary education to employment readiness, upskilling and reskilling Canada’s digital workforce to respond to a changing economy, and fostering innovative immigration programs to support industry growth.
Download your copy of ICTC’s 2020-2021 Annual Report for details on our feature-rich programs, in-depth research, and collaboration among our national and global partners.
