CERIC releases new strategic plan advancing future readiness, public awareness and Canadian leadership
Career development in Canada is at a turning point. The forces reshaping work – from AI to economic uncertainty and mental health – are creating both new pressures and new opportunities for the professionals who help people navigate them. CERIC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is a response to that moment, and a commitment to meeting it with intent.
At the core of the plan is a vision that speaks to everyone: a Canada where every individual can confidently navigate their career journey with purpose, possibility and support. It is a vision that recognizes the essential role that career development professionals play in making that possible – and one that will anchor CERIC’s work over the coming five years.
“The world of work is evolving in ways that are profound and unpredictable,” said Kay Castelle, Executive Director of CERIC. “Career development professionals are on the front lines of that change every day. This plan is aimed at strengthening their capacity and elevating their impact in supporting the people they serve.”
Grounded in values, focused on impact
The strategic plan was developed through a broad consultative process that engaged close to 100 people across the career development community. What emerged was both an affirmation of what makes CERIC’s work valuable and a call to focus where it can have the most benefit.
The plan is anchored by four core values: equity, collaboration, integrity and bold leadership. Together with CERIC’s mission – to champion and advance career development through learning, research and advocacy to improve the economic and social well-being of people in Canada – they set the foundation.
Three priorities for the next 5 years
To deliver on that mission, CERIC has identified three strategic priorities:
- Equip People Across Canada for the Future. Disruptors will continue to transform the nature of work in Canada. CERIC will work to strengthen CDPs’ capacity to guide their clients in navigating labour market disruption, while building broader career literacy among people in Canada, with an initial focus on youth and marginalized populations.
- Enhance the Value of Career Development. Career development is essential workforce infrastructure – yet it remains under-recognized by many employers, educators and governments. CERIC will work to strengthen the influence of career development at policy tables and to increase recognition of CDPs’ contributions to Canada’s economy.
- Solidify Canada’s Role as a CD Thought Leader. Evidence-informed research and innovation in career development depends on the knowledge and voices of diverse interestholders. CERIC will deepen its engagement, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration to cultivate the career development ecosystem in Canada and globally.
A plan built for this moment
The plan also identifies three strategic accelerators that will support progress across all priority areas: nurturing relationships and partnerships, aligning CERIC’s core functions, and strengthening organizational capacity. Together, they reflect a resolve to doing this work sustainably and alongside like-minded organizations.