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The Benefits of Attending Cannexus 26 for Job Developers
Editorial by Christian Saint Cyr
National Director / Canadian Job Development Network
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This Monday morning I have the rare opportunity to conduct a live interview with Sharon Ferriss, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, with CERIC. Sharon and I will discuss plans for Cannexus 26. We'll discuss the benefits of attending the conference (virtually or in-person) for job developers and other employer engagement professionals.
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If should be noted that all members of the Canadian Job Development Network (like you) receives a 20% Discount on their attendance. Just select CJDN Member when you complete your registration.
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Everyone who completes the registration by this Friday November 7th will also benefit from the early-bird registration discount.
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As work continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Canada’s career development community is coming together to explore how to adapt, innovate and lead. This January, Cannexus26 – Canada’s Career Development Conference – celebrates its 20th anniversary under the theme Evolving Work, Expanding Impact, shining a spotlight on how the field is shaping the future of learning, labour and livelihoods.
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Hosted by CERIC, Cannexus26 takes place January 26–28, 2026, both in Ottawa and virtually. The milestone conference promises an inspiring mix of knowledge, connection and collaboration. More than 1,500 career and workforce development professionals from across sectors will explore how to expand their impact in the face of technological change, shifting demographics and an increasingly complex labour market.
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What to expect at Cannexus26:
- 140+ education sessions featuring leading research, practical strategies and real-world examples of innovation in employment and career services
- In-person and online networking with colleagues, speakers and exhibitors from across Canada and beyond
- Post-conference access to all virtual sessions for three months to extend your learning well into 2026
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Early-bird discounts available until November 7, with additional savings for members of 40 supporting organizations; members of the Canadian Job Development Network save 20%!
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Whether you work in employment services, education, government or business, Cannexus26 offers tools and insights to help you meet the moment.
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Spotlight on sessions transforming labour market and employer engagement
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A hallmark of this year’s program is its focus on bridging the worlds of education, employment and economic development. From emerging job-development practices to new uses of labour market information (LMI), several sessions stand out:
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Bridge to Success: Partnering with Employers to Support Career Readiness – Discover how post-secondary institutions and industry partners are co-designing pathways that align education with employer needs, helping learners to transition smoothly into meaningful employment.
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Essential Practices for Job Development in the Tech Sector – Explore innovative strategies for connecting jobseekers with opportunities in fast-changing technology fields, from employer engagement to inclusive recruitment design.
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A Place-Based Approach to Economic Development by Multi-Sectoral Collaboration – Learn how community agencies, municipalities and employers are joining forces to build local workforce ecosystems that respond to regional labour trends and priorities.
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Bridging Talent Gaps with Employer Navigator – Examine a national initiative that links immigrant talent with employers through evidence-based tools and partnership models that improve hiring outcomes and retention.
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Hiring Events: A New Model to Replace Traditional Job Fairs – Gain insights into fresh approaches for bringing employers and candidates together through targeted, skills-focused recruitment events that deliver stronger matches and faster results.
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Structuring Experiential Learning Programs for Immigrants in Canada – See how experiential learning is being re-imagined to help internationally educated professionals gain Canadian experience while meeting employer talent needs.
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AI-Driven Career Development: Empowering Learners and Practitioners – Understand how artificial intelligence is being integrated into career services to personalize job search support, strengthen employability skills and scale practitioner capacity.
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Unlocking the Future of Work with Labour Market Information – Examinee how data-driven insights and foresight tools are guiding workforce planning and helping practitioners interpret rapidly changing employment trends.
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A milestone gathering for a changing world
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Over two decades, Cannexus has grown into a national hub for advancing career and workforce development. This anniversary year not only celebrates that progress but also challenges attendees to re-imagine what comes next – to see career development as essential infrastructure for a resilient, inclusive and future-ready Canada.
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As the world of work continues to evolve, Cannexus26 offers the ideas, evidence and inspiration to help career professionals expand their impact, and to help Canadians thrive in times of change. To learn more and register, visit: cannexus.ceric.ca.
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We’ll be discussing the value of networking among career development professionals at our #MotivatingMondays meeting of the Canadian Job Development Network, Monday November 3rd at 8:30am Pacific; 9:30am Mountain; 10:30am Central; 11:30am Eastern; 12:30pm Atlantic and at 1pm in Newfoundland.
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On the morning of Monday November 3rd 'Click this Link' to join the session LIVE.
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'2025 Labour Market
Year-in-Review Workshops'
20% Early-Bird Discount Ends Next Week
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Registration is open for our Labour Market Year-in-Review workshops, taking place respectively in British Columbia and Ontario. We have a 20% discount for everyone who registers by Nov. 14th. To learn more:
BC Workshop Link | Nov. 28th / Dec. 1st
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Ontario Workshop Link | Dec. 5th and 8th
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