Rural, Remote, & Northern Communities

Through the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority's (SLFNHA) Community Health Worker Diabetes Program, Indigenous community health workers (CHWs) across remote communities in Northwestern Ontario are benefitting from training and interventions that address occupational challenges.

We synthesized recent data on the North’s economy, and a literature review on the various barriers and enablers to entrepreneurship and businesses in the Territorial North (incl. Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).

This project examined how effectively Alberta’s Coal Workforce Transition Program supported workers affected by the province’s coal phase-out and what lessons it offers for future transition efforts in Canada.

We mapped the current ecosystem of food sustainability initiatives and sought to collect and compile the current coverage of food sustainability programs in Canada. We analyzed what training programs offer, if any, as well as the targeted interventions for Indigenous Peoples and equity-deserving groups.

In this analysis we draw on Statistics Canada data to make this hidden yet essential workforce more visible. We highlight where Indigenous community health workers are located, describe the job settings in which they work, and profile their educational backgrounds.

Despite their critical role, Indigenous community health workers are often insufficiently supported, and there are not enough community health workers in Indigenous communities in Canada to meet healthcare needs. This research responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action by examining how Indigenous community health workers can be better supported, retained, and equipped to serve their communities.