Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

Sustainable Northern Livelihoods: A Primer

Economic growth in Canada’s North has outpaced the rest of the country. This primer discusses the challenges still faced by Indigenous people in the North, who continue to experience socio-economic disparities.

Closing the gaps in labour market participation and outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada could add $11.2 billion to the Canadian economy annually. Labour market exclusion issues are most pronounced for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat, and closing the gaps could add $371.6 million to the economy in Inuit Nunangat annually.

The traditional economy is an important component of the mixed economy in Inuit Nunangat and Inuit visions of livelihoods. How can we better understand the traditional economy and its relationships to the wage economy in Inuit Nunangat? 

What are the Inuit visions of livelihoods and what motivates and enables people to pursue these different visions? 

Sustainable Northern Livelihoods: A Primer discusses the systemic barriers to employment faced by Indigenous people in Canada’s North, focusing on Inuit in Inuit Nunangat. Indigenous workers are more likely to occupy low-paid, low-skilled jobs, and are more vulnerable during economic downturns.

Related Content

A diverse team collaborating in a bright modern office, with a woman in a pink blazer reviewing a clipboard with a seated colleague.
Research

From Jobs to Journeys: Rethinking How Canada Forecasts Skills Supplyexternal link icon

Canadian organizations are navigating rapid labour and technology transitions— automation, demographic aging, digitalization, and shifting educational pathways. Yet our core tools for forecasting skills supply are outdated.
Two colleagues reviewing content on a tablet outdoors, with a green living wall world map in the background.
Research

From Newcomers to Game Changers: A Scorecard for Immigrant Skill Utilizationexternal link icon

Canada has long prioritized selecting highly skilled and educated immigrants for permanent residency. Yet once they arrive, many find themselves unemployed or working below their qualification level.
A person seen from behind, wearing a brown jacket and carrying a denim backpack, walking along a sunny tree-lined path.
Research

Level Up: Shaping the Future of Learning and Development in Canadaexternal link icon

Automation, digital tools, and new work models continue to reshape jobs across every sector, and employees need access to high quality learning opportunities to keep pace.
View all Research