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Achieving Potential: Towards Improved Labour Market Outcomes for Aboriginal People

Report by Ben Brunnen

In this report, Ben Brunnen addresses the Aboriginal human capital opportunities that exist in the West. From interviews, public opinion surveys, and census data, he makes a number of key findings regarding improving labour market outcomes for Aboriginal people, including: the need to reinforce the value of education; ensuring success in obtaining and retaining employment; and, the need to recognize, reward and celebrate successes.

Brunnen begins his report by pointing out that industry and labour market analysts have suggested that Canada will experience a sizeable labour supply shortage in the decades ahead. Brunnen argues that Canada’s Aboriginal population presents a unique opportunity for policy-makers to alleviate future labour market pressures. He points out that the Aboriginal population is younger than the non-Aboriginal population, meaning there will be an influx of young Aboriginals into the labour market in coming years.

In this report, Brunnen outlines the benefits of ensuring that every opportunity exists for Aboriginal people to obtain the human capital needed to participate fully and successfully in the Canadian economy. Aside from the obvious benefit to the economy, Brunnen argues that Aboriginal Peoples will experience benefits such as decreased poverty levels, increased economic independence, and improved health outcomes. Brunnen contends that the impact of this change will affect the lives of all Canadians, as the stresses on social services are reduced, the cultural diversity of Canada will be enriched, and there will be increased innovation in the economy.

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Policy Publication Details

Author(s):	Ben Brunnen;
Publisher:	Canada West Foundation [ Visit Website ]
Year Published:	2003;	Publisher Type:	Research Institute
Publicly Available:	Yes	Research Focus:	Regional;
Registration Required:	Yes	Language:	English French
Payment Required:	No	Publication Format:	Adobe PDF

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Subjects / Categories:

Policy Articles / Aboriginal / Education
Policy Articles / Aboriginal / Economic Development
Policy Articles / Aboriginal / Economic Development / 2003
Policy Articles / Aboriginal / Education / 2003
Policy Articles / Aboriginal

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Keywords / Tags:

aboriginal employment; aboriginal labour market outcomes; labour shortages; aboriginal human capital; aboriginals in the labour market;