Employment Patterns 2009–2010 In Canada: A Dark Cloud for Aboriginals with a Silver Lining

Abstract

The Canadian economy grew in 2010, compared with 2009 and employment rates increased marginally. However, the picture is different for Canadian Aboriginal peoples living off reserve, as they experienced a decline. Data is unavailable for those living on reserves. The decline in employment levels was the case for both men and women in all age categories, except for women from 15 to 24. There was also a decline in Aboriginal employment rates in seven of the ten provinces. In contrast the three territories experienced an increase. In 2010 Aboriginals had a lower employment rate than non-Aboriginals in all ten provinces and the three territories and in every age group, except for women over 55. However, a meaningfully different picture appears when employment rates are examined by educational level. The higher the educational level the higher the employment level. This applies to both Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals. Further, there is only a minimal difference in employment levels between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, when examined by their educational level. One conclusion is that education appears to be a path for greater employment.