New report finds education, location, and hours worked explain income differences 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

CALGARY — A new report released today by the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy finds that differences in employment income between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians are largely explained by factors such as education levels, location, and hours worked—not systemic discrimination. 

The report, What leads to indigenous success? Education, location, and a full-time career, analyzes the most recent Census data and finds that when comparable groups are measured on a like-to-like basis, median incomes are broadly similar. 

Key findings: 

• In Canada’s five largest Census Metropolitan Areas—Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa-Gatineau, and Calgary—the median employment income is roughly the same for indigenous and non-indigenous people working full time with the same level of education. 
• However, overall, indigenous Canadians do earn less on average, with a median employment income of $36,400 annually, compared to $43,200 for non-indigenous Canadians. But, once we account for education, geography, and how much someone works, the disparities disappear. 
• Of workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher, indigenous Canadians actually earn more than their peers. But only 15 percent of indigenous workers have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33 percent of non-indigenous workers. 
• The median after-tax income for indigenous Canadians is 29 percent higher for those who live off a reserve as compared to those who live on a reserve. 
• Half of indigenous workers are employed full time throughout the year, compared to over 54 percent of non-indigenous workers.

“Disparities do not automatically imply discrimination,” said Matthew Lau, report author and senior fellow with the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. “The data show that indigenous Canadians who pursue higher education, work full time, and live in economically dynamic regions experience outcomes comparable to other Canadians.” 

The report notes that many additional variables affect employment income, including industry, experience, and occupation type. However, the analysis demonstrates that major measurable factors account for most of the observed differences. 

The full report is available at aristotlefoundation.org. 

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Media Contact 

Dami Itabiyi 
Media and Marketing Coordinator 
Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy 
Dami@aristotlefoundation.org 
403-401-3828