Aboriginal participation rates. Participation rates are a critical question for policy design. If participation rates are indeed genuinely higher than expected, as is suggested by the evidence in this report, than employment support services for the Aboriginal identity population should be designed primarily to help people get into jobs, to provide for skills and training upgrades and, in some instances, to assist in the creation of jobs. On the other hand, based on the evidence presented in this report, it would not be sensible to spend money on providing additional financial incentives for Aboriginal persons to get jobs. Apparently Aboriginal people in Canada do not need incentives. This research sheds light on an immediate and vital question of program design, affecting the expenditure of millions of public dollars. There are many other issues that also could be explored more deeply. This study has not, for example, investigated the gender aspect of labour markets. Are men and women in the Aboriginal identity population differentially experiencing the labour market? If so, in what ways and what can this tell us about program design? This research would be of use not only to the federal government, but to provinces and First Nations governments as well. A more consistent and policy-oriented program of research would be a practical addition to the work that is already under way in many governments and Aboriginal organizations.
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Caledon Institute of Social Policy
References George, M., S. Loh, R. Verma and Y. Shin. (2001). Population Projections for Canada, Provinces and Territories 2000-2026. Catalogue number 91-520. Ottawa: Ministry of Industry, Government of Canada. Mendelson, M. and K. Battle. (1999). Aboriginal People in Canada’s Labour Market. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, June. Statistics Canada. (2003). Aboriginal peoples of Canada: A demographic profile. Catalogue number 96F0030X IE2001007. Ottawa: Ministry of Industry, Government of Canada. Statistics Canada. (1993). Schooling, Work and Related Activities, Income, Expenses and Mobility. Catalogue number 89-534. Ottawa: Ministry of Industry, Government of Canada.