ID 158636387 © Blackboard373 | Dreamstime.com

By The Canadian Press

Alberta

More Indigenous participation in labour market would boost Alberta economy says ATB report

Sep 25, 2024 | 12:41 PM

EDMONTON – A new report says increasing Indigenous participation in Alberta’s labour market could boost the province’s GDP by between two and three percentage points, the equivalent of $8 billion to $11 billion annually.

The report by ATB Financial and professional services firm MNP pegs the total contributions of Indigenous governments, businesses and households to Alberta’s GDP in 2023 at $9.2 billion, approximately three per cent of the province’s total GDP.

It estimates the population of Indigenous people in Alberta in 2023 has grown by 12 to 15 per cent since 2019.

But the report says disparities in income and educational attainment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Albertans persist. It says Indigenous workers are still overrepresented in lower-paying roles and underrepresented in management and professional positions.

The report calls on businesses, governments, and communities to work together to advance Indigenous economic reconciliation. It concludes that increasing Indigenous participation in the labour market would significantly boost Alberta’s economic potential.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

There were between 350,000 and 360,000 Indigenous individuals in Alberta in 2023, which represented about 7.5 per cent of the province’s total population.

(The Canadian Press)