Indigenous Contribution to Canadian Economy Shows Significant Growth
Indigenous peoples' contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Income has nearly doubled since 2013, reaching $56 billion. They are also playing a key role in the nation's transition to clean energy.
The contribution of Indigenous peoples to Canada's economy reached an estimated $56 billion in 2021, nearly doubling from 2013 figures. This economic growth is driven by a rapidly expanding and younger Indigenous population, alongside increased employment rates. Statistics Canada reported that the Indigenous population grew by 30% between 2011 and 2021, significantly outpacing the 9% growth of the non-Indigenous population.
Furthermore, the Indigenous population is, on average, 8.2 years younger than the non-Indigenous population. This demographic advantage, coupled with rising educational attainment, has led to a substantial increase in full-time employment among Indigenous adults. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of Indigenous people aged 25-64 in full employment rose by 49%, compared to a 13% increase for other groups.
Indigenous peoples are also positioned to play a crucial role in Canada's transition to a greener economy. They are expected to be instrumental in the expansion of clean electricity infrastructure, a sector projected to require $1.1 to $1.7 trillion over the next two decades. Historically, construction and maintenance have been the largest sectors for Indigenous economic activity, indicating significant opportunities within the green transition.
The growing economic participation and the potential within the green sector present substantial opportunities for economic reconciliation. These developments are anticipated to create numerous jobs and generate considerable economic benefits for both Indigenous communities and the broader Canadian economy.