Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - September 25, 2024 - A new report by ATB Financial and MNP suggests that increased Indigenous participation in Alberta's labour market could boost the province's GDP by two to three percentage points, equivalent to $8 billion to $11 billion annually.

The report estimates that Indigenous governments, businesses, and households contributed $9.2 billion to Alberta's GDP in 2023, which is about 3% of the province's total GDP.

The report also found disparities in income and educational attainment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Albertans, with Indigenous workers overrepresented in lower-paying roles and underrepresented in management and professional positions.

Closing the gap between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population benefits all Albertans, with the potential to generate an additional $3.2 billion in household spending in the province if household incomes were more equitable.

The report calls for businesses, governments, and communities to work together to advance Indigenous economic reconciliation, investing in university-level education and supporting Indigenous people in gaining skills and experience for senior positions.