North Canada Home to Richest and Poorest Regions

Northern CanadaPic: Northern Canada

Canada’s northern communities are divided by stark economic climates. The North is home to both the wealthiest and poorest regions in the country.

According to a report from the Centre for the North, the top median incomes in Canada are from Northern regions that are rich in natural resources. These high income regions include northern Alberta, Fort Smith Region in the Northwest Territories (including Yellowknife), and the Northern Rockies in British Columbia. In each of these three communities, the median income exceeds $35,000.

Contrastingly, northeast Manitoba has a median income of just $9,822. Other low income regions include northern Saskatchewan, Bella Coola in northern British Columbia, and north central Manitoba.

This harsh dichotomy does not go unrecognized. Gilles Rhéaume, Vice-President of the Public Policy of The Conference Board of Canada, is determined to gain an understanding of the socio-economic situation in the North.

Maps have been created to illustrate some of the differences among Canada’s northern regions. This series of maps, called “Here in the North” will be published bi-weekly through the Centre for the North’s portal.

“This portal provides an internet-based resource for Northerners – and everyone interested in the North – to communicate and share their knowledge and perspectives on issues that impact northern regions, and the policies and strategies that will help achieve sustainable prosperity in Canada’s North,” said Rhéaume.

Powered byIGLOO Software, the portal includes publications, surveys, and room for commentary. This portal will provide a forum for issues in Canada’s northern regions, where answers can be found, and improvements made.