Lessons Learned: Achieving Positive Educational Outcomes in Northern Communities
Published February 2012

This report examines education in the context of Northern communities. Its primary objective is to explore Northern experiences and share lessons learned and practices and models that Northerners believe are having a positive impact on educational outcomes. By sharing examples of Northern educational practices and models that could be adopted more broadly throughout the North, the report offers insights and ideas on ways to tackle the challenges identified. Read More

Northern Assets: Transportation Infrastructure in Remote Communities
Published December 2011

This report examines the role of Northern transportation infrastructure development in creating community links, enhancing commercial prospects, and facilitating economic growth. It features a case study of Churchill, Manitoba, to look at lessons learned and to analyze the implications of transportation infrastructure development that are relevant for other Northern communities. It also identifies policy issues and gaps in transportation infrastructure, as well as areas for further research. Read More

Building Labour Force Capacity in Canada's North
Published November 2011

The forecast for the three territories and the accompanying report is prepared biannually. The report examines the economic and fiscal outlook for each of the territories, including output by industry, labour market conditions, and the demographic make-up of each territory. To purchase a copy, please visit the Conference Board of Canada's e-Library.

Toward Thriving Northern Communities
Published December 2010

Northern communities, while diverse, tend to share some common attributes. Many are remote, with smaller, younger populations and higher proportions of Aboriginal peoples than their Southern counterparts. Most important, however, many are not secure, self-reliant, sustainable, or socially developed. In other words, many Northern communities are not thriving. In spite of these challenges, there are promising plans and programs being implemented within Northern regions and communities and the growing opportunity for sustainable development give reason for optimism. Read More

Mapping the Economic Potential of Canada's North
Published November 2010

Using previous work done by the Northern Development Ministers Forum combined with initial literature reviews, and consultation with a group of Northerners, a collection of seven key industries was identified-oil and gas, mining, forestry, fishing, utilities, construction, and tourism. For each of the seven industries identified, a list of ideal indicators was developed to assist in assessing each industry's current and potential economic contribution to the North's economy. Read More

Security in Canada's North: Looking Beyond Arctic Sovereignty
Published November 2010

This report examines three dimensions of security in the North-Arctic security, Northern security, and community security-in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of the security challenges in Canada's North. The research found that, of these three, community security is the most important for Northerners. The people of the North see the community-rather than the individual, the state, or the nation-as the primary referent object of living a secure life. Read More

Canada's North: What's the Plan?
Published November 2010

This book, part of the CIBC Scholar-in-Residence Program, draws on the different viewpoints of three nationally renowned scholars to explore the effectiveness of land use planning in Canada's North from three very distinct perspectives. Their essays are required reading for those seeking to understand this important issue and draw their own conclusions. To purchase a copy, please visit the Conference Board of Canada's e-Library.

Estimating Economic Activities of Canada's Northern Regions
Published October 2010 

This report estimates the contribution of the North to the Canadian economy over the 1999-2008 historical period. It incorporates all of the territories and the Northern portions of every province with the exception of the Maritimes. The main economic drivers of the North are the mining, forestry, and oil and natural gas sectors. Other industries important to the Northern economy include tourism, commercial fishing and hunting, the utility (hydroelectricity production) sector, and health, education and social services. Read More

Here, the North
Published bi-weekly July 2010 - June 2011

The Here, the North map series profiles, using spatial analysis, some of the key differences between Northern and Southern regions of Canada. The series looks at a wide range of socioeconomic variables. Read More

Optimizing the Effectiveness of E-Learning for First Nations
Published May 2010

The education gap between First Nations people living on a reserve and non-Aboriginal people in Canada is disconcerting. E-learning has the potential to help close this gap because it is designed to minimize or eliminate the barriers (geographical, cultural, socio-economic, and historical) to educational success that First Nations people living on a reserve face. Read More

True to Their Visions: An Account of 10 Successful Aboriginal Businesses
Published November 2009

Successful Aboriginal businesses create wealth and jobs in Aboriginal communities and Canada at large. This report profiles 10 successful First Nation, Inuit, and Métis businesses from across Canada and highlights common challenges and success factors. It provides an Aboriginal business guide and other resources that Aboriginal entrepreneurs can apply to their own businesses, and highlights the advantages to partnering with Aboriginal businesses. Read More

From Vision to Venture: An Account of Five Successful Aboriginal Businesses
Published May 2008

This report shows that Aboriginal business development creates wealth and employment, which can ensure the well-being of Aboriginal peoples at both the individual and community levels. It profiles five successful Aboriginal businesses and proposes best practice guidelines based on common success factors and lessons learned. These guidelines are designed to inspire and encourage others to develop successful Aboriginal businesses. Read More

Closing the Gap: Toward Capturing the Value of Aboriginal Cultural Industries
Published March 2008

Prepared for the Aboriginal Affairs Branch at Canadian Heritage, this report examines the importance of Aboriginal cultural industries in Canada. Specifically, the report looks at both the social and economical impacts the industry has, while similarly understanding the challenges and opportunities the cultural industry creates. Finally, the report provides recommendations to better understand and measure this industry. Read More