Academy

Newcomers to Canada overwhelmingly settle in urban areas. Why do so few immigrants settle down in small and medium population centres in Canada, and how can we encourage them to do so?

This paper examines the intersection of these two subjects: remote work and immigration. Our recommendations will help attract immigrants to take part in a new Canadian economy that features remote work.

Newcomers need to learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ histories, cultures, and lived experiences. This report features new research and engagement on how to support relationship building and truth telling between newcomers and Indigenous Peoples.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted fundamental gaps in our agricultural system. For the first time in generations, many Canadians saw empty grocery store shelves and became acutely aware of the challenges facing our domestic food system. What followed were COVID-19 outbreaks on farms and meat processing plants and temporary foreign workers who were delayed and stranded. The pandemic highlights vulnerabilities in Canada’s food supply-chain and the importance of a resilient agricultural sector.

Advances in big data, algorithms and cloud computing over the past decade have contributed to the emergence and widespread use of digital platforms in Canada. Whether it be through Uber, Airbnb, Amazon, Etsy or Shopify, a growing number of Canadian workers and businesses are interacting in these platform-based and controlled markets. This phenomenon, known as the emergence of the Platform Economy, has significant implications for the Future of Work in Canada. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend as more Canadians than ever before turn towards digital platforms to support their livelihoods.