Canada’s Urban Indigenous Populations: Comparing Policy Learning in Winnipeg and Edmonton

Abstract

According to Census 2016 from Statistics Canada, Winnipeg and Edmonton have the largest Aboriginal populations among the census metropolitan areas (CMAs), which are areas with a total population of at least 100,000 people. Moreover, Aboriginal populations continues to grow in these metropolitan cities. However, city policies have not been adjusted accordingly to these changes, nor are they sufficient to address the Aboriginal community’s vulnerability especially regarding lower-cost housing. Exploring the condition of low-cost housing in the context of Winnipeg and Edmonton is essential due to the fact that this sector is directly influenced by the intersecting factors that make Aboriginal populations vulnerable. In addition to examining the condition of lower-cost housing, evidence of policy learning will also be analyzed. Policy learning involves evaluating past practices, recognize past policies, and is also a crucial part to avoiding failures in future policies. Unfortunately, it seems that for Winnipeg and Edmonton, it is not possible for authorities to address insufficient low-cost housing for the Aboriginal community through adequate policies.