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The Centre for the North

Building an Equitable Canada

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Canada’s North is rich in culture, heritage, resources, and natural beauty, yet it lags most Southern regions in key social and economic areas like employment, income, education, health, and infrastructure. Closing these gaps would benefit both the North and Canada as a whole.

The Centre for the North (CFN) is Canada’s only cross-sector, collaborative research initiative dedicated to addressing the policy gaps, systemic barriers, and structural challenges affecting Northern socio-economic development and reconciliation.

The Centre for the North’s research model has allowed us to more efficiently and effectively leverage our resources and strengthen the evidence-based research we need for practical and informed decision-making and policy development. The members’ meetings are an invaluable network for learning first-hand from other governments, Indigenous partners, and industry about their experiences and having frank and open discussions about the complex challenges and opportunities facing Northerners.

Christopher Cornish, Director General, Economic and Business Opportunities Branch, Indigenous Services Canada and Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Our Focus

CFN maintains a grounded, action-oriented approach to advancing Northern and Indigenous priorities. We embrace the North’s diversity, equip decision-makers with practical tools, and spotlight innovative, proven initiatives across Northern communities.

As a trusted source of evidence-based analysis and leadership, our research focuses on Northern socio-economic development and practical frameworks to address complex Northern challenges. We ensure solutions and policies are led by Northerners, for Northerners, and our work supports reconciliation through research that responds to the real needs of Northern and remote Indigenous communities.

Funding Members

Research Impact

Since its launch, CFN has published over 55 research and discussion papers on issues vital to Canada’s North. Our Northern and Indigenous policy insights have garnered national attention, including testimonies before House of Commons standing committees. Influential reports have reached over 15 million media impressions, amplifying our impact across the country.

Centre Research

Series:Territorial Outlook

Territorial 20-Year Outlook—December 2025

Reimagining the Northern Future In this semi-annual report, we provide the economic and fiscal outlook for Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. In what ways are trade headwinds and political…
Topics: Business and Household Indicators, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Business Research, Canada Budget
Canadian Territories, Climate Change Adaptation, Consumer Trends, Economic Forecast, Economy Analysis, Education in Canada, Emerging Technologies, Employment Rate in Canada, Energy Economics, GDP Canada, Housing Market Forecast, Indigenous Capacity Building, Indigenous Economic Development, Industry Analysis, Innovation and Growth, Labour Market, Migrant Workers in Canada, Northern Canada, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territory, Sustainable Finance, Tariffs, Tourism Analysis, Trade Export and Import, Upskilling the Workforce, Yukon Territory
Focus Area: Canadian Economics
December 2, 2025 1 min read
Series:Territorial Outlook

Yukon’s 20-Year Outlook—December 2025

New Leadership and New Horizons In this semi-annual report, we assess Yukon’s economic outlook. When will the territory’s GDP recover from the hit of the heap leach failure at the…
Topics: Business and Household Indicators, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Business Research, Canada Budget
Canadian Territories, Consumer Trends, Economic Forecast, Economy Analysis, Employment Rate in Canada, Energy Economics, Extreme Weather, GDP Canada, Household in Economics, Immigrants Coming to Canada, Immigration Policies in Canada, Impacts of Climate Change, Indigenous Capacity Building, Indigenous Economic Development, Industry Analysis, Inflation Impact, Interest Rate, Labour Market, Migrant Workers in Canada, Northern Canada, Population Research, Retail Outlook, Salary Research, Sustainable Finance, Tariffs, Tourism Analysis, Trade Export and Import, Yukon Territory
Focus Area: Canadian Economics
December 2, 2025 1 min read
Series:Territorial Outlook

Northwest Territories’ 20-Year Outlook—December 2025

Diamond Mining Out, Metal Mining In In this semi-annual report, we assess the Northwest Territories’ economy. What does the shift away from diamond mining to the production of metals and…
Topics: Business and Household Indicators, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Business Research, Canada Budget
Canadian Territories, Economic Forecast, Economy Analysis, Education in Canada, Employment Rate in Canada, Extreme Weather, GDP Canada, Health Services Research, Healthcare in Canada, Household in Economics, Housing Market Forecast, Immigrants Coming to Canada, Immigration Policies in Canada, Industry Analysis, Inflation Impact, Labour Market, Northern Canada, Northwest Territories, Population Research, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Salary Research, Sustainable Finance, Tariffs, Trade Export and Import
Focus Area: Canadian Economics
December 2, 2025 1 min read
Series:Territorial Outlook

Nunavut’s 20-Year Outlook—December 2025

Polar Potential In this semi-annual report, we assess Nunavut’s economy. What do soaring gold prices mean for the territory’s economy? What challenges continue to strain living conditions despite ongoing economic…
Topics: Business and Household Indicators, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Business Research, Canadian Territories
Consumer Trends, Economic Forecast, Economy Analysis, Employment Rate in Canada, GDP Canada, Household in Economics, Housing Market Forecast, Impacts of Climate Change, Industry Analysis, Inflation Impact, Interest Rate, Labour Market, Northern Canada, Nunavut Territory, Population Research, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Salary Research, Tourism Analysis, Trade Export and Import, Upskilling the Workforce
Focus Area: Canadian Economics
December 2, 2025 1 min read
Series:Territorial Outlook

Territorial 20-Year Outlook—March 2025

In this semi-annual report, we provide the economic and fiscal outlook for Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. How is the chaotic trade war with the United States hitting the…
Topics: Business and Household Indicators, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Canada Budget, Canadian Territories
Climate Change Adaptation, Economic Forecast, Economy Analysis, Emerging Technologies, Employment Rate in Canada, Housing Market Forecast, Impacts of Climate Change, Indigenous Economic Development, Industry Analysis, Inflation Impact, Innovation and Growth, Interest Rate, Labour Market, Northern Canada, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territory, Population Research, Tariffs, Tourism Analysis, Trade Export and Import, Yukon Territory
Focus Area: Canadian Economics
March 25, 2025 1 min read

Indigenous Trusts: Investing and Adapting

The aim of our research is to explore how Indigenous trusts are managing their investments to achieve their short- and long-term goals. In addition to a review of key materials…
Topics: Canadian Economic Analysis, Indigenous Communities
Subject Matter: Business Research, Economic Forecast
Economy Analysis, First Nations in Canada, Indigenous Capacity Building, Indigenous Economic Development, Inuit in Canada, Métis in Canada, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Treaties and Agreements
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
November 21, 2024 1 min read

Sharing Knowledge From Indigenous Trusts: A Primer on Common Practices for Governance—August 2024

In this primer, we share insights from interviews with representatives of eight trusts and eight trust services providers or investment managers, to gain a better understanding of common structures, practices,…
Topics: Canadian Economic Analysis, Indigenous Communities
Subject Matter: Business Research, Indigenous Capacity Building
Indigenous Economic Development, Indigenous Infrastructure, Northern Canada, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Treaties and Agreements
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
August 13, 2024 1 min read

Indigenous Trusts: Building Wealth for Future Generations

In this research, we provide an overview of Indigenous trusts, examine some common practices of successful trusts, and explore how they can adapt and evolve their financial management strategies for…
Topics: Canadian Economic Analysis, Indigenous Communities
Subject Matter: Indigenous Capacity Building, Indigenous Economic Development
Indigenous Reconciliation, Indigenous Self-Determination, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Treaties and Agreements
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
January 31, 2024 1 min read
pink and purple sunset over lake

Indigenous Ownership: Overcoming Obstacles and Forging Partnerships

Most Indigenous communities lack access to affordable capital needed to acquire meaningful ownership levels in major projects. Addressing this issue will require expanding successful but geographically limited financing programs. Métis…
Topics: Canadian Economic Analysis, DEI Research
Indigenous Communities
Subject Matter: Business Research, Indigenous Capacity Building
Indigenous Economic Development, Indigenous Employment, Indigenous Self-Determination, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
September 29, 2022 1 min read

Benefit, Burden, or Both? The Economic Impact of Interjurisdictional Workers in Canada’s North

Many interjurisdictional workers (IJWs) are employed throughout Canada’s North. Often flying in to work in Northern communities, these workers are used to fill open positions across several industries due to…
Topics: Canadian Economic Analysis, Provincial Economic Analysis
Subject Matter: Canadian Territories, Economy Analysis
Employment Plan, Future of Work, Human Resources Management, Northern Canada
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
May 11, 2022 1 min read
mom and daughter, family growing food, growing microgreens, family growing plants

Cool Ideas: Hyperlocal Food Systems to Address Northern Food Insecurity

This Cool Idea series impact paper seeks to spark a nationwide conversation about hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, and fogponics, to help increase the Canadian North’s access to safe, dependable, nutritious, affordable…
Topics: Indigenous Communities
Subject Matter: Canadian Cities, Emerging Technologies
First Nations in Canada, Household in Economics, Impacts of Climate Change, Indigenous Infrastructure, Indigenous Natural Resources, Industry Analysis, Innovation and Growth, Inuit in Canada, Métis in Canada, Northern Canada, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada, Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
March 28, 2022 1 min read
jet airplane landing

Fly-In, Fly-Out Labour in Canada’s North: Benefits, Challenges, and Social Impacts

This impact paper examines the social impact that the out-of-territory fly-in, fly-out workforce has on local workers living in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, and Nunavik. Document Highlights The economic…
Topics: Indigenous Communities, People and Culture
Subject Matter: Canadian Territories, Human Resources Management
Indigenous Capacity Building, Indigenous Employment, Indigenous Natural Resources, Industry Analysis, Labour Market, Northern Canada, Rural and Remote Communities in Canada
Focus Area: Indigenous & Northern Communities
March 11, 2022 1 min read

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Why Become a Funding Member?

Create more impact through a collective research initiative grounded in Northern realities.

Funding members can help shape the future of Canada by ensuring independent, evidence-based research on Northern socio-economic development is created and delivered to government, business, Indigenous organizations, and civil society decision-makers. A shared investment model ensures that your support enables deeper insights, stronger collaboration, and greater policy impact on Northern and Indigenous priorities.

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Make Canada’s future bright by enabling evidence-based Northern development research.