Study: Indigenous people in urban areas: Vulnerabilities to the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19

A new study provides insight into vulnerabilities to the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indigenous people living in urban areas. The study provides information on key aspects of economic well-being for the close to one million First Nations people, Métis and Inuit living in these areas (off reserve), including poverty, food security and the ability to cover unexpected expenses.

About one-quarter (24%) of Indigenous people living in urban areas in the provinces were living below the poverty line, according to data from the 2016 Census of Population. Poverty rates were higher for children and youth, particularly for those living with one parent.

Moreover, among Indigenous people 18 and over living in urban areas in 2017, 38% lived in a food insecure household, and 39% indicated that they could not cover an unexpected expense of $500 from their own resources.

Products

The study “The urban Indigenous population and COVID 19: Vulnerabilities to socioeconomic impacts,” part of StatCan COVID-19: Data to Insights for a Better Canada (Catalogue number45280001), is now available.

Contact information

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca).

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