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contribution. Another possible research direction is the development of forecasts for non-
Aboriginal educational attainment so that the potential contribution of Aboriginal Canadians in
the case where they actually bridge the gap and reach educational parity with non-Aboriginal
Canadians can be assessed.35 This analysis has the potential to significantly increase the
projected contribution of Aboriginal Canadians to Canadian economic growth. A third avenue
would be to adjust projections to account for differences in current and future age structures
between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population. Another interesting opportunity lies in the
new Labour Force Survey which now includes a question about Aboriginal identity. LFS
estimates could be uses to update and monitor the progress of Aboriginal Canadians in-between
censuses. Finally, along with a review of current practices and existing recommendations
designed to increase the level of human capital for Aboriginal Canadians, the development of
new policies and strategies aimed specifically at increasing Aboriginal educational attainment in
Canada should be considered.
35 Statistics Canada released on November 21, 2007 a study forecasting post-secondary enrolments in Canada to
2031. This study might be a good benchmark for projecting educational attainment for non-Aboriginal Canadians.
Information on the study is available on The Daily at http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/071121/d071121c.htm .