Globalization and Precarious Work in Canada’s North (2008-2009)
Principal Investigator: Ernie Lightman, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of TorontoFunded by: SSHRC Northern Communities Research Grant Towards Social and Economic Prosperity
Co-Investigators: Bobby Kayseas, First Nation’s University of Canada, Graham Richesn University of British Columbia, Dawn Hemingway, University of Northern British Columbia, James Mulvale, University of Regina
The objectives of this research focus on exploring the nature and impacts of precarious employment in the north within a globalised environment. Specifically, we hope to explore and document northern resident conceptualizations and experiences of precarious employment, health, food security, and economic assistance; to identify and better understand the links between precarious employment and negative health outcomes of northern women; to describe and analyze precarious employment as it affects northern household food security; to examine cross-sectionally and longitudinally associations between low income resulting from precarious employment and health outcomes in the north; to explore alternative economic security approaches that foster self-determination and culturally relevant and appropriate responses to precarious employment for northern First Nations and Métis communities; to explore the impact of welfare reform policies on precarious employment in northern settings and how precarious employment influences welfare reform outcomes; and to develop partnerships with northern communities to foster increased capacity for northern research to be conducted by local residents and to develop locally based policy and program responses to precarious employment in northern settings.