Advancing Economic Inclusion, Mobility, Financial Security and Financial Resilience

Economic inclusion and mobility are essential for individuals and communities to thrive. As financial challenges evolve, it’s critical to understand and address the barriers that prevent people from moving forward. This Intelligence Memo provides robust data and Index analytics on the intersection between economic inclusion, employment opportunities, income volatility and household financial resilience and financial well-being, and is designed to spark new insights, ideas and dialogue around key areas where policymakers, employers, and organizations can make a meaningful impact.

This memo focuses on four key economic inclusion indicators:

• The proportion of Canadians facing barriers impacting their ability to earn money: Structural and systemic challenges that limit income-generating opportunities.
• The proportion of Canadians experiencing significant income volatility: The impact of inconsistent income on financial stability and resilience.
• The proportion of Canadians reporting they feel insecure in their work or job situation: Challenges in maintaining stable employment, especially in changing economic landscapes.
• The proportion of Canadians that have taken on additional work or a side gig to earn additional income in the past 13 months: The growing need for additional income sources as individuals take on side hustles.

The Institute’s Index analytics prove there is a clear association between people having meaningful employment and/or not economic inclusion barriers, and improved household financial resilience outcomes. People who are more financially resilient also have improved financial well-being, and physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They are also more engaged and productive at work, as a result of lower levels of financial stress.

Thus, this Intelligence Memo underscores the need for targeted support to help Canadians access meaningful employment, overcome economic inclusion barriers and achieve economic mobility.

This intelligence memo is designed to inform and support a wide range of stakeholders in the ecosystem, including Policymakers, Employers, Financial Institutions and community organizations. It provides data-driven analysis and insights that can guide efforts to remove barriers and foster inclusive economic growth. To drive real change, we must tackle economic inclusion and mobility challenges collaboratively. Policymakers can address systemic barriers through targeted policies; employers can implement practices that support financial security for their employees; and community organizations can offer resources that directly impact economic mobility.

Additional data and insights on this topic are available in the ‘All In: Pathways to Economic and Financial Inclusion in Canada’ report
published by Public Policy Forum in December 2024, with Financial Resilience Institute a key report contributor. This report is available here.

Read the ‘Flipping the Script’ – Charting a path towards full Economic Financial Inclusion in Canada’ Report published by Public Policy Forum with data analytics and provided by Financial Resilience Institute (December 2024)

Coming Soon – Latest Economic Inclusion and Mobility and Financial Resilience Insights’ building on our November 2024 Report (February 2025)