Kayla Ishkanian

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Researcher

Kayla Ishkanian is a Researcher with the Centre for Aboriginal Policy Studies. She is currently a Masters of Public Policy candidate at the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto. She also has a BA in Political Science and History from McGill University.

Recent Research by Kayla Ishkanian

Custom Election Codes for First Nations: A Double-Edged Sword
— Mar 21, 2017
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Custom Election Codes for First Nations

Custom Election Codes for First Nations: A Double-Edged Sword finds that nearly 60 per cent of Canada’s First Nations have adopted custom election systems for band chiefs and councils, instead of using Indian Act rules. And while custom-made election systems for individual First Nation bands may produce more accountable and transparent government, they may also lead to abuse of power and discrimination.

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The Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples: A Patchwork of Canadian Policies
— May 26, 2016
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Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples

The Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples: A Patchwork of Canadian Policies spotlights the legal duty to consult – a principle in Canadian law that obligates federal and provincial governments to consult Aboriginal peoples prior to making decisions that could affect Aboriginal or treaty rights. The study finds that the duty to consult has been implemented by provincial governments in different ways:  This has resulted in a patchwork of policies that can be difficult to navigate for Aboriginal people and for project proponents who are trying to advance development projects that cross provincial boundaries.

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Government Spending and Own-Source Revenue for Canada's Aboriginals: A Comparative Analysis
— Mar 10, 2016
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Government Spending and Own-Source Revenue for Canada's Aboriginals: A Comparative Analysis

Government Spending and Own-Source Revenue for Canada’s Aboriginals: A Comparative Analysis finds that federal and provincial government spending on Canada’s aboriginal population has risen dramatically—well beyond spending for other Canadians—yet education and employment outcomes in many aboriginal communities remain dire. For example, federal government spending through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (which does not represent all federal government spending related to Aboriginals) increased to $7.9 billion (adjusted for inflation) in 2013/14 from $82 million over the past six decades.

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