State of Black Economics Report (SOBER) 2026

The Black population in Canada, a heterogeneous population marked by intersectional differences in ethnicity, generation status, and geography, represent 4.3% of the population—a community that has more than doubled since 1996 and could exceed three million people by 2041. Young, diverse, and globally connected, with 41.9% under age 25 and 60% born outside Canada, this growing population plays a critical role in the country’s economic future.

At the same time, the enduring legacy of slavery, segregation and anti-Black racism continues to shape economic outcomes. Systemic barriers remain embedded within institutions and systems, influencing access to education, employment, leadership opportunities, capital and markets. While there have been areas of progress, persistent disparities highlight the structural nature of economic exclusion and the need for sustained, coordinated action.

This second annual State of Black Economics Report builds on the foundation of the inaugural edition by tracking trends, highlighting emerging data and deepening analysis in key areas of economic participation: education, employment, leadership and entrepreneurship.

This year’s report again shares economic indicators of Canada’s growing Black community. However, a more systematic view of where gaps are widening, where transparency is weakest, and where Black talent is concentrated in high-demand sectors is available as researchers are now able to compare data from its inaugural report. This year’s report has a focus on education examining the representation of Black teachers in Ontario school boards,  a coss-country review of race-based transparency at 15 major colleges and a systematic scan of representation at Canada’s 8 largest universities. The report also provides updated labour market data alongside a focused analysis of Black representation in high demand sectors and occupations. Additionally, this year’s report provides an update on the representation of the Black population on corporate boards, in senior leadership at Canada’s largest companies and in public sector leadership.