Faculty Publications

Revising the Harris-Todaro Framework to Model Labour Migration from the Canadian Northern Frontier

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Aboriginal population, Canadian North, Economic models, Frontier workers, Labour migration

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Population Research

Volume

24

Issue

2

First Page

185

Last Page

206

Abstract

The Harris-Todaro model of labour migration was developed almost four decades ago, and since has become a classic method of migration analysis in less developed countries. This paper explores the applicability of the Harris-Todaro (HT) framework outside its traditional use, by modelling frontier-metropolis migration in Canada. If appropriate, the framework can potentially be used in other countries with similar regional dichotomies, such as Russia and Australia. The paper argues that the HT model is generally applicable in the context of migration from the resource frontier to large metropolitan areas of the Canadian south, although it requires several modifications. The classic HT model is extended to account for northern labour-force heterogeneity (Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal), the possibility of having or losing jobs in the declining and undiversified frontier economy, and living cost differentials. Further analysis is focused on Aboriginal migration from isolated northern communities. The plausibility of the modified HT model is demonstrated using an empirical test in which the model is used to assess migration probabilities of Aboriginal labour migrants. These new insights into the mechanisms of frontier-metropolis migration could provide a better basis for developing planning strategies, aimed to sustain human capital in the Canadian North, and for optimizing welfare policies both in the North and in the South.

Department

Department of Geography

Original Publication Date

1-1-2007

DOI of published version

10.1007/BF03031930

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS