Our last post highlighted demographic-related disability statistics from Yukon and Saskatchewan; this post will discuss those of Prince Edward Island and Nunavut. As we continue to research the relationship between disability and demographics, we find that disability communities look quite different from location to location.
What does disability look like in Canada’s smallest Province?
Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest Province, is one of the most famous places in the world. PEI’s fame is mostly due to the Anne of Green Gables books and movies. Besides that, Prince Edward Island is well-known for its fishing and agricultural industries.
What does disability look like in Prince Edward Island? Here are a few statistics:
– 57,980 women had a regular doctor in 2009, in contrast to 52,618 men.
– Average life expectancy for men (between 2005 and 2007) was 78; for women, it was 83.
– “In 2008 women and men alike lost a total of about nine disability/illness work days in the entire year.”
– 7,739 men were reported to have arthritis in 2009, whereas 13,694 women had arthritis.
To read about some of Prince Edward Island’s disability resources, visit http://www.disabilityliving.ca/people-with-disabilities-prince-edward-island/.
Nunavut, which comprises 1/5 of the land mass of Canada, was home to only 31,556 people in 2009.
Interestingly, Inuit peoples comprise about 4/5 of Nunavut’s population. Nunavut has a low number of disability statistics available. The reason for this is its isolated location. We do know that 1,178 females living in Nunavut had a regular doctor in 2009. Also in 2009, 568 females reportedly had arthritis.
Did you know that Nunavut had an outbreak of tuberculosis relatively recently? Apparently, “The population infection rate was 62 times higher than average.” To read more about this tuberculosis attack, visit http://www.disabled-world.com/news/canada/nunavut/tb.php.
It’s obvious from observing the differences between Nunavut and Prince Edward Island that location has a bearing upon rates of disability.
Geographical location affects disability communities. What part of Canada do you reside in? Tell us about the face of disability in your Province or town.
Sources:
http://www.disabilityliving.ca/people-with-disabilities-prince-edward-island/
http://www.disabilityliving.ca/people-with-disabilities-nunavat/
http://www.disabled-world.com/news/canada/nunavut/tb.php
Image made available by Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr through Creative Commons License.
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Why do you think Nunavut has such scarce disability statistics available? What could be done to attain more statistics?
In an isolated location such as Nunavut, how do you think a disability community gets the help it needs (such as health care, support services, etc)?
