This societal impact focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Lakehead University offers comprehensive career services, internships, co-op, and experiential learning opportunities that help develop the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Through research and engagement, the university provides input into economic development initiatives and strategies that promote sustainable growth and decent work.

Community Impact

Prosperous Economy

Lakehead University is one of Thunder Bay & Orillia's top employers.

In 2024-25, Lakehead University’s total impact on Ontario’s GDP was $4.73 billion

• Lakehead contributed $2.7 billion annually to the economy of Northwestern Ontario
• Lakehead contributed $2.2 billion annually to the economy of the City of Thunder Bay
• Lakehead contributed $355 million annually to the economy of the City of Orillia

Teaching and Student Life

Student Career Development

Lakehead University offers a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain work experience and develop career-ready skills through experiential learning, co-operative education, internships, and employment programs. Students can participate in Lakehead’s Co-operative Education program, which integrates classroom learning with paid workplace experience. Depending on the program, students can complete work terms ranging from four to 16 months, providing opportunities to apply academic knowledge in professional settings. Co-op positions must provide full-time, paid work experience and meet minimum work-term requirements. Additionally, the Lakehead University Work Study Program (LUWSP), provides eligible undergraduate students with part-time or full-time employment and mentorship opportunities.

Students can also access Career Zone programming, including career exploration, networking, job-search support, and skill-building opportunities, while initiatives such as Entrepreneurial Co-op allow students to develop and launch their own businesses with mentorship and financial support.

Administration and Operations

Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Lakehead University’s Equity Office measures, tracks, and reports our employment representation rates to Statistics Canada to better ensure gender parity, as well as pay scale equity, among our staff.

Staff and Faculty Compensation

Lakehead University adheres to provincial labour laws and regulations concerning staff and faculty compensation, including Ontario’s minimum wage requirements. The local living wage, determined with consideration for the needs of a family of four, is established at $21.10 per hour in Northern Ontario, home of the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus, and $24.60 in Grey Bruce Perth Huron Simcoe, home of the Lakehead Orillia campus.

While Lakehead complies with the province’s minimum wage laws, it’s essential to note that all unionized positions, including faculty, graduate assistants, technical staff and professional staff in non-unionized roles receive compensation that exceeds the minimum wage as detailed in Lakehead University’s Salary Information guidelines. In addition, Lakehead University has invested in a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.

Investing in Our Employees

Lakehead University’s total compensation for faculty and staff includes salary, comprehensive benefits, pension plans, and wellness and employee support programs. The University provides opportunities for professional and career development through Teaching & Learning & initiatives, employee resources, and a tuition waiver benefit that supports eligible employees and their families in pursuing further education. Lakehead also promotes pay equity and transparency by publishing salary grids and collective agreements, conducting regular pay equity reviews, and publicly disclosing salary information in accordance with Ontario’s public sector requirements.

Employee Rights and Representation.

Lakehead University recognizes employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, including women and international staff. Through its Human Resources department, the University provides access to information on employee unions and associations and their corresponding collective agreements. These agreements outline employment terms and conditions, including compensation, benefits, working conditions, and processes for addressing workplace concerns. This framework supports employees’ ability to access representation and participate in collective bargaining, promoting fair employment practices and the protection of labour rights across the University.

Supporting Fair and Equitable Workplaces

The Office of the University Ombudsperson provides an independent, confidential, and impartial resource for the Lakehead University community. The Ombudsperson offers information and guidance to students and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities, assists with concerns and complaints, and promotes fairness and procedural equity in University decision-making.

The Office of Human Rights and Equity plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of Lakehead University’s community members.  This office offers support and monitors compliance with discrimination in the workplace.  It actively raises awareness about the detrimental effects of discrimination and harassment through various programs and initiatives.

Gender Pay Equity Policy, Measurement and Elimination of Gender Pay Gaps

Lakehead University has a publicly documented commitment to pay equity and the elimination of gender-based salary differences through its Faculty Employment Equity Policy and Gender Equality initiatives. The Faculty Employment Equity Policy commits the University to identifying and eliminating salary differentials resulting from gender bias through study, analysis and action. It also provides for annual reporting on progress to the President.

Lakehead’s public reporting further describes monitoring gender equity in faculty compensation, including publishing salary data by gender through Statistics Canada’s University and College Academic Staff System. The University also identifies its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan as part of its broader approach to employment equity.

Promoting Employment Equity

Lakehead University’s Human Rights and Equity Office supports the University’s commitment to employment equity through policies, programs, and initiatives that promote equitable recruitment, hiring, retention, and professional development. The University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (2019–2024), Accessing Excellence Together, outlines goals and strategies to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, address barriers in hiring and advancement, and strengthen EDI training and support for employees.