High-income earners in Quebec and Canada: portrait and evolution between 2000 and 2020

Mamadou Diallo, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

The concentration of income or wealth in the hands of the highest earners (top 10%) raises important questions about wealth distribution and economic and social inequalities. This study examines the profile of high-income earners (top 10%) and its evolution from 2000 to 2020 in Quebec and Canada, along with associated sociodemographic characteristics. Using administrative data, the research employs descriptive and explanatory methods to identify key factors influencing access to this group. Descriptive results reveal under-representations and over-representations among high earners based on sociodemographic and geographic characteristics. The explanatory analysis provides nuanced insights into determinants of high-income status in both regions. The study highlights several crucial factors. Women are less likely than men to achieve high-income status in both Quebec and Canada. Immigrants face disadvantages, with 26.6% and 21.1% lower chances in Quebec and Canada, respectively. Parental socioeconomic status proves vital, multiplying chances by 5.8 in Quebec and 6.5 in Canada. Other significant factors include education, marital status, age, number of children, and area of residence, all impacting the likelihood of achieving high-income status. This analysis offers a comprehensive perspective on determinants of high-income status in Quebec and Canada, illuminating the impact of various sociodemographic and geographic factors on economic inequalities.

Keywords: Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Longitudinal studies , Gender Dynamics, Economic Demography

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