A new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals a shocking disparity between the pay rates of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers.

According to the report, university-educated Aboriginal workers make 44 per cent less in the private sector than their non-Aboriginal peers — but 14 per cent less in the public sector.

The study also found university-educated women, in general, earned 27 per cent less than men in the private sector and about 18 per cent less in the public sector.

Senior researcher Kate McInturff says the public sector recognizes the disparity and has made a greater effort to correct it.