About us

Get to know your new team of experts
Where advisory and frontier research collide.
We are a Canadian economic advisory dedicated to delivering clear, accessible, and rigorous analysis to help clients achieve their goals. Specializing in economics, public policy, and natural resource governance, we combine deep expertise with cutting-edge tools and innovation.

We believe that knowledge production should be part of a larger strategy to effect change and unlock value. As economists, we understand that research can have an impact across the entire value chain, from data generation to analysis to dissemination.

We live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, as well as the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
Insightful analysis for practical solutions
We pride ourselves on creating collaborative partnerships, simplifying complex problems, and delivering valuable insights free from jargon. Whether solving tough problems or streamlining processes, we work closely with clients to ensure they are equipped for success, especially those who are understaffed or underserved. Our approach is rooted in academic rigor, ensuring that our analyses are methodologically sound, data-driven, and informed by the latest research and best practices.
Strategic guidance, meaningful outcomes
We work with clients through every stage of their operations, from policy design and negotiation to litigation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Our team ensures clients are equipped to confidently engage with governments, private industry, and other external parties, achieving the best outcomes at the negotiating table and beyond. Dedicated to building capacity, we aim to empower our clients to bring these roles in-house as their organizations grow. Our aim is to generate organizational economic and statistical capabilities alongside our work, ensuring that clients build lasting expertise.
Specialized expertise, proven impact
Our services span four core areas. In litigation support, we deliver precise, credible analysis to articulate events, assess evidence, and explain economic consequences, working closely with legal counsel to build strong cases. Under agreement development and support, we help clients design and negotiate collaborative agreements, ensuring fair and mutually beneficial outcomes. Our expertise in policy design, advocacy, and implementation enables us to assist in creating new protected areas, advancing critical initiatives, and driving impactful policy changes. Additionally, we offer a suite of specialist services, such as data analysis, financial modeling, and other ad-hoc services. We are a dedicated core team with extensive experience. For larger, multidisciplinary projects, we assemble specialized teams from our network as required.

Our clients are First Nations, Indigenous governments, Inuit organizations, natural resource companies, law firms, independent lawyers, community organizations, and economic development corporations. If you are interested in our services, feel free to reach out to info@inference-economics.com.
Our Values
  • There is no cut and paste. We recognize that every organization, situation, and problem is different, and may require methodological innovation. We know when to deviate from orthodox approaches to get the analysis right.
  • Knowledge is for good. We believe in the power of data and research to lead to smarter decisions. Our work should benefit the planet, reduce societal inequality, and foster stronger communities.
  • Expertise should be accessible. High-quality economic analysis should be available to all organizations, regardless of size or resources. We prioritize affordability, collaboration, and pragmatic solutions to ensure those who need our expertise the most can access it.
  • Questions lead to clarity. We think there is no such thing as a bad question, especially coming from a non-specialist. We seek to make our insights and analysis accessible to all users.
  • Our business works for society. We are committed to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. We operate at carbon neutral or better, and donate a percentage of our profits to the communities served by our clients.
  • Intellectual curiosity drives excellence in practice. Our work is built on academic rigor, industry best practices, and the highest professional standards. We continuously refine our methodologies and stay at the forefront of economic research.
Eric Werker
Chief Economist
A.B. Economics, Ph.D Economics
Eric Werker earned his A.B. and Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. He is a professor at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, a former faculty member of Harvard Business School, and an affiliate or fellow of many academic and policy organizations including the United Nations University WIDER and the International Growth Centre. Co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports and more than 40 business case studies, supplements, technical notes, and teaching notes, he has served as peer reviewer for over 60 academic journals and publishers.

Eric aims to bring clear thinking—grounded in theory and informed by data—to help organizations make better decisions that can unlock value and contribute to positive social outcomes. As an economist, Eric has balanced an active research program with advising and consulting to entities across the world, seeking to bring cutting-edge academic insights to practical issues and utilizing his experience as a practitioner to inform scientific research. He has advised the President of Liberia on economic policy and served as a member of the Province of British Columbia’s Emerging Economy Task Force. Also an experienced educator, Eric has taught both business and policy students at Harvard and Simon Fraser universities, as well as executives, policymakers, and Indigenous leaders at Harvard, Oxford, and Simon Fraser universities.
Kiernan Gange
Lead Economist
B.A. (Hons) Economics, M.A. Economics
Kiernan Gange received his Masters of Arts in Economics at the University of British Columbia, where he researched the relationship between economic prosperity and land autonomy in Western First Nations. Prior to UBC, Kiernan attended the University of Winnipeg, where he received the gold medal in the Bachelor of Arts, Economics honours program. Kiernan has experience in community economic development, program evaluation, and data analysis.

Kiernan is interested in the intersection of economic theory and new technology, specifically around leveraging the latest statistical technologies to achieve organizational goals. Using tools traditionally associated with data science, Kiernan seeks to help organizations create open and easily communicable methods of knowledge sharing. Big data and small data both come with their own challenges that require a depth of statistical and technical knowledge, and Kiernan is equipped to handle both.

Kiernan has taught economics at the University of Winnipeg and has experience in the non-profit sector and government. In his spare time, Kiernan enjoys cycling and spending time outdoors. 
Elena Tanzola
Lead Financial Analyst
B.A. International Relations, Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®)
Elena Tanzola is an accomplished financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in financial modeling, analysis, and valuation—specializing in the mining and renewable energy sectors. Elena has developed a deep understanding of project economics, market trends, and capital structuring, providing strategic insights to support investment decisions on a wide range of transactions including mergers and acquisitions, equity valuation, project finance, asset disposition, capital raising, as well as structuring streaming, royalty, debt, and hybrid instruments. Elena has held senior leadership roles, serving as both an officer and director of publicly-listed companies while delivering comprehensive due diligence and risk assessments for complex projects.

Known for her analytical precision and industry expertise, Elena excels at driving value creation and supporting interest holders with actionable, data-driven recommendations. Elena graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a major in International Relations and holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) designations. Elena is passionate about identifying equitable outcomes for all interest holders in Canada’s resource sector, striving to ensure that the benefits of this rich industry are broadly shared. In her free time, Elena enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, and traveling. She values spending quality time with her friends and family.
Ready to get started?
We welcome both general inquiries and project discussions. Whether you’re exploring a potential collaboration or ready to move forward with a project, our team is here to help. Click the button below to get in touch and start the conversation.