Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - January 2007
A new study released by the Montreal-based Institute for Research on Public Policy suggests that the process of social integration is slower for visible-minority immigrants than it is for their white, European counterparts. The findings indicate that integration is impeded at least in part by a perception of discrimination and vulnerability among visible-minority newcomers. The study used data from Statistics Canada�s Ethnic Diversity Survey 2002, a landmark survey developed in order to provide new and important information on the ethnic and cultural background of people in Canada and how it relates to their lives in Canada today.
According to the study, visible-minority immigrants identify themselves less as Canadians, trust their fellow citizens less and are less likely to vote than white, European immigrants. Furthermore, findings indicate that the gap widens between first and second generation immigrants. Children of visible minority immigrants feel even less of a sense of belonging than their parents, perhaps due to their greater expectation of social acceptance.
The study highlights a perceived sense of exclusion among visible minority groups yet does not provide actual evidence of discrimination. In fact, the extent of discrimination is a point of dispute. According to Jeffrey Reitz, coauthor of the study and University of Toronto professor, �[t]here is a perception among minority communities that discrimination is part of their lives. Yet if you ask Canadians in general, they discount discrimination.�
The study also calls into question the adequacy of Canada�s longstanding policy on interethnic relations. As per the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, it is the policy of the Government of Canada to promote the full and equitable participation of all individuals and communities in all aspects of Canadian society and to assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation. Because visible diversity is being translated by some into a profound sense of exclusion, both Canada�s Multiculturalism policy and practice are being accused as problematic and potentially contradictory.
According to Ratna Omidvar, executive director of the Maytree Foundation, a Toronto organization that works with immigrants, �[g]ood multicultural policy must not only protect our rights to equality, but it must also create real opportunities.�
Sources:
-The Globe and Mail, How Canadian are you? by Marina Jimenez, January 12, 2007
-The Globe and Mail, How does Multiculturalism Translate for Minorities? by Haley Mick, January 12, 2007
-Racial Inequality, Social Cohesion and Policy Issues in Canada by Jeffrey G. Reitz and Rupa Banerjee
