Canadian Immigration and Unemployment

• Ontario's population growth rate has decreased.

Immigration in Canada (2011-2016)

• Canada welcomed 1,212,075 new immigrants, representing 3.5% of Canada's total population in 2016.
• 60.3% of immigrants were admitted under the Economic Class, about 20% more than in the 1980s.
• 26.8% were admitted under the Family Class, fewer than in the 1980s.
• 11.6% were admitted as Refugees, also fewer than in the 1980s.
• Predominant source countries for new immigrants include Asia (62%) and Africa (13%).

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• PNPs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for immigration who wish to settle in a specific province.
• Ontario utilizes the PNP the most.

Unemployment

• Unemployment occurs when individuals available for work and actively seeking employment cannot find a job.
• It is often used as an indicator of the economy's health.

Underemployment

• Underemployment assesses employment and labor utilization in the economy.
• It considers how well the labor force is utilized in terms of skills, experience, and availability to work.
• Underemployment includes workers who are overqualified, part-time workers preferring full-time work, and individuals not working at their full capability.

Unemployment Programs

• Career Edge Organization's | Career Bridge program has connected skilled immigrants with Canadian employers through paid internships since 2003.
• The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) operates this program.

Structural Issues in the Canadian Economy

• Factors contributing to structural issues include overall economic downturns (recessions).
• Sectoral variations and volatility, such as in the Information Technology sector, play a role.
• The rise of the Service Sector and the decline in the Manufacturing Sector affects the economy.
• Also the baby boomer generation is a relevant factor.

Difficulties Faced by New Immigrants in Canada

• New immigrants report several difficulties after being in Canada for at least four years.
• These include not enough Canadian job experience (49.8%).
• Lack of connections in the job market (37%).
• Foreign experience not being accepted (36.6%).
• Foreign qualifications not being accepted (35%).
• Lack of Employment Opportunities (32%).

Employment Rates

• Calgary has the highest employment rate (74%).
• Employment rates exceed 65% in Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Kitchener.
• Victoria, Ottawa, and Quebec City experienced the most positive change (>7%) in employment between 1996 and 2007.
• Montreal, St. Catharines, and Toronto have the highest unemployment rates.

David Hulchanski's Three Cities

• City #1 is characterized by a predominantly high-income area within the boundaries of old Toronto.
• It is located in the central city near subway lines.
• Since 1970, neighborhood incomes have risen relative to the rest of the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).
• City #2 consists mainly of middle-income areas.
• Since 1970, neighborhood incomes have remained fairly close to the CMA average.
• City #3 is a low-income area of Toronto.
• Since 1970, neighborhood incomes have fallen substantially.
• It is mostly located in the northeastern and northwestern parts of Toronto.
• In 1970, Toronto was built for a middle income population with mostly middle income residents.
• There were huge disparities in the recent years.

The Term "Race"

• The term "Race" originated in the English language from French and Italian roots in the 18th Century.
• Defining people by "race" served the interests of mercantile and industrial capitalism, particularly in Britain and the British colonies.
• The process of "othering" legitimized the exploitation and colonization of people throughout the world and spread to Australia, Canada, and other white-settler colonies.
• It is exemplified by categories such as 'White'/'Black'/'Chinese'/'South Asian'.
• "Ethno" is a Greek term meaning distinct people, referring to individuals or groups.
• Individuals define their personal identity.
• A type of social stratification emerges when people form groups based on their real or perceived origins and/or 'culture'.
• For example, Canadians of Irish origin

Identity

• Identity are the elements that make up the view that people take of themselves
• Sensibilities developed around the axes of 'race', gender, economic and social class, political view, religious belief and religiosity, sexual orientation, ability.
• Identity is fluid (especially ethnic identity)
• PRIMORDIAL (based on nation, language, origin, etc. – seen as fixed as constructed)
• INSTITUTIONAL (externally imposed by institutional bodies – e.g., Statistics Canada)
• SITUATIONAL (in cultural studies "identity" is seen as the unstable product of discourse)

Ethnic Identity

• Ethnic identity is a socio-psychological phenomenon derived from membership to an ethnic group.
• According to Heibert (2000), the development of an ethnic group may depend on:
  • Shared history – e.g., Colonization (Indigenous peoples).
  • Racialization – e.g., Being seen as Black or Asian.
  • External labels – e.g., “Boat people” (Vietnamese refugees).
  • Internalized identity – e.g., Calling yourself "South Asian", "Black".

Colonies

• First landing area for immigrant groups.
• Act as a temporary space, often leading to Cultural Assimilation.
• Followed by Spatial Dispersal (moving to other areas).
• Ex: Polish Colony in Roncesvalles, Toronto

Enclaves

• (Simple Definition): Immigrants settle in certain areas, either because they have to or because they want to.
• These areas have a clear location and tend to last a long time.
• Usually, they are low-income neighborhoods.
• Ex: Bangladeshi enclave near Victoria Park in Toronto.

Ethnoburb

• (Simple Definition): A suburban area where many people from the same ethnic group live and work
• Immigrants choose to live there
• Usually a wealthier area
• Has lots of businesses and homes
• People often have jobs and businesses connected to the global economy.
• Ex: Chinese community in Markham (near Pacific Mall).
• These areas are moving farther out from city centers.
• The word ethnoburb was first used by Dr. Wei Li in 1997.

Ghetto

• (Simple Definition): Ethnic or immigrant groups live there because they were forced to, not by choice.
• These areas stay the same for a long time.
• Often caused by unfair systems, like discrimination in housing.
• Ex: Irish and African-American ghettos in Chicago.

Institutional Completeness

• Institutional completeness (Raymond Breton, 1964): How well an ethnic community provides necessary services for its members.
• A growing ethnic population strengthens the community's ability to support itself.
• Ex: A large Indian enclave may have its own schools, temples, businesses, and healthcare.
• More people moving in makes the community more self-sufficient.

Little Italy Video

• Selling Ethnic Enclaves: Real Estate and Tourism.
• Neighborhood Characteristics
  • Historically home to Italian immigrants
  • Located on College Street West
  • Once a mix of working-class residents and artists
  • Now a walkable, vibrant area
• Culture & Atmosphere:
  • Known for its traditional Italian food
  • A blend of old traditions and modern diversity.
• Missing Information:
  • No details on food and housing prices
  • Lacks information on education opportunities
• The video lacks details about affordability and schools.

The Ward (St. John's Ward)

• Toronto's First Immigrant Hub.
• Early immigrant neighborhood in Toronto.
• Home to Irish famine refugees, escaped American slaves, and Eastern European refugees.
• From the late 1800s to the 1920s, it was the center for Jewish, Italian, and Chinese communities.
• Known for strong community ties, resilience, and struggles for inclusion.
• Demolition & Legacy: Demolished in the late 1950s.
• Also Toronto City Hall was built on its former site. A memorial now honors its history.

Ethnic Enclaves (in Toronto)

• Definition: Areas where a specific ethnic group is concentrated, with residential communities, businesses, and cultural institutions.
• Established Enclaves:
  • Jewish: Bathurst St.
  • Chinese: Spadina Ave. (Chinatown)
  • Greek: The Danforth (Greektown).
  • Italian: College St. (Little Italy).
• Emerging Enclaves:
  • Filipino: Little Manila (Wilson Ave. & Bathurst St.)
  • Korean: Finch & Yonge
  • Iranian: Yonge St., just south of Finch (Tehranto)