Visible minorities pass 5-million mark for first time

The data, released by Statistics Canada, shows surging immigration from Asia has resulted in visible minorities now comprising 16 per cent of Canada's population -- an increase of 27 per cent between 2001 and 2006.

Since 2001, three-quarters of Canada's new immigrants have been visible minorities, and the total now sits at 5,068,100, the census shows.

"We're seeing for the first time with this census that the Southeast Asians actually surpass Chinese as the largest minority group," Statistics Canada's Rosemary Bender told CTV News on Wednesday.

Immigration lawyer Ravi Jain told CTV's Canada AM Wednesday morning he's not surprised that the number of South Asian immigrants -- those hailing from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan -- is on the rise, with the highest number coming from India.

"There's a real explanation here that makes sense," he said.

"India of course is a former Commonwealth country. English is a dominant language and education is emphasized -- the same thing as China in terms of education."

South Asians now make up about one-quarter of the visible minority population in Canada, translating to about 4 per cent (nearly 1.3 million) of the country's population.

Those with Chinese roots make up about another quarter (some 1.2 million) of the total visible minority population.

Following those two ethnic groups are those identifying themselves as black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese, to make up the Top 10 visible minorities.

But Jain said most of Canada's new immigrants still end up clustered around Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal -- a trend that he suggests can be addressed through better workplace integration.

According to the census, 96 per cent of the visible minority population live in a metropolitan area. That's in sharp contrast to the 68 per cent of the total population that live in major cities.

Jain said there should be more of a push to attract immigrants to places like Alberta, where there is a dramatic shortfall of workers and jobs are readily available.

"That will send the message that the provinces that do that -- Alberta and others that aren't reflective of these major cities -- they will draw in the immigrants and then we'll see more diversity besides Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver," he said.

More than 200 different ethnic origins were reported in the 2006 census, StatsCan reports. That marks a steep increase over the past century. In the 1901 census, only 25 different ethnic groups were recorded. The largest share of the population at that time was people reporting Aboriginal, British and French origins.

Among the newer ethnic groups added to the list in 2006 were those from Montserrat in the Caribbean, and Chad, Gabon, Gambia and Zambia in Africa.

The study, dubbed Canada's Ethnocultural Mosaic, 2006 Census, shows Canada's visible minority population has been steadily growing over the past quarter-century:

1981: 1.1 million visible minorities represented 4.7 per cent of the population;
1991: 2.5 million visible minorities accounted for 9.4 per cent of the total population;
1996: 3.2 million visible minorities represented 11.2 per cent;
2001: 3.98 million visible minorities comprised 13.4 per cent of the total population;
2006: 5,068,100 visible minorities account for 16 per cent of the total population.

Comments are now closed for this story

eli
said

I agree with Basil. I was an immigrant - I was 7 when we immigrated to Canada in the 70's. The world was alot less complicated then as it is now. My father 'canadianized' us as soon as possible. We spoke English only, and dropped alot of our culture because we wanted to be Canadian citizens - and be proud of it. Part of me regrets not continuing and passing some of our culture on to my daughters (I married a 13th generation Canadian), but then again - what good would it do them? Somehow, someday, Canada will be the country it is destined to be - regardless of how painful the process will.
There will always be prejudiced people in the world, and hurt people.

Layton in Moncton
said

There are lots of interesting comments in this post, most of them very sensible. Nice to see. No crazy racist comments, no xenophobia. But I am a white, english speaking male and I have been discriminated against, because I wasn't bilingual, because I was a man, and because I was white. All on different occasions. If you put an ad in the paper that says White English Males need only apply, I guarantee you'll be in court faster than you can say oh crap. I don't blame immigrants wanting to move to Canada, its a great nation, the place of my birth. But its time to drop the hyphens, either you are Canadian or not. I don't blame employers for my being discriminated, I blame misguided and ill thought out 'affirmative action' policies. And as far as fast tracking immigrants with specific skills, why not try training the people we already have here. Black white or plaid, retrain the people here first.

Jo
said

Maybe it's time that world educators got together to create an international level of education with checks and balances to ensure institutions around the globe have the same standards. That would certainly alleviate the problem.
Everyone should also remember that acquiring a degree (in any field) does not guarantee employment in that(or any) field. Also, don't expect to land a job and immediately start in management - we all start from the ground up (unless of course Daddy owns the company)!
I personally know many people (of ALL races) who hold degrees from Canadian universities and they're flipping burgers - so this isn't just a 'minority' problem.

JPC
said

So when does a 'visible minority' become a 'visible majority' and live like the rest of us?

Jay
said

ok
if they make up 1/5 then I think they are no longer a minority.
Also, I personally think the term minority is offensive.
I'm a hybrid Canadian with Dutch, French and Native. I don't consider myself a minority even though I'm sure a person with my mix is pretty rare.

I'm tired of hearing terms like Minority being used in the News Daily.
If you don't want to be a minority go back where you came from and become the majority.
Otherwise, please just try to fit in and live on like all us Canadians do.

Metro Man
said

Jonah it is not racism when you can not verify the credentials of immigrants. They may be teachers where they cam from but are they certified for Canada.

TDL2008
said

Lart from Above wrote: "It's unfortunate that the Conservatives have slowed down immigration of new permanent residents, resulting in a growing backlog in the past couple of years."

The backlog of 800,000 applicants stems from the poor job of training/staffing of immigration by the Liberals for almost a decade. Putting a hold on new applications until you have processed the backlog is more than reasonable.

My real concern here is what are the Conservatives doing within immigration to improve efficiencies of the workforce?

A year from now I don't want to read the backlog is up around 800,000.

At least put out a figure that immigration is aiming for and report back the progress.

Li Quan , the highclass floor sweeping half-breed
said

Prejudice goes in all directions and back again with battle lines drawn anywhere and everywhere. Brothers can find difference between themselves and fight if the desire is there. We should bury the sting of pride we feel from societal pressures and difficulties, lest we lash out at others and worsen the situation. We should dry up the hate dripping off the words we use to designate each other in the name callings, so evident in some of the comments posted here. Racism has been alive forever and won't be going away tomorrow. Just remember that while there are people that may really hate you...not everyone hates you. Play well with the cards you were dealt, you'll get everything you deserve. Promise.

Just a guy
said

Hardish "I think if potential immigrants knew how much racism, discrimination and intolerance they will face living in this country, most would choose to stay in their homelands."

How soon can you embark on this program of enlightenment?

Just a guy!

Raven
said

Hardish, I'm also a second generation Canadian, and I have had the complete opposite experience. The most open and blunt racism that I've been sujected to has come from other immigrants/visible minorities, not "white" Canadians. These instances have been few and far between. I've traveled all over the world (including all over Canada) and I never feel more safe and accepted than when I'm in Canada. Racism exists everywhere, but often what people assume is racism is actualy a reaction to a negative attitude. Often people are so afraid of being treated badly that they go on the defensive and other people react with a similar attitide. More often then not, people will treat you as you treat them and we can't always assume racism is the cause.

Devon K.
said

"With all due respect Mr.Devon K., there's nothing out of line about my comment and your experience as a white male has informed your opinion as much as my immigrant experience in Canada has informed mine." - Hardish

First off, what makes you think I am a white male? Isn't that a little presumptuous of you and given the context of this disucssion a little prejudiced to boot?

"I find your bizarre instructions to "look for tolerance Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan" to be highly insulting because this conversation is about Canada" - Hardish

Really? The people coming to this country usually are leaving states that are repressive and very often totalitarian. So my comment wasn't bizzare at all but on point. If this country is so bad then why are people coming here? Sorry but this country is pretty much a haven for people seeking a better life.

I reject the idea that this nation is as racist, discriminatory, etc as you claim. On my father's side I'm a second generation immigrant too. I'm also a member of an invisible minority as they call us. It's never been an issue.

The fact that you based your post on assumptions says a lot.

Bin
said

Re: Rene's comment

Just wanted to point something out that Rene stated earlier. Yes we Canadians are "multicultural", meaning that everyone has the right to practice their OWN culture. If you want a universal "Canadian Culture" then we would just be the USA's "melting pot". Don't change what makes us Canadian!

Chris
said

Although I have not yet seen much in the way of discrimination towards visible minorities in my life, I do believe it exists. I was brought up to treat all people fair and decent, and that to not do so is un-civilized. I hope that we as a country can show that we can be better than this.

James
said

Several comments about Harper's intentions for immigration need to be contextualized. While economic immigrants are the largest category of immigration, family and refugee class immigration is very sizeable. Admitting between 250,000-300,000 immigrants a year is astonishing considering our relatively small population. Compared to rates elsewhere in the west, they are through the roof.

I personally think the Canadian government should be doing more to encourage natural increase as well. That is the most effective way to ensure a replenishing labour supply.

Bob Wilson
said

I am a descendent of the earliest French settlers in Canada on my Mom's side and 4th generation from Scandinavia on my Dad's side. I Am Canadian.

I can, however, relate to being discriminated against when looking at a public service job posting in the mid-eighties in Calgary when it proclaimed "must be a visible minority."

That statement gave me a hollow feeling inside, knowing that in the country I was born and raised in I was not allowed to compete fair and square for a job.

James
said

The ongoing quest for an inclusive Canadian nationality and identity continues...agh!

The process of integration, and yes assimilation is a two-way street. There is an obligation on the part of established Canadians, as well as on incoming immigrants.

Every Canadian, newcomer or not, has an obligation to Canada and the flourishing of a Canadian identity. We have to throw away these hyphenated identites and embrace a singular Canadian identity. For example, if a Chinese immigrant becomes a Canada citizen and establishes a life and family here, he or she is no longer Chinese...they are Canadian!!I truly believe this country will dissolve if we continue to emphasize what seperates us. What a tragegy that would be.

Nate
said

It's interesting to note that I find more instances of racism in the multi-cultural mosaic that is Toronto than the rural area of Peterborough County where I grew up.

AJ - Brampton
said

Hardish...you have saddened me. I am a second generation immigrant, born in the GTA. I have experienced racism in many forms. But never as a general rule like the U.S. has for so many hundreds of years.

The problem with our society is that we don't put much emphasis on being a canadian once you are here. Move to the US and they force you to renounce your citizenship and pledge allegiance to them. Wheras, in canada you have the ability to immigrate long before you pledge any sort of allegiance.
To compete for immigrants we tout ourselves as the country you don't have to change anything for.
We are so badly wanting to allow people to practice thier own customs and religions to the point where extreme views such as sharia law are contemplated.

Now please don't see this as me saying that there shouldn't be these types of freedoms, but, I was to move to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, CHINA, and many more countries; I wouldn't be allowed to practice my canadian customs or my religion because it is not what local LAW! dictates.

Basil
said

Most of what I've read down here in the comments is interpretation, but I want to present a fact: the birth rate in Canada is low. Very low. In fact, if Canada did not welcome as many immigrants as we do, we would have a declining population. Normally, first world countries' birth rates decline as the economy grows. Japan is an example of this- very large economy for the land they have, smallest birth rate in the world.

Since we have to bring so many people in, there's going to be a culture clash- every further generation is going to see some assimilation. The majority of the grandchildren of immigrants have more in common with their school friends than their parents or grandparents. Culture assimilation goes the other way too- you almost have to speak one Asian language to find a good job in parts of BC now. In the end though, it doesn't diminish Canadian culture- it helps define it. Historically, Canada has been shaped by colliding cultures, and I think we've done pretty well so far.

Steve in Fredericton
said

Call me crazy, but when I hear of a recent immigrant coming to this country (read society) and expecting to maintain ALL of their customs and practices (including moral judgements and legal practices), I can't help but wonder how they could be so presumptuous to think they don't have to adapt to the western way of life and respect legal authority.

Edward in Vancouver
said

Hardish, it sounds like you have not had a welcome experience here in Canada which is unfortunate. I see nothing wrong with being selective on who comes into Canada. Not that we shouldn't forbid refugee and the less fortunate. The reality is however if we open the doors to everyone and anyone, then our social systems will be taxed to th hilt, and OUR quality of life will suffer for it. As for "First Nations Cynthia" I would like to point out that I have as much right to be here as any "First Nations," having been born here myself. Quebec is celebrating its 400 anniversary, when do we stop becoming visitors?

Robin Hill
said

I was actually surprised to see the term "visible minority" still in use. Ride the bus in TO (or Calgary for that matter) and you'll see the future - it's an outmoded term that is essentially meaningless, and racist.

Lart from Above
said

Having grown up in the United States, and having had to work there recently, one of the things I love about Canada is how much better it is at welcoming immigrants and integrating them into the Canadian economy without forcing cultural assimilation on them.

Certainly there are issues of racism that remain to be resolved. Canada does better than other countries, but there is still lots of room for improvement. Activists should acknowledge and tap into the broad goodwill that exists in Canadian society to help solve these problems, instead of just sitting back and complaining about the pockets of racism that still exist. We all work hard to make the lives of our families and communities better; people shouldn't assume that their sense of entitlement will solve things or gain cooperation from others.

It's unfortunate that the Conservatives have slowed down immigration of new permanent residents, resulting in a growing backlog in the past couple of years. I don't like the idea of the immigration minister picking and choosing pre-assimilated immigrants; inevitably, this would become a barrier to non-white and non-anglophone immigrants coming to Canada. Western European culture is already well-established here; we have no need to reinforce it at the expense of other groups of new Canadians. Let us all follow the same rules, without favoritism. Give the immigration ministry staff and regulations that permit faster processing of family, refugee, and other immigrant categories.

Shamaro
said

Racism is not just a Canadian problem, it's a problem all around the world, whether it be in a country like Canada that was built on immigration or if it be in nations like Iran, Saudia Arabia etc., racism is a disgusting condition of the human race that will not and cannot be completely stamped out, but we can at least try to do it. We all must remember that not matter what your background is, Canada was built on immigration, however racism has immigrated to Canada too, it didnt' originate here.

Tim from Calgary
said

While no doubt racism does exist in Canada as it does everywhere else in the world, some immigrants do not help the situation. They move to Canada and settle into neighbourhoods within their own ethnic group. They in fact create themselves immigrant "ghettos" where they can continue to speak their own language and feel more comfortable with their own people.

Dick Varley
said

Our forefathers established core values which are the values attractive to new immigrants today. These core values must be protected at all costs and those interested in changing these values should be discouraged from becoming Canadians. This being said we have a need to give opportunity to new immigrants to share in our values. We have a need for support to a growing economy and support to replace a retiring baby boom population.

Scott
said

Hardish Kolanie:

I disagree, having travelled to several nations, I can tell you the level of racism here is minimal compared to some of the other nations I have been to.

We do have racism problems here, but they are no different than the problems elsewhere.

Racism is a human problem, not a Canadian one.

Ray
said

I agree with Hardish in that many immigrants are discriminated against when they arrive here. What is this nonsense about "Canadian experience" in the workplace before you can get a job doing what you are qualified/trained to do? In many cases, your experience and qualifications from another country count for nothing here.

Frank Buchan
said

Go back about 10,000 years and the "first nations" people were immigrants too. In fact, no living human being in this part of the world is a non-immigrant by those definitions.

Having said that, part of the problem is lack of understanding on all sides. We are inividual human beings, not white or brown or native or whatever. If we stop classifying ourselves into groups we will be one step nearer to some understanding.

And, just as a note, if you were born here you aren't really an immigrant. You're a born and bred Canadian, regardless of your parent or ancestors.

Hardish Kolanie
said

With all due respect Mr.Devon K., there's nothing out of line about my comment and your experience as a white male has informed your opinion as much as my immigrant experience in Canada has informed mine. I find your bizarre instructions to "look for tolerance Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan" to be highly insulting because this conversation is about Canada and those countries you listed are not built upon immigration. I am merely sharing my experience of the painful racism that is too prevelent in our nation and encouraging immigrants be better informed about some of the challenges they will face, this will reduce the culture shock somewhat and help them make more informed decisions.

In sharing my opinion and experience, I am only expressing my hope that we can all be kinder to one another. That's all.

Anthony
said

There is no question about the fact that the face of Canada is changing due to the policies of our consecutive immigration departments - which in not too distant future will result in
not only increased population but more so in a wholesale replacement of caucasian people as the dominant " ethnicity" -
do not want to call it race, for that would be politically incorrect and I would be branded a racist or similar...
The fact remains that we are inescapably going in that direction which is already irreversible. Of course, no one has to assume that Canada of the future has to be "white". It will not be.

wpf
said

Hardish: I too am a second generation Canadian. I have visited several countries around the world and there is no other place I would rather live. Yes, I have had some racial slurs directed at me, however, I do realize that they were from ignorant and intolerant individuals.

Jonah
said

Nyla...I didnt read anything in Hardish comment challenging anyones love for this country.

I agree with Hardish that educating immigrants on the challenges they will face is essential. Also, we as a nation are partly responsible for assisting in their assimilation which includes ESL, job search and education opportunities. We're a nation of immigrants and 84% of us are still white so, it's also encumbant upon the rest of us to not be racist and to be more patient with immigrants learning our customs and language. I am a student and met a Russian immigrant who in three years own a beautiful home, the fathers education was recognized & as a result is an instructor at SAIT compare that with a lovely Muslim family I know who have lived here for ten years & they're living with family because they can't afford their own place, both parents work as janitors even though both are accredited teachers. I've seen first hand the racism Muslim immigrants face.

Volf
said

What about 'invisible'immigrants? They get in Canada
professional discrimination and much more than visible minority rejection of
foreign credentials.
Visible minority are
majority in all levels
of Goverments and public
services. Have to be fair attitude to visible
and to invisible.
With respect
Volf

First Nations Cynthia
said

Being aboriginal, I believe that thanksgiving should be manifested daily from each one of you who is non native and your great grandparents were saved by my great grandparents in the harsh settlements in Canada. You are all immigrants, so please, abstain from being the pot calling the kettle black!

Devon K.
said

Okay need to comment on the comments and issue!

Hardish I have to say that Canada is one of the most open and welcoming countries in the world. Try looking for tolerance Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, etc before making that comment about Canada. Frankly I find your comment out of line.

"It would be a shame if Mr. Harper got away with his legislation that would allow him to pick and choose who he wants to let into Canada." - Derek

Derek the highest levels of immigration ever have been under the Tories. They have a back log of 1 million applicants. Even most Liberals and some in the NDP agree that the system needs reform to address the needs of the Canadian economy. They've proposed targeting immigration to fulfull the labour shortage in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and even Ontario. At the same time they want more power to turn away people outright who should not be coming here such as those with criminal records. BCTV News did an article last year about refugees from the Dominican Republic coming, settling in Vancouver, getting social services, then selling drugs, and then having the government run through hoops to send them back. It was almost impossible for the government to deport them. So yes things need to change!

A Montrealer
said

I don't think that you have to be an immigrant to face discrimination and intolerance in Canada. You can also be "white", born in Canada and be faced with it as well. For Canadians born with disabilities, discrimination runs wild here and this is our country of birth! Opportunities for us to flourish, rise up the corporate ladder and be successful are virtually non-existent. Perhaps it is wonderful news for some that people from all over the world want to come here but perhaps Canada should first focus on Canadians who fall in the "visible minorities" category and treat them with dignity and respect first. This is a group of individuals that are at such a disadvantage already and little is done to help them become successful. Practices that are not deemed Canadian should not be forced on us either. Assimilation is one of the key components of success here in Canada.

Mo
said

Totally agree with Bob there. There's too many qualified immigrant workers in our fold who can fill the shortage that we have, but there's still too big of a gap that's not being filled between them. One summer, I met a gentleman from Iraq who practiced as a physician and lived in the States, then moved to Canada. His efforts to get through the system frustrated him so much that he decided to return to Iraq.

Grass is Greener on the other Side
said

To Hardish Kolanie:

Are you sure you live in Canada ? I'm from rural Ontario and now live in a small City. Not to say it doesn't exist, but I would be hard pressed to find any overt or even disquised racial discrimination. Quite the contrary, generally people of all backgrounds seem to go out of their way to be inclusive of all. The only thing I've heard that comes close to it is some voiced frustration over calling ones credit card company, utility company, etc. and not being able to converse effectively in either official lanquage because the person on the other end does not speak the lanquage very well.

Nyla
said

Hardish, I take exception to your narrow minded views on Canada and Canadians. I too am a second generation immigrant and this is my country, one that I love. My grandparents chose to become 'Canadian'. ... PS, I am not �white� either.

Sam
said

Where ever you lived you going to have discriminations from ignorant and conceited individuals. Most tolerant are people who traveled overseas. Tired of eating hamburgers and hot dogs, hope these new immigrants open restaurants. So we can have more variety of food. Canada is heaven to those who seen or lived in poverty stricken countries.It's made up of immigrants whether we like it or not! Immigrants are consumers and tax payers, who're going to support our social system as the baby boomers retire? What's BIG house without people living in it?

Bob - 6 th generation Canadian
said

I have met many immigrants throughout the years who were educated in their countries but end up working in factories or service jobs when they came to Canada. Many of them hold degrees in engineering, dentistry, and other professions that are in short supply in Canada. I've often wondered why they cannot get accreditation in Canada.

I understand that there have been instances in the past were some of the immigrants credential have been faked so people have become leary of recognizing their education. What I don't understand is why the governmnet doesn't make it easier for these people to obtain Canadian accrediation. This could be done by testing, offering 1 -2 year paid courses to upgrade skills to Canadian standards or through mentoring programs at work. Not only would the new arrivals benifit but so would our country.

This issue is one that has been ongoing for generations of immigrants and the government and business don't appear to be interested in solving it. I guess it is cheaper to use these people's knowledge in lower paid positions and let the Canadian born people get the higher paying positions.

Rene
said

Perhaps it is time the Canada as a country and a society review what it wants to be. If we as a society want to expand by encouraging immigration, then we should also be prepared to help people integrate into our culture. Pierre Trudeau coined the term multicultural as it applies to our society, but then nothing was done to help all Canadians learn about each other. I see on television these days a great ad for hiring immigrants in a tongue in cheek representation of an asian business reversing the Canadian excuses, but what else are we doing. Let's decide what form our culture - yes Canadian culture - is to take and then let's help each other move into participating in that culture more freely. Let's not leave anyone by the wayside in the hopes that they will integrate because "after all they should know better." Let's all learn each other's perspectives, but let's all move towards one culture, a Canadian one. Let's finally create a Canadian culture and society, yes unique to ourselves, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses, but still one all Canadians would be proud of reflecting.

Derek
said

This is wonderful news that people from all over the world want to come here.

It would be a shame if Mr. Harper got away with his legislation that would allow him to pick and choose who he wants to let into Canada.

Walter Green
said

So when non whites become 51% of the population does that mean that whites will be referred to as "visible minorities?" And all of these laws designed to protect the rights of visible minorities will then be used to protect whites?

Hardish Kolanie
said

Re:discrimination

I think if potential immigrants knew how much racism, discrimination and intolerance they will face living in this country, most would choose to stay in their homelands. As a second generation immigrant, I can speak from personal experience that Canada is a harsh, exclusionary place unless you're white and I believe members of minority communities need to inform potential immigrants of these truths. The demands to assimilate are overwhelming and once again community leaders need to inform their members that their culture, language and religion will be under attack regularily and the expectation will be to discard practices that are not deemed 'Canadian', like shaking of hands.

Related Websites

StatsCan census figures

Pick your location

Top Stories -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: