Forward-thinking organizations have shown that effectively managing diversity and embracing inclusion offers a competitive advantage — improving access to skilled workers, growing increasingly diverse and global markets, increasing productivity, and fuelling innovation.
A recent Stats Canada study adds further fuel to the diversity imperative. By 2031, more than one-quarter of our population could be foreign-born, more than half from Asia. Almost one-third could be visible minorities, nearly double the current rate. The vast majority (96 per cent) of visible minorities will live in cities comprising 63 per cent of the population of Toronto, 59 per cent in Vancouver and 31 per cent in Montreal.
Will we be ready? While progress has undeniably been made, research shows overt and systemic discrimination persists across sectors. The barriers are complex — there is the Catch-22 of no Canadian work experience, no job — no job, no Canadian work experience. The underfunding and fragmentation of services for immigrants remains a problem and impedes the matching of skilled workers to employers screaming for skilled workers.
A recent study in Peel region revealed that only 40 per cent of immigrants surveyed were satisfied with services they received.
And racism remains the problem that dare not speak its name. A particularly damning study by Oreopoulous showed that resumés from English-named applicants with Canadian credentials were three times more likely to receive interviews than applicants with Chinese, Indian or Pakistani names and foreign credentials.
The Peel study revealed more than 40 per cent of visible minority immigrants were likely to perceive discrimination by employers compared to 22.8 per cent of white immigrants.
What to do? There are no easy solutions to complex problems. An integrated approach is needed to address barriers at all levels cutting across silos. Better pre-immigration counselling, credential recognition and bridging programs, one-stop shopping for support, specialized services and training for more highly educated, more access to internships and mentoring are all important.
Most of all, more work needs to be done within organizations across sectors — government, education and business — to create more welcoming, fair and inclusive environments.
Wendy Cukier is the associate dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, and the founder of Ryerson’s Diversity Institute.
