Why Do Skilled Immigrants Struggle in the Labour Market? , a study at the University of British Columbia, revealed that racism is a significant barrier to employment for new immigrants. To gauge levels of ethnic and racial bias, the research team sent out 6,000 fabricated resumes to online job postings in Toronto. The CVs, created to represent recent immigrants from China, India, Pakistan and Britain, randomly showed either foreign or domestic educational experience. Interview request rates for English-named applicants with Canadian education and experience were three-time higher compared to résumés with Chinese, Indian, or Pakistani names showing foreign education and experience. However, foreign applicants from Britain were not discriminated and received response similar to the Canadian applicants.

Scores of other studies also highlight such subcutaneous itch. Owing to public knowledge of such systemic barriers, human rights groups have started criticizing Canada’s policy of multiculturalism. Denying people jobs beyond considerations of merit is unfair and discriminatory, which multiculturalism is failing to check. Many activists are now arguing that multiculturalism has served more as eyewash than a successful public policy. Countries like Canada need a comprehensive anti-racism policy to help ensure equitable prosperity and social harmony. To begin with, a robust affirmative action would be a good start.

Financial losses resulting from keeping the visible (which look different) and audible (who sound different) immigrants at bay from the mainstream economy are never accounted for. Similarly, the potential to accrue enormous benefits to the Canadian economy from immigrants’ economic and social integration are remain un-assessed, thus untapped.

Social activists routinely point out many immigration and citizenship policies being racially biased and more pronounced than elsewhere. With Conservative majority government in Ottawa, the road to racial equity and social justice for visible minorities seems bumpy, to say the least. However, if the government takes inclusive steps promising social harmony and co-existence, Canadian interests would be served much better as a similar move by the Liberals or New Democrats would be interpreted as anti-Canadian.

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