Immigrant Employment Barriers
Chinese Immigrant Employment Barriers
Canada is one of the most diverse and multicultural countries in the world. Home to 32 million people, Canada portrays a vast amount of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.1 Of this 32 million that reside, approximately 200,000 come in a year from all over the world in search of better life and a home that provides peace and safety that they may not be able to achieve in other countries.2 Canada reflects a welcoming society that helps newcomers with social and economic needs in order to settle down and be successful. It allows people to become a Canadian but still practice their own beliefs and traditions so that they do not have to completely adapt to a new identity and can still keep their own. All these factors …show more content…
act as pull factors for immigrants coming in, however, once they do arrive their life does not appear to be the way they expected it to be. In this globalizing economy, Canada is one of many countries looking to increase their economic efficiency in order to keep up with the rest of the world. Therefore, not all that is promised is delivered due to the fact that the advancement of its economy is the number one priority. This situation affects many newcomers from various parts of the world including Chinese immigrants, who come to Canada for reasons such as better job opportunities and better living standard. Although there are a number of programs such as the Canadian Immigration Integration Program that helps immigrants find jobs within the Canadian Labour market, globalization has created significant employment barriers for Chinese immigrants through policies such as the Canadian Immigration Policy, as they have to battle with factors including the lack of Canadian work experience, education and language barriers, and failed recognition of foreign credentials. Newcomers such as Chinese immigrants arrive to Canada with preconceived notions of what the new world has in store for them and upon arrival experience great disappointment based on factors they would have never expected.
Globalization refers to the rise in trade and capital market flows between and among nations in a sustained and rapid manner.3 There are a number of factors that have contributed to the advancement of globalization in Canada. “The highly competitive Canadian job market revolves around on a number of factors such as advances in communication technology, reductions in the prices of transportation, and changes in political, economic and social conditions, and trends, at the national and international levels.”4 Since transportation costs have reduced dramatically, this resulted in an expansion of both the range of goods that can be exchanged and also allowed a greater distance over which they can be profitably traded. There have been advances in information and communication technologies, which created a radical change in how commerce is conducted as well as the globalization of economic activity.5 As the costs of these technologies declined, the Canadian economy has been able to spread their activities on a greater global scale. Due to the broadened market, there is now vigorous competition leading to greater innovation and an increase in productivity. This results in greater economic efficiency, which means higher-quality products available at lower prices. “However, intense global competition also requires adjustment to new dynamics, and often a relentless restructuring of productive activity to reflect changing competitive realities.”6 Due to globalization, it is very common for Canadians to work overseas, as well as common for people to relocate to Canada for employment. “Currently, approximately 200 million people live outside of their country of origin.”7 This is where the problems start for immigrants, such as the Chinese, who have come a long way in hopes of new job opportunities but are not always receiving what they are promised due to the rapidly changing global economy.
According to the Canadian Employment Act, a visible minority is defined to be “persons, other than aboriginal peoples, who are non Caucasian in race or non white in color.”8 This being said, it would include any other residing in Canada, including Chinese immigrants. According to a 2001 census by Statistics Canada, “18.4% of Canada’s total population was born outside the country, and 13.4% identified themselves as visible minorities.”9 Furthermore, as of 2001 the Chinese became the largest visible minority group in Canada as they reached 1,029,400 people from 860,100 in 1996.10 As the population grew, so did the demand for jobs but based on past incidents, they were not having much luck with this. On June 28, 1858 the first group of Chinese came to Canada from California to look for gold.11 Majority of them being single men, came as coolie workers and chain migrants but eventually found jobs as “domestic servants, coal miners, and seasonal workers in the salmon canning industry”12. Eventually the Canadian Pacific Railway was under construction and they were needed as coolie workers for the job, however once the railway was completed, their work was done as well. The Canadian government issues a head tax of $50 for all Chinese immigrants attempting to migrate to Canada. By 1900 the head tax was increased to $100 and $500 by 1903.13 After realizing that this was not as effective as the government wanted it to be, they passed the Chinese Immigration act in 1923, which restricted any Chinese from entering. This Act was not repealed until 1947, placing the Chinese in a very difficult position.14 This goes to show the long, negative history the Chinese have had in Canada in which they were mistreated and were even banned from living here. They were initially rejected by Canada and restricted from becoming a part of this community that now represents diversity and multiculturalism.
One of the issues with Chinese immigrants attempting to find a job was the education and language barrier they possessed. “Often, education and work experience acquired in less developed countries are significantly less valued than human capital obtained in more developed countries.”15 This made their situation even worse because some of them only had their education to rely on. However, the level of education played no role either as it was not significant in Canadian context. “At the national level, 39% of Chinese immigrants arrived in Canada with 9 years of schooling or less, 18% with high school diploma, and 43% with a post-secondary education, including trade certificate, non-university diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degree.”16 This goes to show that the Chinese immigrants that were entering the country were highly educated and had the required knowledge for the jobs the desired but the Canadian government did not find it to be fit. In addition, their lack of communication skills is a barrier it prevents them from adapting to the new society and taking that first step to achieving their goal. Immigrants that did not know English or French had a hard time finding jobs here because all jobs required them to have that prerequisite. This resulted in them spending “extended periods of time taking credit or noncredit courses in universities and colleges in order to obtain Canadian-specific education and certification, including language upgrading”.17 They had to be able to communicate with one another in order to get the job so without this factor, it was very difficult for them to move up.
Another barrier for Chinese immigrants finding jobs was a lack of Canadian work experience. The newcomers arrive from their host country with various educations and job experiences; however, it does not have any significance here if they do not have Canadian work experience. This disappointed as well as frustrated the Chinese immigrants because they did not receive the social and economic status that they thought they would. “What Canadian employers are looking for is country-specific skills and work experience obtained in Canada. As a result, many highly-educated immigrants fail repeatedly in their job search efforts because they do not have Canadian experience.“18 However gaining this experience was close to impossible because they were not getting hired based on their foreign work experience. “Non recognition of their foreign professional work experience disqualifies their entry into professional jobs, leaving them no chance to get Canadian work experience.”19 This causes them to resort to volunteering in order to gain the experience, however, this does not help their economic situation.
Many Chinese immigrants were well off in their country of origin due to their high education. According to Li Zong, “the major systemic barrier identified by respondents is that their foreign credentials and work experience were devalued by professional organizations, government evaluation agencies, and educational institutions.”20 This made it extremely different for Chinese immigrants to search for a job and make a living in this country. “In the 1997-99 survey, 94% of Chinese professional immigrants reported that they had professional work experience in china before immigrating to Canada, 50% had five to ten years of professional work experience, and 21% had more than ten years of professional work experience. Interestingly, Chinese professionals with more professional experience were more likely to experience downward mobility.”21 This being said, it is quite clear that foreign credentials held very little value in the Canadian labour force. This made it extremely difficult for Chinese immigrants to find jobs because they had to start fresh and go through all the steps they had already gone through in their country of origin.
Based on these issues there were some programs that were put into affect to help immigrants find a job and establish a life in Canada. The government started the Canadian Immigration Integration Program to help immigrants such as the Chinese immigrants find jobs. It was to provide a free orientation to immigrants while they were still in their country of origin so that they knew what they were getting themselves into. This was to be done during the final stages of the immigration process. The purpose of the program was to help prepare them for the labour market before they arrived so that they do not have to suffer after with the barriers that they possess. If they know what they are getting into, it will definitely help them better prepare themselves and get the necessary education or work experience for the job they desire. “A recent evaluation revealed that 67% of CIIP graduates in Canada are employed, 93% of those working found employment within 6 months of arrival, and of those in their first job, almost 60% were employed in their field of specialization or a related field, while 22% were in a comparable or higher position than in their country of origin.”22 This evaluation shows that this program has been successful with their goal as they have provided their services to a great percentage of immigrants and seen effective results. It shows that there is some hope for Chinese immigrants that are coming into Canada with education and language barriers, as well as unrecognized foreign credentials and no Canadian work experience.
From the mid 19th century, Chinese immigrants have been in Canada for numerous reasons. What started off as a search for gold resulted in them working as coolie workers for the little they could make for their families. Eventually when the job was done Canada restricted their entry and also placed head taxes to further prevent. This lead to establishing the Chinese Immigration act in 1923 and this was not repealed until 1947. Since then the Chinese have had a difficult time coming into Canada and living the life they dreamed of. The rapidly changing economy posed as a great barrier for these immigrants as globalization really changed the face of the economy. There were a number of changes occurring with regards to trade, which mean the demand and supply for products were constantly changing. The only way to ensure that Canada increases its economic efficiency is to indulge in globalization. By expanding their market on a worldwide scale, the Canadian economy experienced greater profits. However, since the globalizing economy was constantly changing, people such as the Chinese immigrants that came in hopes of a new life and greater job opportunities were often disappointed. They were not receiving what they had hoped for due to a number of barriers. This included education and language barriers, lack of acceptance for foreign education and professional skills, as well as a lack of Canadian work experience. These barriers prevented them from finding a job that they were searching for upon arrival. Without a job they would not be able to provide for their family and this will cause nothing but economic and social distress. Each of these barriers work with one another to prevent one from progressing so by tackling one of them, the Chinese can then work their way up and tackle all of them, essentially allowing them to gain access to a profession that they desire and truly deserve.
Works Cited
"Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration." Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2006a). http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/annual-report2006/section3.asp (accessed March 20, 2014).
Bolaria, B. Singh, and Sean P. Hier. Race and racism in 21st-century Canada: continuity, complexity, and change. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press, 2007.
"Canada in a Global Context." Competition Policy Review Panel. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cprp-gepmc.nsf/eng/00013.html (accessed March 20, 2014).
"Canada 's Commitment to Cultural Diversity." Canadian Heritage.
www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1332871836953/1332872826975 (accessed March 25, 2014).
Con, Harry, and Edgar Wickberg. From China to Canada: a history of the Chinese communities in Canada. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart Ltd, 1982.
Guo, Shibao, and Don J. DeVoretz. The changing faces of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Burnaby, B.C.: Vancouver Centre of Excellence, 2005.
"How CIIP Makes a Difference." What is CIIP. http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/about-ciip/how-ciip-makes-a-difference?lang=en-GB (accessed March 25, 2014).
Li, P.. "Earning Disparities between Immigrants and Native-born Canadians." Canadian Review of Sociology 37, no. 3 (2000): 289-311.
Ruddick, E. (2003) Immigrant economic performance, Canadian Issues 5.
Tan, Jin, and Patricia Roy. The Chinese in Canada. Ottawa: Canadian Historical Association, 1985.
Wang, Shuguang, and Lucia Lo. Chinese immigrants in Canada their changing composition and economic performance. Toronto, Ont.: Joint Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement, 2004.
Zong, Li.. Structural and psychological dimensions of racism: towards an alternative perspective.. n.c: Canadian Ethic Studies,
1994.
Canada is one of the most diverse and multicultural countries in the world. Home to 32 million people, Canada portrays a vast amount of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.1 Of this 32 million that reside, approximately 200,000 come in a year from all over the world in search of better life and a home that provides peace and safety that they may not be able to achieve in other countries.2 Canada reflects a welcoming society that helps newcomers with social and economic needs in order to settle down and be successful. It allows people to become a Canadian but still practice their own beliefs and traditions so that they do not have to completely adapt to a new identity and can still keep their own. All these factors …show more content…
act as pull factors for immigrants coming in, however, once they do arrive their life does not appear to be the way they expected it to be. In this globalizing economy, Canada is one of many countries looking to increase their economic efficiency in order to keep up with the rest of the world. Therefore, not all that is promised is delivered due to the fact that the advancement of its economy is the number one priority. This situation affects many newcomers from various parts of the world including Chinese immigrants, who come to Canada for reasons such as better job opportunities and better living standard. Although there are a number of programs such as the Canadian Immigration Integration Program that helps immigrants find jobs within the Canadian Labour market, globalization has created significant employment barriers for Chinese immigrants through policies such as the Canadian Immigration Policy, as they have to battle with factors including the lack of Canadian work experience, education and language barriers, and failed recognition of foreign credentials. Newcomers such as Chinese immigrants arrive to Canada with preconceived notions of what the new world has in store for them and upon arrival experience great disappointment based on factors they would have never expected.
Globalization refers to the rise in trade and capital market flows between and among nations in a sustained and rapid manner.3 There are a number of factors that have contributed to the advancement of globalization in Canada. “The highly competitive Canadian job market revolves around on a number of factors such as advances in communication technology, reductions in the prices of transportation, and changes in political, economic and social conditions, and trends, at the national and international levels.”4 Since transportation costs have reduced dramatically, this resulted in an expansion of both the range of goods that can be exchanged and also allowed a greater distance over which they can be profitably traded. There have been advances in information and communication technologies, which created a radical change in how commerce is conducted as well as the globalization of economic activity.5 As the costs of these technologies declined, the Canadian economy has been able to spread their activities on a greater global scale. Due to the broadened market, there is now vigorous competition leading to greater innovation and an increase in productivity. This results in greater economic efficiency, which means higher-quality products available at lower prices. “However, intense global competition also requires adjustment to new dynamics, and often a relentless restructuring of productive activity to reflect changing competitive realities.”6 Due to globalization, it is very common for Canadians to work overseas, as well as common for people to relocate to Canada for employment. “Currently, approximately 200 million people live outside of their country of origin.”7 This is where the problems start for immigrants, such as the Chinese, who have come a long way in hopes of new job opportunities but are not always receiving what they are promised due to the rapidly changing global economy.
According to the Canadian Employment Act, a visible minority is defined to be “persons, other than aboriginal peoples, who are non Caucasian in race or non white in color.”8 This being said, it would include any other residing in Canada, including Chinese immigrants. According to a 2001 census by Statistics Canada, “18.4% of Canada’s total population was born outside the country, and 13.4% identified themselves as visible minorities.”9 Furthermore, as of 2001 the Chinese became the largest visible minority group in Canada as they reached 1,029,400 people from 860,100 in 1996.10 As the population grew, so did the demand for jobs but based on past incidents, they were not having much luck with this. On June 28, 1858 the first group of Chinese came to Canada from California to look for gold.11 Majority of them being single men, came as coolie workers and chain migrants but eventually found jobs as “domestic servants, coal miners, and seasonal workers in the salmon canning industry”12. Eventually the Canadian Pacific Railway was under construction and they were needed as coolie workers for the job, however once the railway was completed, their work was done as well. The Canadian government issues a head tax of $50 for all Chinese immigrants attempting to migrate to Canada. By 1900 the head tax was increased to $100 and $500 by 1903.13 After realizing that this was not as effective as the government wanted it to be, they passed the Chinese Immigration act in 1923, which restricted any Chinese from entering. This Act was not repealed until 1947, placing the Chinese in a very difficult position.14 This goes to show the long, negative history the Chinese have had in Canada in which they were mistreated and were even banned from living here. They were initially rejected by Canada and restricted from becoming a part of this community that now represents diversity and multiculturalism.
One of the issues with Chinese immigrants attempting to find a job was the education and language barrier they possessed. “Often, education and work experience acquired in less developed countries are significantly less valued than human capital obtained in more developed countries.”15 This made their situation even worse because some of them only had their education to rely on. However, the level of education played no role either as it was not significant in Canadian context. “At the national level, 39% of Chinese immigrants arrived in Canada with 9 years of schooling or less, 18% with high school diploma, and 43% with a post-secondary education, including trade certificate, non-university diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degree.”16 This goes to show that the Chinese immigrants that were entering the country were highly educated and had the required knowledge for the jobs the desired but the Canadian government did not find it to be fit. In addition, their lack of communication skills is a barrier it prevents them from adapting to the new society and taking that first step to achieving their goal. Immigrants that did not know English or French had a hard time finding jobs here because all jobs required them to have that prerequisite. This resulted in them spending “extended periods of time taking credit or noncredit courses in universities and colleges in order to obtain Canadian-specific education and certification, including language upgrading”.17 They had to be able to communicate with one another in order to get the job so without this factor, it was very difficult for them to move up.
Another barrier for Chinese immigrants finding jobs was a lack of Canadian work experience. The newcomers arrive from their host country with various educations and job experiences; however, it does not have any significance here if they do not have Canadian work experience. This disappointed as well as frustrated the Chinese immigrants because they did not receive the social and economic status that they thought they would. “What Canadian employers are looking for is country-specific skills and work experience obtained in Canada. As a result, many highly-educated immigrants fail repeatedly in their job search efforts because they do not have Canadian experience.“18 However gaining this experience was close to impossible because they were not getting hired based on their foreign work experience. “Non recognition of their foreign professional work experience disqualifies their entry into professional jobs, leaving them no chance to get Canadian work experience.”19 This causes them to resort to volunteering in order to gain the experience, however, this does not help their economic situation.
Many Chinese immigrants were well off in their country of origin due to their high education. According to Li Zong, “the major systemic barrier identified by respondents is that their foreign credentials and work experience were devalued by professional organizations, government evaluation agencies, and educational institutions.”20 This made it extremely different for Chinese immigrants to search for a job and make a living in this country. “In the 1997-99 survey, 94% of Chinese professional immigrants reported that they had professional work experience in china before immigrating to Canada, 50% had five to ten years of professional work experience, and 21% had more than ten years of professional work experience. Interestingly, Chinese professionals with more professional experience were more likely to experience downward mobility.”21 This being said, it is quite clear that foreign credentials held very little value in the Canadian labour force. This made it extremely difficult for Chinese immigrants to find jobs because they had to start fresh and go through all the steps they had already gone through in their country of origin.
Based on these issues there were some programs that were put into affect to help immigrants find a job and establish a life in Canada. The government started the Canadian Immigration Integration Program to help immigrants such as the Chinese immigrants find jobs. It was to provide a free orientation to immigrants while they were still in their country of origin so that they knew what they were getting themselves into. This was to be done during the final stages of the immigration process. The purpose of the program was to help prepare them for the labour market before they arrived so that they do not have to suffer after with the barriers that they possess. If they know what they are getting into, it will definitely help them better prepare themselves and get the necessary education or work experience for the job they desire. “A recent evaluation revealed that 67% of CIIP graduates in Canada are employed, 93% of those working found employment within 6 months of arrival, and of those in their first job, almost 60% were employed in their field of specialization or a related field, while 22% were in a comparable or higher position than in their country of origin.”22 This evaluation shows that this program has been successful with their goal as they have provided their services to a great percentage of immigrants and seen effective results. It shows that there is some hope for Chinese immigrants that are coming into Canada with education and language barriers, as well as unrecognized foreign credentials and no Canadian work experience.
From the mid 19th century, Chinese immigrants have been in Canada for numerous reasons. What started off as a search for gold resulted in them working as coolie workers for the little they could make for their families. Eventually when the job was done Canada restricted their entry and also placed head taxes to further prevent. This lead to establishing the Chinese Immigration act in 1923 and this was not repealed until 1947. Since then the Chinese have had a difficult time coming into Canada and living the life they dreamed of. The rapidly changing economy posed as a great barrier for these immigrants as globalization really changed the face of the economy. There were a number of changes occurring with regards to trade, which mean the demand and supply for products were constantly changing. The only way to ensure that Canada increases its economic efficiency is to indulge in globalization. By expanding their market on a worldwide scale, the Canadian economy experienced greater profits. However, since the globalizing economy was constantly changing, people such as the Chinese immigrants that came in hopes of a new life and greater job opportunities were often disappointed. They were not receiving what they had hoped for due to a number of barriers. This included education and language barriers, lack of acceptance for foreign education and professional skills, as well as a lack of Canadian work experience. These barriers prevented them from finding a job that they were searching for upon arrival. Without a job they would not be able to provide for their family and this will cause nothing but economic and social distress. Each of these barriers work with one another to prevent one from progressing so by tackling one of them, the Chinese can then work their way up and tackle all of them, essentially allowing them to gain access to a profession that they desire and truly deserve.
Works Cited
"Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration." Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2006a). http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/annual-report2006/section3.asp (accessed March 20, 2014).
Bolaria, B. Singh, and Sean P. Hier. Race and racism in 21st-century Canada: continuity, complexity, and change. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press, 2007.
"Canada in a Global Context." Competition Policy Review Panel. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cprp-gepmc.nsf/eng/00013.html (accessed March 20, 2014).
"Canada 's Commitment to Cultural Diversity." Canadian Heritage.
www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1332871836953/1332872826975 (accessed March 25, 2014).
Con, Harry, and Edgar Wickberg. From China to Canada: a history of the Chinese communities in Canada. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart Ltd, 1982.
Guo, Shibao, and Don J. DeVoretz. The changing faces of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Burnaby, B.C.: Vancouver Centre of Excellence, 2005.
"How CIIP Makes a Difference." What is CIIP. http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/about-ciip/how-ciip-makes-a-difference?lang=en-GB (accessed March 25, 2014).
Li, P.. "Earning Disparities between Immigrants and Native-born Canadians." Canadian Review of Sociology 37, no. 3 (2000): 289-311.
Ruddick, E. (2003) Immigrant economic performance, Canadian Issues 5.
Tan, Jin, and Patricia Roy. The Chinese in Canada. Ottawa: Canadian Historical Association, 1985.
Wang, Shuguang, and Lucia Lo. Chinese immigrants in Canada their changing composition and economic performance. Toronto, Ont.: Joint Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement, 2004.
Zong, Li.. Structural and psychological dimensions of racism: towards an alternative perspective.. n.c: Canadian Ethic Studies,
1994.