Discrimination of Immigrant Women in Canada

Introduction

Discrimination is an action or a decision that treats a person or a group negatively for reasons such as their race, age or disability. These reasons are known as grounds of discrimination. There are several ways that a person could be discriminated against. The Canadian Human Rights Act calls these discriminatory practices. . There are seven discriminatory practices that are prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act, of which include lack of employment opportunities through current policies and practices, and unequal pay for men and women that perform work of the same value . The United Nations notes that "extensive discrimination against women continues to exist" and that this "violates the principles of equality of rights and respect for human dignity" . The UN Convention on the elimination of discrimination on women, urges all States to ensure the "full development and advancement of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men" . Often women's legal status has been connected to marriage, making them dependent on their husband instead of "individuals in their own right" . The Convention also affirms the equal role that men and women share in family life and their equal rights "to education and employment" .

Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protections Act

The new Immigration and Refugee Protections Act, revamped in the mid 1990's (IRPA), replaced the Immigration Act of 1976 . During the 1960-70's, Europeans were seen as the "preferred races" for settlement into Canada, while those from the "non-preferred races" (Asia, Africa, & Caribbean) were excluded. This was done through racialized immigration policies, such as the Head Tax, and the Exclusion Act . The IRPA "primary strategic objective" is to ensure that "immigration results in the greatest possible economic and social benefits for Canada" . Under the skilled foreign workers and professional section, the IRPA states that skilled workers are "especially valuable to Canada's economy and the strength of its workforce" . The selection process not only rates immigrants work skills, but also their education, work experience, age, official language acquisition, and arranged employment . Under the new regulations, Citizenship and Immigration Canada defines a skilled migrant as having an education, English and French language abilities plus work experience involving certain skills rather than specific jobs . Women often enter Canada under the "dependent" class and their husbands under the "independent" class (e.g.skilled workers, investors, business owners), as the husbands are more likely to accumulate more "points" under the immigration criteria . The definition of "skills" is often gendered (male skills are ranked more highly than females) and biased so women's "skills and personal qualities are either excluded or undervalued" .

Immigrant Women

4% of Canadians are not immigrants or descendants of immigrants, only indigenous people are native Canadians . The population of immigrant women is growing faster than the population of Canadian-born women and in 2001, three thousand more females immigrated to Canada than males . Immigrant women come from different parts of the world (eg. Asia, Africa, South America, Europe) and most speak English or French, 9% do not .

visible minorities

Women of color face more discrimination than other immigrants and are more likely to be in a lower income bracket than other immigrants, regardless of their length of time in Canada . Those that are in the lowest income category are more likely to face more discrimination compared to those in the higher income bracket - many that use social assistance may be perceived "as lazy, unmotivated" . Immigrants that face discrimination often experience this in their place of work or when seeking employment . Newcomers find it difficult to obtain Canadian references, while their foreign references are often disregarded . The media often creates negative images of visible minority immigrants - stereotypical images and labels, for example "potential troublemakers who steal occupations and opportunities from real Canadian" and "abusers of the welfare state" . Women of colour receive the lowest wages of all workers, and those that lack English or French language skills are "prone to being ghettoized in low-paid menial labor" .

Barriers

neoliberalism

Restructuring of the neoliberal state (modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatization, reduced public spending and less state intervention in businesses ) - in Canada during the1980's, have directly affected women's economic condition . Former state - subsidized programs have been reduced or dismantled resulting in the growing privatization of certain services, together with the growing rise of women's role as primary caregivers . Women in particular rely on social and community services (users of these programs and or as a source of employment), and the elimination or downsizing of these services directly affect newcomers to Canada . Dismantling of social programs together with "highly bifurcated labor markets"- emergence of flexible, part-time, insecure, disposable jobs -affect immigrants, specifically those of color . Women face challenges in securing well paid employment as jobs are often in the service, sales and production industry .

domestic workers

Women may apply to work under the Live-in caregiver program - this provides middle/upper class families with nannies mainly from the Philippines and the Caribbean . . This program discriminates against women as it is associated with domestic/caring work and does not fall under the skilled worker category. Women are forced to live with employers, which can lead to an abusive or exploitative relationship, such as working longer hours, and sexual harassment . Women are often isolated in the home and fear losing their job. Many hope to become Canadian citizens, so they often do not complain as they must work for a minimal of 24 months out of 36, to be eligible to become a citizen . .

social capital

Many immigrants lack social capital, a concept defined as "networks together with shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate co-operation within or among groups" . Social capital can be further divided into 3 main categories :- Bonds - connection to people based on common identity such as friends and family. Bridges - links that go beyond family, e.g distant friends and colleagues. Linkages - connection to people or groups further up or lower down the social ladder .

professional accreditation

Foreign credentials in the labour market are often linked to the women's country of origin, as European immigrants receive more recognition than non-European immigrants . . Immigrants from countries with a higher quality education often enjoy higher returns to their foreign education than countries that are known for their lower education system. The educational system is often a reflection of economic development and less-developed countries are more likely to be non-European . Many immigrant women are forced to take manual jobs, as Canada often does not recognize foreign credentials . A number of factors may be attributed to this, including the inability to evaluate foreign qualifications, and the belief that credentials from less-developed countries are of lower quality than those from Canadian institutions . Lack of language proficiency may prevent immigrants from obtaining employment in their field, and racial discrimination may also be a factor . Immigrants entering Canada under the "skilled worker" category are accredited points based on education, and number of degrees obtained. The entry process does not distinguish, between in which country the applicant acquires their degree, or the Canadian equivalent. Thus when immigrants search for employment in Canada, their qualifications are often found lacking and those that can afford to are pushed to seek further education in a Canadian institution . Men are more likely than women to pursue further education as women, are often primary caregivers in the home . Women that are professionals in their country e.g.doctors, engineers, are required to go through a re-certification procedure, to work in Canada which is often expensive and time-consuming .

Opportunities

There are also opportunities for immigrant women such as the "Help One Another"(HOA) program, founded in 2009 in Burundi, Africa and later expanded to Edmonton, Alberta in 2015. The non-profit organization helps immigrants, through their education and entrepreneurship programs. The "Language and Communication Program" provides translators and interpreters for appointments and meetings e.g medical, and school. While the "Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs Opportunities Program" provides women with skills, knowledge and resources to start and run a business e.g. financing options, business planning, computer skills and coaching .

immigrant resources

Several programs have been initiated by the federal, provincial and municipal governments such as "Changing Together" a centre for immigrant women in Edmonton, to meet, support and learn from each other. Services include workshops on parenting, counselling, legal and financial issues . In Vancouver, the Pacific immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) has a "Women Development Program" that provides education, employment, and mental awareness support . In Vancouver, the "WestCoast Domestic Workers' Association" provides free legal advice and representation to migrant workers .