Introduction
Canada is one of the countries that accommodate the highest number of immigrants in the world. This immigration has led to the entry of individuals from different races and ethnic backgrounds. This has eventually led to discrimination against some races and ethnic groups especially the immigrants. The main area of concern is income differentials between individuals from different races and ethnic groups. This paper will seek to analyze the issue of race and ethnicity in Canada.
Politically at Stake
The population in Canada has been unable to provide the workforce that is required in the country. This has led to the entry of immigrants into the country who possess the work skills that are needed. The experiences, identities, and outcomes of the people who live in Canada are greatly influenced by the racial background of an individual. The earnings by individuals who were born in Canada are very different from the earnings that the immigrants receive Non-white women in Canada assume certain positions and they mostly work as nurses, bank tellers, and secretaries. These immigrants receive lower wages about the amount that the Canadian-born individuals receive. A Canadian-born worker who performs the same responsibility as an immigrant from a different country gets higher salaries than the immigrant. In selecting immigrants into the labor market, the criteria are used to ensure that those who are absorbed can meet the outlined responsibilities. When such a criterion is used, there should be no differences in income by individuals taking similar work but discrimination still exist. The immigrants also do not get an equal opportunity when it comes to employment (Walker 28). Employment is affected by racial and ethnic factors where the Canadian-born individual will always have an added advantage in a vacancy. For example, if an immigrant from a certain minority group and a Canadian-born individual have the same qualifications for a job in terms of experience training, and education, and apply for the same job, the Canadian-born individual has a higher chance of getting the job than the immigrant. This is an indication that racial discrimination still exists regardless of claims that Canada is race-neutral (Thankery 8).
Consequences of Racial Discrimination
Racial and ethnic discrimination affects both the individuals who are discriminated against and the society in general (Vickers and Prempeh 54). The living standards of individuals from those races that are discriminated against are quite low. These individuals pay high prices for the goods that they buy and sell their products at lower prices so that the goods are bought. These individuals also have few employment opportunities and the ones that they get pay little amount of money. An individual who discriminates against some groups of people is likely to end up selling his or her products at a lower price to a fellow Canadian-born individual than sell it at a higher price to an immigrant of a different race. Some organizations fail to maximize their production by leaving some immigrants who are more productive than the Canadian-born whites.
Policies to help reduce Racial Discrimination
There has been a set of policies that are used in reducing discrimination in the labor market. These policies have not been very successful and some changes have been proposed (Hewitt 134). A much tighter and enforced quota system will ensure that the immigrants who get into the country are with the required qualification and the number is just enough without excesses. The changes in policies that affect the individuals already in the country include legislation, education, government subsidies, and others. Canada-born individuals should also be educated on the importance of all individuals to the growth of the country.
Conclusion
Canada claims to be a race-neutral country but there are still racial discriminations especially about income and employment. Most of the immigrants who get into the country experience racial discrimination. This discrimination affects individuals and society at large. Some changes in the current policies can help reduce racial discrimination in the country.
Works Cited
Hewitt Roger. White Backlash and the Politics of Multiculturalism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.
Thankey, Veevek. Discrimination against Canadian Colors. 2002. Web.
Vickers, Jill and Prempeh, Edward. The Politics of Race: Canada, Australia, and the United States. New York: Dundern Press Ltd, 2003.
Walker Barrington. The History of racism and Immigration in Canada: Essential Readings. Canada: Canadian Scholars Press, 2002.