This document summarizes key findings about immigration and multiculturalism in Canada. It finds that Canada has welcomed over 15 million immigrants since 1901, with immigration levels fluctuating over time. Currently, one in five Canadians are foreign-born, the highest proportion since 1931. While Europe was traditionally the largest source region of immigrants, Asia has now displaced Europe as the top region of origin. Public attitudes in Canada have also become strongly positive toward immigration and multiculturalism over time. However, the document also notes some challenges faced by immigrants in terms of finances and the cost of living in Canada.
5. Asia has displaced Europe as the major source of
Canada’s immigrants
Percent of Immigrants by Region of Birth
100%
U.S. Oceania and
90% Other
80%
70% Caribbean, South
and Central
60% America
50% Africa
40%
30% Asia and the
Middle East
20%
10% Europe
0%
Before 1961- 1971- 1981- 1991- 2001-
1961 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006
6. Immigrants come from many parts of the world
Canada, 2006
Total Number of Immigrants
United Kingdom
China
India
Philippines
Italy
United States
Hong Kong
Germany
Poland
15 countries 100,000 or more
Vietnam
Portugal
82 countries 10,000 or more
Pakistan 150 countries 1,000 or more
Jamaica
Netherlands
Sri Lanka
South Korea
Iran
Guyana
Romania
France
Lebanon
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
in Thousands
17. Strong majority consistently reject the idea that immigrants
“take away” jobs from other Canadians
Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree … Immigrants take
away jobs from other Canadians?
1985 - 2011
74
54
36
24
10 Disagree Agree dk/na
1
85 89 93 94 97 98 00 02 03 05 06 08 10 11
17
18. On the contrary – most think immigrants help the economy grow
Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree … Overall, immigration
has a positive impact on the economy of Canada.
1993 - 2011
80
56
Agree Disagree dk/na
39
17
5
2
93 98 00 02 03 05 06 08 10 11
18
21. In contrast to family class, immigrant professionals see limited
material gains
Self-described material circumstances of newcomers to Canada after four years, compared
to their circumstances before they immigrated
70
58
60
50
40 35 34 Family Class
31
28 Economic Class
30
20
13
10
0
Better Off Worse Off Same
Source: Statistics Canada, Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada, 2005
22. Many Chinese and South Asian immigrants find cost of
living a struggle
Since immigrating to Canada, what unanticipated costs have you encountered,– any?
if
41%
26%
More difficult Day to day living
because things expenses higher
cost more than than expected
you expected
Base: All Chinese and South Asian Immigrants n=598
Source: RBC Royal Bank Survey 2010
23. …and many Chinese and South Asian immigrants have
to make sacrifices to live in Canada
People use a variety of ways to manage their finances and to make their money go further.. Since
coming to Canada, which if any of the following have you done ?
30%
22%
20%
Postponed Took an Live(d) more
medical/dental work extra job(s) modestly than I did
until absolutely back where I
necessary immigrated from
Base: All Chinese and South Asian Immigrants n=598
Source: RBC Royal Bank Survey
24. But the majority of Chinese and South Asians are
optimistic about the future
Again, when you think about your life in Canada, which of the following best describes how you feel?
63%
37%
I can’t wait to see what I am frightened about
the future holds for me the time ahead of me
Base: All Chinese and South Asian Immigrants n=598
Source: RBC Royal Bank Survey
25. So far optimism is warranted. Income rises dramatically by length
of time in Canada and is much higher among second generation
Average Total (individual) Income, Population Aged
30-34, Canada, 2005
$43,129 $43,343
$38,037 $37,366
$31,238 $30,657 $31,331
$26,127
2-6 7-11 12-16 17-21 22-26
1st Gen 2nd Gen 3rd Gen or
more
Years in Canada for 1st generation
Source: 2006 Census Public Use Microdata File
26. South Asian and especially Chinese Canadians, embrace
communication that is targeted at them
Advertising that is specifically
designed for my community 60
makes me feel closer to the
brands or products that are 66
advertised
I would like to see more 40
advertising in my native
language 55
South Asian Canadians
Chinese Canadians
I would like to see more 55
companies advertising
specifically to my community 61
I appreciate that Canadian
companies are making an effort 76
to reach out to me and my 73
community with these ads
Source: Environics & Asking Canadians Immigrant Survey 2011
Base n=1513 Canadian Immigrants
27. Thank you
Environics Research Group
900 – 33 Bloor Street East
Toronto, ON M4W 3H1
