World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Employment Integration of Recent Immigrants in a Canadian Mid‐Sized City: An Emerging Model (McMaster U)
A recent study examines the employment integration of recent immigrants in mid-sized Canadian cities, revealing that settlement location significantly influences labour market outcomes. Immigrants in smaller urban centres often encounter distinct challenges compared to those in major metropolitan areas, including limited professional networks and fewer employment opportunities. The research highlights the importance of tailored local policies and community initiatives to support newcomers' economic integration. Recommendations include enhancing local employment services, fostering employer engagement, and developing mentorship programs to bridge network gaps. The study underscores the need for collaborative efforts among governments, community organizations, and employers to create inclusive labour markets that leverage the skills and experiences of immigrants, thereby contributing to the economic and social vitality of mid-sized cities.
Beyond Binaries: In Diverse Societies Prejudices are more complex than simply us and them (ACS-Metropolis)
Do biases still exist in diversified society? A recent report from ACS- Metropolis examines the complexities of prejudice in Canada, challenging the traditional majority-versus-minority framework. Based on a Leger poll, the study reveals nuanced patterns of negative sentiment across various demographic groups. Notably, Arab Canadians are viewed negatively by 26 percent of respondents, Jews by 14 percent, Indigenous peoples by 14 percent, Black Canadians by 11 percent, and Chinese Canadians by 15 percent. The report also highlights that Islam is viewed negatively by 49 percent of respondents, compared to 27 percent for Christianity and 25 percent for Judaism. This presents a nuanced understanding of prejudice for Canada, considering evolving forms of bias in a diversifying social landscape.
OPINION | Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response (The Conversation)
Racialized immigrant women in Canada face persistent barriers in the labour market, despite strong educational backgrounds and international experience. Their median annual income is $26,624—compared to $30,074 for non-racialized newcomer women and $42,591 for non-racialized newcomer men. The unemployment rate for racialized immigrant women is 9.7 percent, higher than both racialized newcomer men (8.5 percent) and non-racialized men (6.4 percent). These disparities reflect systemic barriers such as a lack of credential recognition, employment discrimination, and limited access to tailored support. Addressing these issues is essential for inclusive economic growth and equitable integration. The article urges policy makers to implement targeted strategies, including equitable hiring practices, expanded mentorship and employment supports, streamlined foreign credential recognition, and employer education on diversity. Closing these gaps not only improves outcomes for immigrant women but strengthens Canada’s workforce and social cohesion. A coordinated, evidence-based response is both urgent and achievable.
International Student Mobility: A Post-Pandemic Reset or a Broader Challenge? (MPI)
Globally, student mobility has shifted. When exploring the experiences of international students in Canada, many students face systemic challenges across housing, employment, immigration, and education. While international students contribute significantly - generating billions in revenue and filling workforce gaps; they often encounter high tuition fees, limited work rights, housing insecurity, and barriers to permanent residency. These challenges are compounded by inconsistent institutional support and inadequate regulation of education agents and immigration consultants. The report notes that policies increasingly treat international students as short-term economic actors rather than learners or future residents. Reforms should promote fairness and long-term inclusion, including more accessible pathways to permanent residency, capped tuition increases, better housing protections, and stronger institutional accountability. The report calls for a shift from extractive policy approaches to a rights-based framework that prioritizes student well-being and equity, towards supporting a more sustainable and ethical international education system in Canada.
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