Canada Demographic Change
Demographically, much has changed since 1988. According to the 2006 census, 16.5% of the
Canadian population identified themselves as belonging to a ‘visible minority’ group (as defined in the Employment Equity Act). In Toronto and Vancouver, over 40% of the population are
‘visible minorities’, followed by 22% in Calgary, and 16.5% in Montreal. These demographic changes, occurring as they did during two economic downturns, resulted in a slowing down of the economic integration of newcomers, with an accompanying racialization of poverty (Picot,
2008; Saloojee, 2005). Recessionary economics resulting in government cutbacks to programs aimed at equity further exacerbated the situation. In addition to these economic setbacks, increasing religious
Canadian population identified themselves as belonging to a ‘visible minority’ group (as defined in the Employment Equity Act). In Toronto and Vancouver, over 40% of the population are
‘visible minorities’, followed by 22% in Calgary, and 16.5% in Montreal. These demographic changes, occurring as they did during two economic downturns, resulted in a slowing down of the economic integration of newcomers, with an accompanying racialization of poverty (Picot,
2008; Saloojee, 2005). Recessionary economics resulting in government cutbacks to programs aimed at equity further exacerbated the situation. In addition to these economic setbacks, increasing religious