Despite changing attitudes in Canada racism still exists. Employers often discriminate against potential job candidates. Discrimination in the form of racism can range from unfair wages to lack of employment for racialized groups.
One indicator of racism in employment is the wage gap between racialized groups and non-racialized groups. Studies have shown that visible minorities are paid significantly less than non-racialized individuals. Typically racialized men and women are over-represented in lower paying positions and jobs, with non-racialized individuals working in the same field but with a much higher wage.
Employment statistics demonstrate just how severely unemployed racialized groups are. The unemployment rate for individuals from a non-racialized group in Canada is 6.2% whereas the unemployment rate for racialized groups is a staggering 8.6%. This gap is significant and clearly shows a preference for non-immigrant workers.
Block, S. and Galabuzi, G. (2014). CANADA’S COLOUR CODED LABOUR MARKET. [online] policyalternatives.ca. Available at: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/National%20Office/2011/03/Colour%20Coded%20Labour%20Market.pdf [Accessed 4 Dec. 2014].
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Students exploring inequality in Canada 