Imagine Canada

By Jamil Tanimu

May 21, 2024

The Canadian nonprofit sector provides indispensable support for vulnerable populations, with its 2.5 million workers contributing a significant 8.3 percent to the nation’s GDP. However, behind this statistic lies a profound truth: according to Imagine Canada’s 2022 report, Diversity is Our Strength: Improving Working Conditions in Canadian Nonprofits, about 50 percent of these workers immigrated to Canada at some point in their lives. These individuals are the unsung heroes supporting otherwise underserved communities across the country. Therefore, any policy that limits newcomers’ ability to find work or remain in Canada might play well to certain audiences, but the true cost is borne by vulnerable communities.

Compared to those in other parts of the economy, workers in the nonprofit sector are highly educated. Women make up a majority of the nonprofit sector and almost a third of the sector is made up of Indigenous and racialized groups. These workers offer diverse skills, cultural competencies and language fluencies that are immeasurable assets to the population they serve.

Effective social services hinge on the trust of the communities served by this diverse and multicultural workforce. By fostering trust and openness, nonprofit workers bridge gaps, engage marginalized communities, and promote societal cohesion – a testament to their commitment to the well-being of all Canadians.

Immigration and settlement policy have a direct impact on the integration and employment prospects of newcomers. The centralized approach where government provides funding for the nonprofit to provide social services, including settlement, puts the nonprofit sector in a tight corner. This funding model, with so many conditions attached and usually short-term, puts the sector in a precarious situation where working conditions are poor, and they are unable to support all those in need due to funding restrictions and conditions. This leads to high turnover in the sector.

Any policy that limits newcomers’ ability to find work or remain in Canada might play well to certain audiences, but the true cost is borne by vulnerable communities.

On the other hand, the flexible employment conditions in the nonprofit sector often attract newcomers who are looking for opportunities to obtain Canadian work experience. Furthermore, temporary residents, who constituted 60 percent of those who were granted permanent residency in 2021 are not eligible for settlement services. Additionally, the lack of recognition of foreign credentials and foreign experience places undue restraint on newcomers wanting to join the labor market. The economic implications are dire, with an estimated $17.1 billion in potential gains from recognizing newcomers’ credentials left untapped. This has huge implications for the economy, including a and nonprofit sector whose workforce is aging.

Although newcomers are highly educated, have strong language skills, and possess experience that matches job requirements, they are still prevented from accessing employment because of discriminatory barriers. Employers may have favourable biases toward Canadians and may hold negative views about newcomers, which is compounded by stereotypical racial and gendered understandings of workers’ competence.

Addressing these challenges requires a shift in policy. Governments must provide greater flexibility in funding requirements, allowing organizations to adapt to evolving needs. Besides, temporary residents should be granted access to support services, recognizing their potential as future permanent residents. Importantly, processes must be put in place to expedite the validation of foreign credentials. During the COVID pandemic, protocols were flexibly adjusted to welcome foreign-trained nurses. This should be a permanent policy fixture, addressing labor shortages and boosting the health care sector’s capacity.

To realize the full potential of newcomers, collaborative solutions are important. Governments, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders must come together to address the systemic barriers hindering newcomer integration. Through dialogue and cooperation, Canada can develop policies and programs that provide comprehensive support to newcomers, ensuring their successful transition and contribution to Canadian society.

Policies hindering newcomers’ integration into Canadian society have real and immediate consequences for those most in need. Beyond economic figures, the trust and reliance that vulnerable Canadians place in newcomers within the nonprofit sector is an invaluable asset. As Canada’s nonprofit heroes continue to prove the value of inclusivity and compassion, let us stand with them, forging a path towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Jamil Tanimu is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University. With over six years of experience in International Development, he has a deep interest in promoting the welfare of displaced people, stemming from his upbringing in a conflict zone. Committed to improving access to public services, Jamil is dedicated to making a positive impact in his field.