Recent Immigrants in Metropolitan Areas: Hamilton—A Comparative Profile Based on the 2001 Census
Part D: Participation in the Economy
Participation in the labour market
Labour force participation lower the more recent the arrival
Very recent immigrants are not as active in the labour market as the Canadian-born. The difference in labour force participation between very recent immigrants and the Canadian-born is twenty percentage points for women and fourteen percentage points for men. Labour force participation of immigrants who have been in Canada for a longer period of time is more like that of the Canadian-born. A general pattern of adjustment and increasing involvement of immigrants in the Canadian labour market with longer stay is evident in all three age groups, for both men and women. Immigrant women have a larger gap to bridge.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 25,800 | 62,820 | 34,420 | 123,030 |
Immigrants | 3,070 | 16,580 | 17,130 | 36,780 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 520 | 7,680 | 14,330 | 22,530 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,860 | 6,140 | 2,280 | 10,270 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 690 | 2,750 | 540 | 3,970 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 25,830 | 69,980 | 38,900 | 134,700 |
Immigrants | 3,040 | 18,170 | 21,360 | 42,570 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 530 | 8,570 | 17,680 | 26,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,970 | 6,390 | 2,830 | 11,190 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 540 | 3,220 | 840 | 4,600 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 51,630 | 132,800 | 73,310 | 257,730 |
Immigrants | 6,110 | 34,750 | 38,490 | 79,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,050 | 16,250 | 32,010 | 49,300 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3,830 | 12,530 | 5,110 | 21,470 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,230 | 5,970 | 1,380 | 8,580 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 72% | 82% | 66% | 75% | 123,030 |
Immigrants | 57% | 75% | 60% | 66% | 36,780 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 83% | 80% | 60% | 66% | 22,530 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 59% | 76% | 68% | 70% | 10,270 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 43% | 62% | 47% | 55% | 3,970 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 71% | 92% | 80% | 84% | 134,700 |
Immigrants | 58% | 90% | 80% | 81% | 42,570 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 73% | 91% | 79% | 82% | 26,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 63% | 92% | 87% | 84% | 11,190 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 38% | 82% | 73% | 70% | 4,600 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 71% | 87% | 73% | 79% | 257,730 |
Immigrants | 57% | 82% | 70% | 73% | 79,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 77% | 86% | 69% | 74% | 49,300 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 62% | 83% | 77% | 77% | 21,470 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 40% | 71% | 60% | 63% | 8,580 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Earlier immigrants in the 25-44 and 45-64 age groups do not quite reach the level of participation of the Canadian-born. Older workers who immigrated to Canada five to fifteen years before the 2001 Census have higher participation rates than earlier immigrants and the Canadian-born. Young persons who immigrated before 1986 are more active in the labour market than the Canadian-born of the same age.
Labour force participation by most cohorts increased between 1996 and 2001, but very recent immigrants had a lower rate in 2001 than their counterparts did in 1996.
Figure D-1: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—15 to 64 years of age—labour force participation rates, by age and gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001
Note: Figures D-1 and D-2 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed, (actively looking for work).
Pattern of adjustment similar for most levels of education
Generally speaking, the higher the level of education the greater the proportion of people who participate in the labour market. This observation holds for the Canadian-born as well as for all three cohorts of immigrants, with one exception: men who immigrated after 1985 and who at the time of the 2001 Census had only attended elementary school had a higher participation rate than those with some high school.
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 840 | 21,640 | 34,730 | 42,470 | 23,360 | 123,030 |
Immigrants | 2,600 | 5,350 | 8,680 | 13,150 | 7,010 | 36,780 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,860 | 3,260 | 5,100 | 8,350 | 3,960 | 22,530 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 540 | 1,540 | 2,560 | 3,820 | 1,800 | 10,270 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 210 | 550 | 1,020 | 980 | 1,240 | 3,970 |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 1,950 | 29,170 | 37,070 | 44,050 | 22,470 | 134,700 |
Immigrants | 2,990 | 6,830 | 8,560 | 15,540 | 8,660 | 42,570 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,190 | 4,300 | 4,830 | 10,520 | 4,940 | 26,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 650 | 2,070 | 2,750 | 3,760 | 1,970 | 11,190 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 160 | 470 | 990 | 1,260 | 1,730 | 4,600 |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 2,780 | 50,800 | 71,800 | 86,520 | 45,840 | 257,730 |
Immigrants | 5,600 | 12,170 | 17,230 | 28,690 | 15,660 | 79,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,030 | 7,570 | 9,930 | 18,880 | 8,910 | 49,300 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,210 | 3,600 | 5,310 | 7,590 | 3,780 | 21,470 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 370 | 1,020 | 2,000 | 2,230 | 2,990 | 8,580 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 27% | 57% | 77% | 83% | 85% | 75% |
Immigrants | 38% | 52% | 68% | 78% | 78% | 66% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 37% | 55% | 69% | 77% | 81% | 66% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 44% | 50% | 72% | 83% | 82% | 70% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 34% | 41% | 54% | 66% | 66% | 55% |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 51% | 70% | 87% | 92% | 91% | 84% |
Immigrants | 63% | 70% | 83% | 88% | 87% | 81% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 61% | 78% | 86% | 87% | 87% | 82% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 78% | 68% | 86% | 92% | 93% | 84% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 55% | 40% | 67% | 87% | 80% | 70% |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 40% | 63% | 82% | 87% | 88% | 79% |
Immigrants | 48% | 61% | 75% | 83% | 83% | 73% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 47% | 66% | 77% | 82% | 84% | 74% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 58% | 59% | 79% | 88% | 88% | 77% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 40% | 41% | 60% | 76% | 74% | 63% |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Immigrants with little schooling, even very recent immigrants, are equally or more active in the labour market than the Canadian-born with low education. But at all other education levels there is a common pattern of relatively low participation rates for very recently landed immigrants and convergence to the rates of the Canadian-born for earlier cohorts.
Figure D-2: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—15 to 64 years of age—labour force participation rates, by level of education and gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001
Note: Figures D-1 and D-2 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed, (actively looking for work).
Knowledge of English important for labour force participation
Most immigrants report that they have knowledge of either English or French when they immigrate to Canada. As reported at the time of the 2001 Census, the large majority of both men and women who immigrated during the 1990s and settled in Hamilton speak English. Those who do not speak English are not nearly as active in the labour market as those who do. The gap in labour force participation between those who do speak English and those who do not is larger for women than for men.
Population | Labour force | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English |
No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 123,000 | 123,030 |
Immigrants | 2,400 | 830 | 35,940 | 36,780 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 750 | 200 | 22,350 | 22,530 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 720 | 320 | 9,980 | 10,270 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 940 | 350 | 3,630 | 3,970 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 134,640 | 134,700 |
Immigrants | 1,270 | 770 | 41,810 | 42,570 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 450 | 250 | 26,520 | 26,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 370 | 260 | 10,930 | 11,190 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 480 | 240 | 4,350 | 4,600 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 257,650 | 257,730 |
Immigrants | 3,680 | 1,610 | 77,730 | 79,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,190 | 460 | 48,840 | 49,300 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,090 | 580 | 20,900 | 21,470 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,410 | 600 | 7,970 | 8,580 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Population share | Labour force participation rate | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English |
No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 75% | 75% |
Immigrants | 4% | 35% | 67% | 66% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 27% | 67% | 66% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 45% | 72% | 70% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 13% | 37% | 58% | 55% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 84% | 84% |
Immigrants | 2% | 60% | 82% | 81% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 56% | 83% | 82% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3% | 70% | 85% | 84% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 7% | 50% | 72% | 70% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 79% | 79% |
Immigrants | 3% | 44% | 74% | 73% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 39% | 75% | 74% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 4% | 53% | 78% | 77% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10% | 42% | 65% | 63% |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Unemployment not uncommon during initial years
Immigrants who are in their initial years in Canada are more likely to experience unemployment than those who have been in the country for a longer period of time. For instance, very recently immigrated men in Hamilton experienced unemployment rates from 12% to 19%, depending on their age group, and very recently immigrated women experienced rates of 13% to 20%, depending on their age group. Unemployment is significantly lower among persons who immigrated before 1996, except for the youngest age group, but it is still higher than for the Canadian-born.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 2,870 | 2,430 | 1,000 | 6,300 |
Immigrants | 510 | 1,490 | 700 | 2,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 80 | 410 | 510 | 990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 310 | 540 | 120 | 970 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 130 | 550 | 70 | 750 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 3,190 | 2,980 | 1,350 | 7,520 |
Immigrants | 430 | 1,260 | 940 | 2,620 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 40 | 370 | 610 | 1,010 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 290 | 500 | 200 | 990 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 110 | 390 | 140 | 640 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 6,060 | 5,400 | 2,350 | 13,810 |
Immigrants | 940 | 2,750 | 1,640 | 5,320 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 110 | 770 | 1,110 | 1,990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 600 | 1,050 | 320 | 1,960 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 240 | 930 | 210 | 1,380 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 11% | 4% | 3% | 5% | 6,300 |
Immigrants | 17% | 9% | 4% | 7% | 2,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 14% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 16% | 9% | 5% | 9% | 970 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 19% | 20% | 13% | 19% | 750 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 12% | 4% | 3% | 6% | 7,520 |
Immigrants | 14% | 7% | 4% | 6% | 2,620 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 8% | 4% | 3% | 4% | 1,010 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 14% | 8% | 7% | 9% | 990 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 19% | 12% | 17% | 14% | 640 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 12% | 4% | 3% | 5% | 13,810 |
Immigrants | 15% | 8% | 4% | 7% | 5,320 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 10% | 5% | 3% | 4% | 1,990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 16% | 8% | 6% | 9% | 1,960 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 20% | 16% | 15% | 16% | 1,380 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
The unemployment rate was lower in 1996 than in 2001 for almost all groups shown in Table D-8.
Earlier cohorts have lower unemployment rates than more recent cohorts at all levels of education. For instance, men who immigrated after 1995 and who have a high school diploma have an unemployment rate of 19%. The rate drops to 10% for male immigrants who landed between 1986 and 1995.
Very recent immigrant women experienced more unemployment than very recent immigrant men, irrespective of their education level, but the gender gap among those who landed during the 1986-1995 period was less. The gap between recent immigrants and the Canadian-born is also larger for women than for men, particularly for those with more education.
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 90 | 1,790 | 2,040 | 1,530 | 850 | 6,300 |
Immigrants | 160 | 420 | 770 | 870 | 510 | 2,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 90 | 120 | 260 | 410 | 130 | 990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 50 | 180 | 340 | 280 | 120 | 970 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 20 | 110 | 200 | 170 | 280 | 750 |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 140 | 2,510 | 2,280 | 1,910 | 700 | 7,520 |
Immigrants | 120 | 490 | 660 | 860 | 510 | 2,620 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 70 | 200 | 200 | 410 | 120 | 1,010 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 20 | 210 | 290 | 280 | 180 | 990 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10 | 70 | 190 | 160 | 200 | 640 |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 230 | 4,290 | 4,300 | 3,450 | 1,550 | 13,810 |
Immigrants | 280 | 910 | 1,420 | 1,710 | 1,030 | 5,320 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 170 | 310 | 420 | 820 | 250 | 1,990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 80 | 390 | 600 | 560 | 310 | 1,960 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 30 | 180 | 390 | 330 | 470 | 1,380 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 11% | 8% | 6% | 4% | 4% | 5% |
Immigrants | 6% | 8% | 9% | 7% | 7% | 7% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 5% | 4% | 5% | 5% | 3% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 9% | 12% | 13% | 7% | 6% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10% | 19% | 19% | 17% | 22% | 19% |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 7% | 9% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 6% |
Immigrants | 4% | 7% | 8% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 2% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3% | 10% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 6% | 15% | 19% | 12% | 12% | 14% |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 8% | 8% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 5% |
Immigrants | 5% | 7% | 8% | 6% | 7% | 7% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 3% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7% | 11% | 11% | 7% | 8% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 8% | 18% | 19% | 15% | 16% | 16% |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Recent immigrants who do not speak English are more likely to be unemployed than those who do speak English. The difference in unemployment rates between those who speak English and those who do not, excluding the very recently immigrated cohort, varies from two to six percentage points, depending on gender and period of immigration. However, among very recent immigrants, unemployment is lower for those without knowledge of English.
Share of labour force | Unemployed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | ||
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 6,290 | 6,300 |
Immigrants | 830 | 90 | 2,630 | 2,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 200 | 20 | 950 | 990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 320 | 40 | 940 | 970 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 350 | 30 | 730 | 750 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 7,510 | 7,520 |
Immigrants | 770 | 80 | 2,550 | 2,620 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 250 | 0 | 1,010 | 1,010 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 260 | 40 | 950 | 990 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 240 | 10 | 610 | 640 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 13,810 | 13,810 |
Immigrants | 1,610 | 140 | 5,180 | 5,320 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 460 | 30 | 1,940 | 1,990 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 580 | 60 | 1,890 | 1,960 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 600 | 50 | 1,340 | 1,380 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Share of labour force | Unemployment rate | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | ||
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 5% | 5% |
Immigrants | 2% | 11% | 7% | 7% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 10% | 4% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3% | 11% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9% | 7% | 20% | 19% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 6% | 6% |
Immigrants | 2% | 10% | 6% | 6% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 0% | 4% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 2% | 13% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 5% | 4% | 14% | 14% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | – | – | 5% | 5% |
Immigrants | 2% | 9% | 7% | 7% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 7% | 4% | 4% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3% | 10% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 7% | 8% | 17% | 16% |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
Share of men and women with jobs increases with length of stay
Less than one-half of very recently immigrated women aged 15 to 64 are employed, compared to seven in ten Canadian-born women. For men the difference is somewhat smaller: six in ten very recent immigrants are employed compared to eight in ten Canadian-born men. As shown in the previous pages, these differences in employment rates reflect mainly differences in labour force participation rates.
Among immigrants who landed before 1986, employment is more common than among the more recently landed, but not quite as common as among the Canadian-born. For men and women aged 25 to 44 and 45 to 64 years, the employment rate of immigrants who landed before 1986 is one to six percentage points lower than the employment rate of the Canadian-born. In the 45 to 64 age group, a larger share of men and women who landed during the 1986-1995 period is employed than of those who landed earlier.
In 2001, the incidence of employment was generally higher among cohorts than in 1996. The cohort of men and women who landed between five and fifteen years before the census saw the largest gain.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 22,930 | 60,400 | 33,420 | 116,750 |
Immigrants | 2,560 | 15,090 | 16,440 | 34,080 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 450 | 7,280 | 13,810 | 21,540 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,550 | 5,600 | 2,160 | 9,310 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 560 | 2,210 | 470 | 3,230 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 22,640 | 67,000 | 37,550 | 127,190 |
Immigrants | 2,610 | 16,910 | 20,430 | 39,950 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 490 | 8,200 | 17,090 | 25,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,690 | 5,890 | 2,630 | 10,210 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 440 | 2,830 | 700 | 3,970 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 45,570 | 127,400 | 70,970 | 243,930 |
Immigrants | 5,170 | 32,000 | 36,860 | 74,020 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 940 | 15,480 | 30,900 | 47,310 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3,240 | 11,490 | 4,790 | 19,520 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 990 | 5,040 | 1,170 | 7,190 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | 15 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 64% | 79% | 64% | 71% | 116,750 |
Immigrants | 48% | 68% | 58% | 61% | 34,080 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 72% | 76% | 58% | 63% | 21,540 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 50% | 69% | 64% | 64% | 9,310 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 34% | 50% | 40% | 45% | 3,230 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 62% | 88% | 77% | 79% | 127,190 |
Immigrants | 50% | 83% | 76% | 76% | 39,950 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 68% | 87% | 76% | 79% | 25,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 54% | 85% | 81% | 77% | 10,210 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 31% | 72% | 61% | 61% | 3,970 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 63% | 84% | 71% | 75% | 243,930 |
Immigrants | 49% | 76% | 67% | 68% | 74,020 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 70% | 82% | 67% | 71% | 47,310 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 52% | 76% | 73% | 70% | 19,520 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 33% | 60% | 51% | 52% | 7,190 |
Note: Tables D-1 to D-14 describe labour force participation, employment and unemployment in the week before the 2001 Census, May 6-12, 2001. A person is in the labour force if he/she is employed or unemployed (actively looking for work).
The jobs of recent immigrants
Part-time jobs generally more common for very recent immigrants
The proportion of employed persons who work part-time varies considerably by age and gender, both for immigrants and the Canadian-born. About one-half or more of employed young adults work part-time. Of employed women 25 to 64 years of age, 20% to 31% work part-time, while for men the share is 4% to 13%.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 17,270 | 15,920 | 9,660 | 42,840 |
Immigrants | 1,760 | 4,080 | 4,290 | 10,130 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 250 | 1,910 | 3,700 | 5,860 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,150 | 1,530 | 470 | 3,150 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 360 | 650 | 120 | 1,120 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 14,560 | 3,170 | 2,490 | 20,210 |
Immigrants | 1,480 | 1,000 | 1,190 | 3,670 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 230 | 380 | 940 | 1,550 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,030 | 360 | 170 | 1,560 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 220 | 270 | 90 | 570 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 31,830 | 19,080 | 12,140 | 63,050 |
Immigrants | 3,220 | 5,060 | 5,490 | 13,770 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 480 | 2,270 | 4,640 | 7,390 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 2,180 | 1,880 | 640 | 4,690 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 570 | 910 | 210 | 1,690 |
Note: Tables D-15 and D-16 do not include immigrants who landed in 2000 or 2001. Only persons who landed before 2000 are included among immigrants and very recent immigrants. Part-time employment is defined as having worked less than 30 hours per week during most of the weeks worked in the year 2000.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 64% | 24% | 27% | 33% |
Immigrants | 60% | 25% | 24% | 27% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 50% | 24% | 25% | 25% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 62% | 25% | 20% | 30% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 63% | 31% | 26% | 36% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 53% | 4% | 6% | 15% |
Immigrants | 49% | 6% | 5% | 9% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 41% | 4% | 5% | 6% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 53% | 6% | 6% | 14% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 46% | 11% | 13% | 16% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 59% | 14% | 16% | 24% |
Immigrants | 55% | 15% | 14% | 17% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 44% | 14% | 14% | 14% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 57% | 15% | 12% | 22% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 56% | 20% | 19% | 25% |
Note: Tables D-15 and D-16 do not include immigrants who landed in 2000 or 2001. Only persons who landed before 2000 are included among immigrants and very recent immigrants. Part-time employment is defined as having worked less than 30 hours per week during most of the weeks worked in the year 2000.
Part-time employment generally is more common among very recent immigrants than the Canadian-born 25 years of age and over.
The prevalence of part-time employment was generally lower for the various cohorts in 2001 than in 1996, except for very recent immigrants under 45 years of age.
More recent immigrants in sales and services and processing occupations
Employed immigrants are more likely than their Canadian-born counterparts to work in sales and service occupations and processing occupations. One-half of employed recent immigrant women and one third of employed recent immigrant men are employed in sales and service occupations and processing occupations, compared to one-quarter of Canadian-born men and women employed in these occupations. By contrast, administrative occupations and management and social occupations, which are favoured by the Canadian-born, account for smaller shares of the jobs of earlier and recent immigrants.
The distribution of occupations of very recent immigrants is quite similar to that of earlier cohorts, with one major exception: a higher share of very recent immigrant men’s occupations are in the health and science fields and the sales and services fields, with a lower share in trades and transport fields.
Sales and services | Processing | Admin- istrative |
Management and social sciences | Trades, transport | Health, science | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 21,130 | 3,240 | 28,630 | 24,820 | 2,280 | 13,730 | 93,820 |
Immigrants | 8,260 | 4,200 | 7,120 | 6,230 | 890 | 4,820 | 31,520 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
5,460 | 1,980 | 5,400 | 4,690 | 590 | 3,010 | 21,090 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
2,080 | 1,620 | 1,320 | 1,130 | 220 | 1,420 | 7,750 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
720 | 630 | 400 | 440 | 90 | 410 | 2,670 |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 14,980 | 13,020 | 10,340 | 25,210 | 29,440 | 11,590 | 104,550 |
Immigrants | 5,170 | 5,790 | 2,370 | 7,690 | 11,500 | 4,830 | 37,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
3,440 | 3,500 | 1,730 | 5,600 | 7,950 | 3,090 | 25,290 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
1,130 | 1,590 | 460 | 1,480 | 2,720 | 1,150 | 8,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
610 | 710 | 190 | 600 | 830 | 600 | 3,530 |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 36,100 | 16,250 | 38,970 | 50,030 | 31,700 | 25,320 | 198,370 |
Immigrants | 13,420 | 9,990 | 9,490 | 13,920 | 12,390 | 9,660 | 68,860 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
8,900 | 5,460 | 7,130 | 10,290 | 8,530 | 6,090 | 46,370 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
3,210 | 3,210 | 1,770 | 2,590 | 2,940 | 2,560 | 16,270 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
1,330 | 1,330 | 590 | 1,030 | 920 | 1,000 | 6,200 |
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 23% | 3% | 31% | 26% | 2% | 15% | 100% |
Immigrants | 26% | 13% | 23% | 20% | 3% | 15% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
26% | 9% | 26% | 22% | 3% | 14% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
27% | 21% | 17% | 15% | 3% | 18% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
27% | 23% | 15% | 17% | 3% | 15% | 100% |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 14% | 12% | 10% | 24% | 28% | 11% | 100% |
Immigrants | 14% | 15% | 6% | 21% | 31% | 13% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
14% | 14% | 7% | 22% | 31% | 12% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
13% | 19% | 5% | 17% | 32% | 13% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
17% | 20% | 5% | 17% | 24% | 17% | 100% |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 18% | 8% | 20% | 25% | 16% | 13% | 100% |
Immigrants | 19% | 15% | 14% | 20% | 18% | 14% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
19% | 12% | 15% | 22% | 18% | 13% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
20% | 20% | 11% | 16% | 18% | 16% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
21% | 21% | 10% | 17% | 15% | 16% | 100% |
Note: Job characteristics presented in Tables D-17 to D-20 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Figure D-3: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—employed 25 to 64 years of age—occupation groups, by gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001 (percentage distribution)
Note: Job characteristics presented in Figures D-3 to D-6 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Many very recent immigrants in manufacturing, fewer in the public sector
In Hamilton, relative to the Canadian-born, a large proportion of employed recent immigrants aged 25 to 64 work in manufacturing industries and in hospitality and other services industries. By contrast, construction and transportation industries and the public sector account for a smaller share of jobs of recent immigrants than of the Canadian-born.
Compared to 1996, very recent immigrants have found more jobs in business services industries and fewer in hospitality and other services industries.
Figure D-4: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—employed 25 to 64 years of age—industry sector, by gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001 (percentage distribution)
Note: Job characteristics presented in Figures D-3 to D-6 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Manu- facturing |
Construction and Transportation |
Trade | Business services | Public sector |
Hospitality and other services | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 9,260 | 5,940 | 15,390 | 15,580 | 36,580 | 11,100 | 93,800 |
Immigrants | 5,990 | 1,270 | 4,690 | 4,510 | 10,620 | 4,450 | 31,500 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
3,310 | 930 | 3,150 | 3,090 | 7,830 | 2,780 | 21,100 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
1,930 | 280 | 1,210 | 990 | 2,120 | 1,250 | 7,800 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
760 | 60 | 350 | 420 | 660 | 430 | 2,700 |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 32,030 | 20,940 | 18,280 | 13,070 | 13,160 | 7,080 | 104,500 |
Immigrants | 13,420 | 6,930 | 5,690 | 4,020 | 4,250 | 3,060 | 37,300 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
8,860 | 4,870 | 3,720 | 2,710 | 3,250 | 1,930 | 25,300 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
3,230 | 1,580 | 1,430 | 870 | 660 | 790 | 8,500 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
1,350 | 510 | 550 | 440 | 350 | 350 | 3,500 |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 41,270 | 26,870 | 33,670 | 28,650 | 49,730 | 18,190 | 198,400 |
Immigrants | 19,410 | 8,190 | 10,380 | 8,530 | 14,850 | 7,500 | 68,800 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
12,140 | 5,790 | 6,840 | 5,810 | 11,100 | 4,710 | 46,400 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
5,160 | 1,850 | 2,640 | 1,870 | 2,780 | 2,010 | 16,300 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
2,110 | 570 | 900 | 860 | 990 | 780 | 6,200 |
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 10% | 6% | 16% | 17% | 39% | 12% | 100% |
Immigrants | 19% | 4% | 15% | 14% | 34% | 14% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
16% | 4% | 15% | 15% | 37% | 13% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
25% | 4% | 16% | 13% | 27% | 16% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
28% | 2% | 13% | 16% | 25% | 16% | 100% |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 31% | 20% | 17% | 13% | 13% | 7% | 100% |
Immigrants | 36% | 19% | 15% | 11% | 11% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
35% | 19% | 15% | 11% | 13% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
38% | 19% | 17% | 10% | 8% | 9% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
38% | 14% | 15% | 12% | 10% | 10% | 100% |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 21% | 14% | 17% | 14% | 25% | 9% | 100% |
Immigrants | 28% | 12% | 15% | 12% | 22% | 11% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 |
26% | 12% | 15% | 13% | 24% | 10% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
32% | 11% | 16% | 11% | 17% | 12% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
34% | 9% | 15% | 14% | 16% | 13% | 100% |
Note: Job characteristics presented in Tables D-17 to D-20 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Skill requirements of jobs of recent immigrants only slightly lower for men
The jobs of recent immigrants require lower skills than the jobs of the Canadian-born. One-third of jobs of Canadian-born women require the highest level of skill, a university education. For women who landed after 1995, only one in five jobs requires a university education. There is a larger gap for women than for men between recent immigrants and the Canadian-born in the skill requirements of their jobs.
No formal education | High school plus job training | College or trade apprenticeship | University | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 7,620 | 30,240 | 25,190 | 30,770 | 93,820 |
Immigrants | 4,770 | 10,840 | 7,810 | 8,110 | 31,520 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,690 | 6,810 | 5,690 | 5,880 | 21,080 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,490 | 3,010 | 1,590 | 1,680 | 7,750 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 570 | 1,030 | 520 | 560 | 2,680 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 8,600 | 28,510 | 35,040 | 32,410 | 104,550 |
Immigrants | 3,850 | 9,990 | 12,770 | 10,740 | 37,340 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,300 | 6,130 | 9,260 | 7,600 | 25,280 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,060 | 2,740 | 2,580 | 2,170 | 8,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 500 | 1,150 | 920 | 970 | 3,530 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 16,220 | 58,750 | 60,230 | 63,180 | 198,370 |
Immigrants | 8,610 | 20,830 | 20,570 | 18,840 | 68,860 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 5,010 | 12,920 | 14,980 | 13,480 | 46,370 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 2,550 | 5,730 | 4,160 | 3,840 | 16,280 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,070 | 2,170 | 1,440 | 1,530 | 6,200 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 8% | 32% | 27% | 33% | 100% |
Immigrants | 15% | 34% | 25% | 26% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 13% | 32% | 27% | 28% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 19% | 39% | 20% | 22% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 21% | 38% | 19% | 21% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 8% | 27% | 34% | 31% | 100% |
Immigrants | 10% | 27% | 34% | 29% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 9% | 24% | 37% | 30% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 12% | 32% | 30% | 25% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 14% | 32% | 26% | 27% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 8% | 30% | 30% | 32% | 100% |
Immigrants | 13% | 30% | 30% | 27% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 11% | 28% | 32% | 29% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 16% | 35% | 26% | 24% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 17% | 35% | 23% | 25% | 100% |
Note: Job characteristics presented in Tables D-17 to D-20 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
For both men and women, the skill requirements of jobs of immigrants who landed before 1986 are closer to that of the Canadian-born. However, the middle group of immigrants, those who landed between 1986 and 1995, has more or less the same distribution of jobs by skill requirement as very recent immigrants.
The information presented in Table D-19 does not directly indicate whether the skills of recent immigrants are fully or less than fully employed in the economy. To determine this, one has to compare the skill levels of jobs of employed recent immigrants with the level of education of employed recent immigrants. This is done in Table D-20 for persons holding a university degree.
Figure D-5: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—employed 25 to 64 years of age—skill requirements of jobs, by gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001 (percentage distribution)
Note: Job characteristics presented in Figures D-3 to D-6 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Education of recent immigrants not fully utilized
The jobs of recent immigrants with a university degree do not require the same level of skill as the jobs of Canadian-born persons with a university degree. Seven in ten employed Canadian-born women with a university degree have a job requiring a university degree. But only four in ten employed women who immigrated after 1995 and hold a university degree have a job that requires a university degree. Three-quarters of Canadian-born men with a university degree but only one-half of very recently immigrated men with a university degree have a job requiring a university education.
No formal education | High school plus job training | College or trade apprenticeship | University | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 210 | 2,540 | 3,320 | 14,610 | 20,680 |
Immigrants | 230 | 1,170 | 1,090 | 3,780 | 6,260 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 60 | 510 | 560 | 2,610 | 3,750 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 90 | 400 | 320 | 770 | 1,580 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 80 | 250 | 210 | 390 | 930 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 280 | 1,960 | 3,330 | 15,280 | 20,850 |
Immigrants | 250 | 1,000 | 1,470 | 5,330 | 8,050 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 50 | 490 | 820 | 3,430 | 4,780 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 90 | 230 | 300 | 1,150 | 1,770 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 110 | 300 | 360 | 750 | 1,520 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 490 | 4,500 | 6,650 | 29,900 | 41,520 |
Immigrants | 480 | 2,170 | 2,560 | 9,100 | 14,310 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 120 | 990 | 1,390 | 6,040 | 8,520 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 180 | 630 | 620 | 1,920 | 3,350 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 190 | 550 | 570 | 1,140 | 2,440 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 1% | 12% | 16% | 71% | 100% |
Immigrants | 4% | 19% | 17% | 60% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 13% | 15% | 69% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6% | 25% | 20% | 48% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9% | 27% | 23% | 42% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 1% | 9% | 16% | 73% | 100% |
Immigrants | 3% | 12% | 18% | 66% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 10% | 17% | 72% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 13% | 17% | 65% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 7% | 20% | 23% | 49% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 1% | 11% | 16% | 72% | 100% |
Immigrants | 3% | 15% | 18% | 64% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 12% | 16% | 71% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 19% | 18% | 57% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 8% | 23% | 23% | 47% | 100% |
Note: Job characteristics presented in Tables D-17 to D-20 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
Figure D-6: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born —25 to 64 years of age— percentage of employed university graduates with job requiring university education, by gender, Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, 2001
Note: Job characteristics presented in Figures D-3 to D-6 relate to jobs held at the time of the census or the job of longest duration from January 2000 to May 15, 2001. The information pertains to persons 25 to 64 years of age. Younger people are not included here since many of them are still in school, and their jobs tend to be short-term and part-time and less likely to be related to their education and career choices than the jobs of older adults. Occupation groups are defined in the Glossary.
The skill level of jobs of university graduates were higher in 2001 than in 1996, mainly in the form of a shift from jobs requiring a high school diploma plus job training or less education to jobs requiring a post-secondary education. Very recent immigrants experienced the greatest shift.
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