Recent Immigrants in Metropolitan Areas: Vancouver—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-three percentage points for women and sixteen percentage points for men. Labour force participation of immigrants who have been in Canada for a longer period of time is rather more like that of the Canadian-born. A pattern of adjustment to and greater involvement of immigrants in the Canadian labour market with longer stay is evident in all three age groups, for both men and women. Earlier immigrant women in the 45-64 age group do not quite reach the level of participation of the Canadian-born, but those aged 25 to 44 have caught up.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 59,380 | 153,900 | 87,990 | 301,260 |
Immigrants | 18,310 | 102,470 | 75,190 | 195,970 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,470 | 34,700 | 51,020 | 88,190 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 9,850 | 42,220 | 17,660 | 69,730 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 6,000 | 25,560 | 6,510 | 38,060 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 60,210 | 172,780 | 100,310 | 333,300 |
Immigrants | 17,890 | 103,230 | 89,920 | 211,040 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,500 | 36,480 | 59,260 | 98,240 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 10,260 | 40,440 | 21,110 | 71,800 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 5,140 | 26,310 | 9,570 | 41,010 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 119,580 | 326,670 | 188,300 | 634,550 |
Immigrants | 36,200 | 205,700 | 165,110 | 407,010 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,970 | 71,180 | 110,270 | 186,410 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 20,100 | 82,670 | 38,770 | 141,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 11,140 | 51,860 | 16,070 | 79,070 |
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 | 68% | 84% | 72% | 77% | 301,260 |
Immigrants | 49% | 73% | 61% | 65% | 195,970 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 75% | 83% | 68% | 73% | 88,190 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 50% | 74% | 53% | 63% | 69,730 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 42% | 61% | 46% | 54% | 38,060 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 66% | 92% | 83% | 83% | 333,300 |
Immigrants | 45% | 87% | 78% | 77% | 211,040 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 66% | 91% | 82% | 85% | 98,240 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 46% | 87% | 72% | 73% | 71,800 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 37% | 81% | 65% | 67% | 41,010 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 67% | 88% | 78% | 80% | 634,550 |
Immigrants | 47% | 79% | 69% | 71% | 407,010 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 70% | 87% | 75% | 79% | 186,410 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 48% | 80% | 62% | 68% | 141,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 40% | 70% | 55% | 60% | 79,070 |
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).
Labour force participation was higher for the very recent immigrant cohort in the 2001 Census than in the 1996 Census. The young and old age cohorts showed greater gains than the middle age cohorts. Labour force participation of very recent immigrants increased by four percentage points for women, while participation of other women cohorts did not change or declined by up to three percentage points. Labour market conditions in the Vancouver economy were more or less the same in 2001 as 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, Vancouver 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 significant 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 | 1,310 | 43,340 | 83,410 | 103,820 | 69,400 | 301,260 |
Immigrants | 10,220 | 26,500 | 43,650 | 62,900 | 52,720 | 195,970 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,520 | 11,790 | 19,190 | 32,240 | 20,480 | 88,190 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 4,010 | 9,890 | 16,870 | 20,970 | 18,000 | 69,730 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,710 | 4,830 | 7,600 | 9,680 | 14,250 | 38,060 |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 3,220 | 59,830 | 87,170 | 111,830 | 71,250 | 333,300 |
Immigrants | 10,020 | 30,870 | 41,590 | 65,040 | 63,530 | 211,040 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,440 | 14,140 | 17,470 | 36,690 | 25,480 | 98,240 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3,990 | 11,910 | 17,070 | 19,260 | 19,570 | 71,800 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,590 | 4,820 | 7,050 | 9,090 | 18,480 | 41,010 |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 4,530 | 103,160 | 170,590 | 215,650 | 140,650 | 634,550 |
Immigrants | 20,240 | 57,380 | 85,230 | 127,940 | 116,240 | 407,010 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 8,980 | 25,910 | 36,650 | 68,930 | 45,940 | 186,410 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7,980 | 21,810 | 33,930 | 40,240 | 37,570 | 141,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 3,300 | 9,650 | 14,640 | 18,770 | 32,740 | 79,070 |
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 | 33% | 56% | 78% | 84% | 87% | 77% |
Immigrants | 42% | 52% | 62% | 74% | 75% | 65% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 44% | 64% | 72% | 79% | 84% | 73% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 41% | 49% | 59% | 75% | 75% | 63% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 39% | 39% | 49% | 61% | 64% | 54% |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 52% | 66% | 86% | 90% | 92% | 83% |
Immigrants | 66% | 63% | 72% | 85% | 84% | 77% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 68% | 79% | 84% | 87% | 89% | 85% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 66% | 59% | 68% | 85% | 83% | 73% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 63% | 44% | 59% | 76% | 79% | 67% |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 44% | 61% | 82% | 87% | 89% | 80% |
Immigrants | 51% | 57% | 66% | 79% | 79% | 71% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 53% | 71% | 78% | 83% | 87% | 79% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 51% | 54% | 63% | 79% | 79% | 68% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 48% | 41% | 53% | 67% | 71% | 60% |
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 more active in the labour market than the Canadian-born with comparable education. But at all other education levels there are a common pattern of relatively low participation rates for very recent immigrants and convergence to the rates of the Canadian-born with longer stay.
Labour force participation rates have decreased since 1996 by one to three percentage points for most of the education levels and immigrant cohorts shown in Tables D-3 and D-4. However, very recent immigrant women with a high school diploma or less, very recent immigrant men with a post-secondary diploma or degree and the least educated very recent immigrants were more active in the labour market in 2001 than in 1996. By contrast, recent immigrants who landed between five and fifteen years before the census had lower participation rates than in 1996, regardless of their education level.
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, Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 is larger for women than for men.
Population | Labour force | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 301,090 | 301,260 |
Immigrants | 28,180 | 11,340 | 184,640 | 195,970 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 5,110 | 2,350 | 85,830 | 88,190 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 12,290 | 4,960 | 64,770 | 69,730 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10,780 | 4,030 | 34,040 | 38,060 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 333,160 | 333,300 |
Immigrants | 17,510 | 10,530 | 200,510 | 211,040 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,530 | 1,760 | 96,490 | 98,240 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 8,020 | 5,010 | 66,790 | 71,800 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 6,960 | 3,770 | 37,240 | 41,010 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 634,260 | 634,550 |
Immigrants | 45,690 | 21,860 | 385,140 | 407,010 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 7,630 | 4,090 | 182,320 | 186,410 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 20,310 | 9,970 | 131,550 | 141,530 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 17,730 | 7,800 | 71,270 | 79,070 |
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).
Labour force participation rates of immigrants are lower than they would be if all immigrants had command of English. As measured by the difference between the third and fourth data columns in the table, the rate is three percentage points lower for women and two percentage points for men.
Population share | Labour force participation rate | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 77% | 77% |
Immigrants | 9% | 40% | 68% | 65% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4% | 46% | 74% | 73% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 11% | 40% | 66% | 63% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 15% | 37% | 57% | 54% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 83% | 83% |
Immigrants | 6% | 60% | 78% | 77% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 70% | 85% | 85% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 8% | 62% | 74% | 73% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 11% | 54% | 69% | 67% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 80% | 80% |
Immigrants | 8% | 48% | 73% | 71% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 54% | 80% | 79% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 10% | 49% | 70% | 68% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 13% | 44% | 63% | 60% |
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 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 Vancouver experienced unemployment rates from 12% to 16%, depending on their age group, and women experienced unemployment rates of 15% to 19%, again depending on their age group. There is significantly less unemployment among persons who immigrated before 1996, except for the youngest age group. Among earlier immigrants the unemployment rate is comparable to that of the Canadian-born.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 7,010 | 8,050 | 3,310 | 18,370 |
Immigrants | 3,030 | 9,000 | 5,150 | 17,170 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 360 | 1,860 | 2,430 | 4,650 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,690 | 3,440 | 1,510 | 6,630 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 990 | 3,720 | 1,220 | 5,920 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 8,570 | 9,670 | 4,530 | 22,770 |
Immigrants | 2,860 | 8,070 | 5,910 | 16,830 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 310 | 2,060 | 2,960 | 5,320 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,710 | 2,980 | 1,680 | 6,360 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 840 | 3,040 | 1,260 | 5,130 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 15,580 | 17,720 | 7,840 | 41,140 |
Immigrants | 5,880 | 17,060 | 11,050 | 33,990 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 670 | 3,910 | 5,380 | 9,950 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 3,390 | 6,410 | 3,200 | 13,000 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,830 | 6,750 | 2,480 | 11,050 |
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 | 12% | 5% | 4% | 6% | 100% |
Immigrants | 17% | 9% | 7% | 9% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 15% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 17% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 16% | 15% | 19% | 16% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 14% | 6% | 5% | 7% | 100% |
Immigrants | 16% | 8% | 7% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 12% | 6% | 5% | 5% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 17% | 7% | 8% | 9% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 16% | 12% | 13% | 13% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 13% | 5% | 4% | 6% | 100% |
Immigrants | 16% | 8% | 7% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 13% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 17% | 8% | 8% | 9% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 16% | 13% | 15% | 14% | 100% |
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 for almost all age and gender cohorts shown in Table D-8 was lower in 2001 than in 1996, mostly by one percentage point. Recent immigrants, including very recent immigrants, experienced greater improvements than did earlier immigrants and the Canadian-born.
Earlier cohorts have lower unemployment rates than more recent cohorts at all levels of education, with the exception of less educated men. For instance, women who immigrated after 1996 and who have a high school diploma have an unemployment rate of 16%. The rate drops to 11% for female immigrants who landed between 1986 and 1995.
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 200 | 4,380 | 5,520 | 5,450 | 2,810 | 18,370 |
Immigrants | 1,500 | 2,690 | 4,160 | 4,320 | 4,500 | 17,170 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 360 | 800 | 1,120 | 1,510 | 850 | 4,650 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 680 | 1,220 | 1,820 | 1,500 | 1,420 | 6,630 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 450 | 680 | 1,240 | 1,310 | 2,240 | 5,920 |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 510 | 6,600 | 6,730 | 6,350 | 2,580 | 22,770 |
Immigrants | 1,120 | 2,710 | 3,750 | 4,300 | 4,960 | 16,830 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 460 | 1,040 | 1,060 | 1,860 | 900 | 5,320 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 500 | 1,070 | 1,820 | 1,430 | 1,560 | 6,360 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 170 | 600 | 860 | 1,000 | 2,510 | 5,130 |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 710 | 10,990 | 12,250 | 11,790 | 5,400 | 41,140 |
Immigrants | 2,620 | 5,400 | 7,910 | 8,610 | 9,460 | 33,990 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 820 | 1,840 | 2,170 | 3,390 | 1,750 | 9,950 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,180 | 2,290 | 3,640 | 2,920 | 2,980 | 13,000 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 620 | 1,280 | 2,110 | 2,310 | 4,740 | 11,050 |
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).
Overall, very recent immigrant women experienced more unemployment than very recent immigrant men with the same level of education. Women with at least a high school diploma who have been in Canada for five to fifteen years have the same unemployment rates as men in the same cohort.
Less than grade 9 | Some high school | High school diploma | College or trade diploma | University degree | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 15% | 10% | 7% | 5% | 4% | 6% |
Immigrants | 15% | 10% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 17% | 12% | 11% | 7% | 8% | 10% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 26% | 14% | 16% | 13% | 16% | 16% |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 16% | 11% | 8% | 6% | 4% | 7% |
Immigrants | 11% | 9% | 9% | 7% | 8% | 8% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 10% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 12% | 9% | 11% | 7% | 8% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 11% | 12% | 12% | 11% | 14% | 13% |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 16% | 11% | 7% | 5% | 4% | 6% |
Immigrants | 13% | 9% | 9% | 7% | 8% | 8% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 9% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 15% | 10% | 11% | 7% | 8% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 19% | 13% | 14% | 12% | 14% | 14% |
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).
Most cohorts aged 15 to 64 had a somewhat lower unemployment rate in 2001 than in 1996. The unemployment rate declined more for recent and very recent immigrants than for earlier immigrants and the Canadian-born. As well, the improvement was greater the lower the level of education.
Labour force | Unemployed | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 18,320 | 18,370 |
Immigrants | 11,340 | 1,860 | 15,320 | 17,170 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,350 | 300 | 4,340 | 4,650 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 4,960 | 770 | 5,860 | 6,630 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 4,030 | 810 | 5,120 | 5,920 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 22,750 | 22,770 |
Immigrants | 10,530 | 1,430 | 15,410 | 16,830 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,760 | 170 | 5,160 | 5,320 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5,010 | 630 | 5,740 | 6,360 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 3,770 | 640 | 4,510 | 5,130 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 41,080 | 41,140 |
Immigrants | 21,860 | 3,280 | 30,710 | 33,990 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,090 | 460 | 9,490 | 9,950 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 9,970 | 1,380 | 11,600 | 13,000 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 7,800 | 1,430 | 9,630 | 11,050 |
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 speak English. The difference in unemployment rates between those who speak English and those who do not varies from three to eight percentage points, depending on gender and period of immigration. This difference occurs among earlier immigrants as well as among recent immigrants. These are not large differences compared to the effect of language on participation rates examined above. Knowledge of English is far more important to the decision to seek employment than to the risk of losing it.
Share of labour force | Unemployment rate | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
No English | No English | English | Total | |
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 6% | 6% |
Immigrants | 6% | 16% | 8% | 9% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 13% | 5% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7% | 16% | 9% | 10% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 11% | 20% | 15% | 16% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 7% | 7% |
Immigrants | 5% | 14% | 8% | 8% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 9% | 5% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7% | 12% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9% | 17% | 12% | 13% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | - | - | 6% | 6% |
Immigrants | 5% | 15% | 8% | 8% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 11% | 5% | 5% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7% | 14% | 9% | 9% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10% | 18% | 14% | 14% |
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
Three in four Canadian-born women aged 15 to 64 are employed, compared to less than one-half of very recent immigrant women. For men the difference is smaller: eight in ten Canadian-born men are employed, compared to six in ten very recent immigrant men. As shown in the previous pages, these differences in employment rates reflect mainly differences in labour force participation rates.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 52,370 | 145,850 | 84,680 | 282,890 |
Immigrants | 15,280 | 93,470 | 70,040 | 178,790 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,110 | 32,840 | 48,600 | 83,550 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 8,160 | 38,790 | 16,160 | 63,110 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 5,010 | 21,840 | 5,290 | 32,140 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 51,640 | 163,110 | 95,780 | 310,520 |
Immigrants | 15,040 | 95,170 | 84,020 | 194,230 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,200 | 34,430 | 56,300 | 92,930 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 8,550 | 37,470 | 19,420 | 65,440 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 4,310 | 23,280 | 8,300 | 35,880 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 104,010 | 308,960 | 180,460 | 593,420 |
Immigrants | 30,320 | 188,640 | 154,060 | 373,020 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 4,300 | 67,270 | 104,900 | 176,460 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 16,720 | 76,260 | 35,570 | 128,540 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9,320 | 45,120 | 13,600 | 68,030 |
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 | 60% | 80% | 70% | 72% | 282,890 |
Immigrants | 41% | 66% | 57% | 59% | 178,790 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 63% | 79% | 65% | 69% | 83,550 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 41% | 68% | 49% | 57% | 63,110 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 35% | 52% | 37% | 46% | 32,140 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 57% | 87% | 80% | 78% | 310,520 |
Immigrants | 38% | 80% | 72% | 71% | 194,230 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 58% | 86% | 78% | 80% | 92,930 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 38% | 81% | 67% | 67% | 65,440 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 31% | 72% | 56% | 59% | 35,880 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 58% | 83% | 75% | 75% | 593,420 |
Immigrants | 39% | 73% | 65% | 65% | 373,020 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 61% | 82% | 71% | 75% | 176,460 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 40% | 74% | 57% | 62% | 128,540 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 33% | 61% | 47% | 52% | 68,030 |
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).
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 five percentage points lower than the employment rate of the Canadian-born.
In 2001, employment was higher among the very recent immigrant cohort than in 1996.
The jobs of recent immigrants
Part-time jobs more common for very recent immigrants aged 25 to 64
The proportion of employed persons who work part-time varies considerably by age and gender, both for immigrants and the Canadian-born. More than one-half of employed young adults work part-time. About one-quarter of employed women aged 25 to 64, not including very recent immigrants, work part-time, varying by cohort, while 8% to 15% of employed men aged 25 to 64 work part-time, again varying by cohort.
15 to 24 years | 25 to 44 years | 45 to 64 years | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||
Canadian-born | 37,930 | 40,410 | 24,520 | 102,850 |
Immigrants | 11,030 | 23,800 | 20,370 | 55,190 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,300 | 7,730 | 13,800 | 22,820 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6,750 | 10,310 | 4,830 | 21,880 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 2,980 | 5,770 | 1,750 | 10,490 |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 32,650 | 15,250 | 9,250 | 57,150 |
Immigrants | 9,700 | 9,440 | 10,330 | 29,460 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,160 | 3,100 | 5,670 | 9,920 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6,150 | 3,980 | 3,200 | 13,320 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 2,400 | 2,370 | 1,460 | 6,230 |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 70,580 | 55,670 | 33,760 | 160,010 |
Immigrants | 20,730 | 33,240 | 30,690 | 84,650 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2,460 | 10,820 | 19,470 | 32,750 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 12,900 | 14,280 | 8,020 | 35,190 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 5,380 | 8,140 | 3,200 | 16,710 |
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 | 60% | 25% | 27% | 33% |
Immigrants | 62% | 24% | 27% | 29% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 52% | 22% | 26% | 25% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 65% | 24% | 27% | 31% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 61% | 29% | 32% | 35% |
Men | ||||
Canadian-born | 51% | 9% | 9% | 17% |
Immigrants | 55% | 10% | 12% | 14% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 42% | 8% | 9% | 10% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 58% | 10% | 15% | 18% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 55% | 12% | 18% | 19% |
Total | ||||
Canadian-born | 55% | 17% | 17% | 24% |
Immigrants | 58% | 17% | 18% | 21% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 47% | 15% | 17% | 17% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 61% | 17% | 20% | 24% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 58% | 20% | 24% | 27% |
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 is more common for very recent immigrants aged 25 to 44 or 45 to 64 than for other population groups, but this is not so for those aged 15 to 24.
The share of jobs that were part-time in 2000 was similar to that in 1995 for all groups, with a modest increase in the rate of part-time employment among the 15-24 year age group.
Many recent immigrants in sales and services and processing occupations
Employed recent immigrants are more likely than their Canadian-born counterparts to work in sales and service and processing jobs. One-third of employed recent immigrant women work in sales and service jobs, compared to just over one-fifth of Canadian-born women. The differences are greater for women than for men. Jobs in processing are also more common among recent immigrants than among the Canadian-born. By contrast, management and social occupations, which are favoured by the Canadian-born, account for a smaller share of the jobs of earlier and recent immigrants.
Sales and services | Processing | Admin- istrative |
Management and social sciences | Trades, transport | Health, science | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 46,140 | 4,080 | 78,870 | 68,870 | 3,530 | 29,050 | 230,530 |
Immigrants | 48,300 | 12,230 | 44,860 | 33,370 | 3,360 | 21,400 | 163,520 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
21,170 | 4,380 | 24,830 | 18,240 | 1,700 | 11,100 | 81,450 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
17,720 | 5,210 | 13,750 | 9,970 | 1,230 | 7,040 | 54,950 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
9,390 | 2,630 | 6,270 | 5,160 | 440 | 3,250 | 27,130 |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 43,560 | 15,750 | 29,330 | 74,350 | 61,250 | 34,660 | 258,890 |
Immigrants | 35,490 | 15,830 | 18,220 | 43,040 | 38,060 | 28,570 | 179,190 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
15,790 | 7,400 | 9,430 | 23,320 | 20,900 | 13,930 | 90,730 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
12,610 | 5,330 | 5,600 | 12,710 | 12,500 | 8,150 | 56,890 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
7,100 | 3,110 | 3,200 | 7,030 | 4,660 | 6,510 | 31,580 |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 89,690 | 19,840 | 108,200 | 143,210 | 64,770 | 63,710 | 489,420 |
Immigrants | 83,780 | 28,060 | 63,070 | 76,410 | 41,420 | 49,970 | 342,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
36,980 | 11,780 | 34,250 | 41,560 | 22,590 | 25,030 | 172,160 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
30,340 | 10,560 | 19,360 | 22,670 | 13,730 | 15,190 | 111,830 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
16,480 | 5,730 | 9,460 | 12,180 | 5,100 | 9,760 | 58,710 |
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 20% | 2% | 34% | 30% | 2% | 13% | 230,530 |
Immigrants | 30% | 7% | 27% | 20% | 2% | 13% | 163,520 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
26% | 5% | 30% | 22% | 2% | 14% | 81,450 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
32% | 9% | 25% | 18% | 2% | 13% | 54,950 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
35% | 10% | 23% | 19% | 2% | 12% | 27,130 |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 17% | 6% | 11% | 29% | 24% | 13% | 258,890 |
Immigrants | 20% | 9% | 10% | 24% | 21% | 16% | 179,190 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
17% | 8% | 10% | 26% | 23% | 15% | 90,730 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
22% | 9% | 10% | 22% | 22% | 14% | 56,890 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
22% | 10% | 10% | 22% | 15% | 21% | 31,580 |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 18% | 4% | 22% | 29% | 13% | 13% | 489,420 |
Immigrants | 24% | 8% | 18% | 22% | 12% | 15% | 342,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 |
21% | 7% | 20% | 24% | 13% | 15% | 172,160 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 |
27% | 9% | 17% | 20% | 12% | 14% | 111,830 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 |
28% | 10% | 16% | 21% | 9% | 17% | 58,710 |
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, Vancouver 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.
The distribution of occupations of very recent immigrants is quite similar to that of earlier cohorts, with two exceptions: a higher proportion of very recent immigrants than earlier immigrants work in health and science fields, especially among male immigrants, and a smaller share work in trades and transport. This is something specific to the latest cohort, as five years earlier in the 1996 Census the prevalence of health and science occupations among employed immigrants was quite similar across all cohorts, including very recent immigrants.
There are probably many factors that contribute to these patterns, including the selection of immigrants (reflecting both government policies and the demand for skills from industry) and their level of education and field of studies.
Many recent immigrants in the hospitality sector, few in the public sector
Compared to their Canadian-born counterparts, a larger proportion of recent immigrants in Vancouver aged 25 to 64 are employed in manufacturing, trade, business services, 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, employment in business services industries among the very recent immigrant cohort is more prevalent, and employment in hospitality and other services industries is less prevalent.
Figure D-4: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—employed 25 to 64 years of age—industry sector, by gender, Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area, 2001 (percentage distribution)
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 immigrant women lower
The jobs of recent immigrants require lower skills than the jobs of the Canadian-born. One-third of jobs held by Canadian-born women require the highest level of skill, a university education. For immigrant women who landed after 1995, one-quarter of jobs require a university education. There is a larger gap between recent immigrants and the Canadian-born in the skill requirements of their jobs for women than for men.
No formal education | High school plus job training | College or trade apprenticeship | University | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 12,840 | 73,370 | 66,260 | 78,060 | 230,530 |
Immigrants | 22,230 | 57,330 | 40,580 | 43,380 | 163,520 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 9,320 | 26,550 | 21,960 | 23,620 | 81,450 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 8,410 | 20,430 | 13,000 | 13,110 | 54,940 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 4,510 | 10,350 | 5,640 | 6,640 | 27,130 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 18,660 | 63,030 | 82,700 | 94,500 | 258,890 |
Immigrants | 19,030 | 44,160 | 53,530 | 62,460 | 179,190 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 7,960 | 21,150 | 29,120 | 32,490 | 90,730 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6,960 | 15,020 | 16,930 | 17,980 | 56,890 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 4,120 | 7,980 | 7,480 | 12,000 | 31,580 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 31,500 | 136,400 | 148,960 | 172,560 | 489,420 |
Immigrants | 41,260 | 101,500 | 94,110 | 105,840 | 342,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 17,280 | 47,720 | 51,070 | 56,120 | 172,170 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 15,350 | 35,460 | 29,930 | 31,090 | 111,830 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 8,630 | 18,330 | 13,110 | 18,640 | 58,710 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 6% | 32% | 29% | 34% | 100% |
Immigrants | 14% | 35% | 25% | 27% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 11% | 33% | 27% | 29% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 15% | 37% | 24% | 24% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 17% | 38% | 21% | 24% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 7% | 24% | 32% | 37% | 100% |
Immigrants | 11% | 25% | 30% | 35% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 9% | 23% | 32% | 36% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 12% | 26% | 30% | 32% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 13% | 25% | 24% | 38% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 6% | 28% | 30% | 35% | 100% |
Immigrants | 12% | 30% | 27% | 31% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 10% | 28% | 30% | 33% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 14% | 32% | 27% | 28% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 15% | 31% | 22% | 32% | 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 most men and women, the skill requirements of jobs of earlier immigrants are closer to those of the Canadian-born, which may mean that the situation of immigrants approaches the situation of the Canadian-born as their stay in Canada lengthens. However, very recent immigrant men are employed in jobs at the highest skill level to a greater extent than earlier 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, and can be done in the same way for other levels of educational attainment.
Figure D-5: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—employed 25 to 64 years of age—skill requirements of jobs, by gender, Vancouver 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 have a job that requires a university degree. Just under three-quarters of Canadian-born men with a university degree, but just over one-half of very recent immigrant men have a job requiring a university education.
No formal education | High school plus job training | College or trade apprenticeship | University | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 590 | 7,290 | 11,140 | 42,280 | 61,290 |
Immigrants | 2,690 | 10,950 | 9,440 | 23,220 | 46,280 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 510 | 3,250 | 3,890 | 11,690 | 19,330 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,030 | 4,090 | 3,190 | 7,110 | 15,410 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,170 | 3,610 | 2,360 | 4,420 | 11,540 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 1,230 | 6,070 | 10,620 | 47,570 | 65,470 |
Immigrants | 2,930 | 8,430 | 10,580 | 35,140 | 57,080 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 660 | 2,720 | 4,090 | 16,750 | 24,200 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 930 | 2,810 | 3,600 | 9,890 | 17,220 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 1,340 | 2,910 | 2,910 | 8,510 | 15,660 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 1,810 | 13,360 | 21,750 | 89,840 | 126,760 |
Immigrants | 5,610 | 19,380 | 20,010 | 58,360 | 103,360 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1,170 | 5,960 | 7,980 | 28,440 | 43,520 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 1,960 | 6,900 | 6,790 | 16,990 | 32,630 |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 2,500 | 6,520 | 5,260 | 12,920 | 27,200 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 1% | 12% | 18% | 69% | 100% |
Immigrants | 6% | 24% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 17% | 20% | 60% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 7% | 27% | 21% | 46% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 10% | 31% | 20% | 38% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 2% | 9% | 16% | 73% | 100% |
Immigrants | 5% | 15% | 19% | 62% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 11% | 17% | 69% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 16% | 21% | 57% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9% | 19% | 19% | 54% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 1% | 11% | 17% | 71% | 100% |
Immigrants | 5% | 19% | 19% | 56% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 3% | 14% | 18% | 65% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6% | 21% | 21% | 52% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-2001 | 9% | 24% | 19% | 48% | 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 jobs requiring university education, by gender, Vancouver 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 requirements of jobs of university graduates were somewhat higher in 2001 than in 1996, with an increase in the proportion of university graduates holding university-level jobs, and a decline in the proportion holding high school–level jobs. Recent immigrants shared in this development. For both Canadian-born and very recent immigrant men, the proportion of university graduates holding jobs requiring college or trade diplomas and below was five percentage points lower than in 1996, and the proportion of university graduates holding jobs requiring a university degree was five percentage points higher than in 1996. Immigrant men who had been in the country more than 15 years or from 5 to 15 years experienced a smaller shift of approximately two points. For very recent immigrant women, the shift from jobs requiring no more than high school to jobs requiring college or university was seven percentage points. For the women that had been in the country for 5 to 15 years, the change was five percentage points.
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