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Behind Canadian Immigration Policy:
Challenges with labour market participation of recent immigrant workers, workplace injuries and diversity in psychosocial rehabilitation
Abstract
This paper addresses the impact of Canada's immigration policy on the labour market participation of recent immigrant workers and the challenges associated with the contingencies of resettlement. A historical scan of Canada's immigration policy is undertaken to reveal patterns of race based restrictions and selection of human capital to meet Canada's economic objectives. The paradoxical implications of underutilization of the skills of recent immigrants and their over representation in occupations considered to be more dangerous and injury prone, are highlighted. Central to the discussion is the importance of the determinants of health, the world of work, injury and disability among recent immigrants. The need for psychosocial rehabilitation and models of cultural competence in rehabilitation service delivery are identified as critical components of an inclusion framework to support Canada's labour market goals and aspirations of Canada's recent immigrants.
Submitted by
Yvonne V. Simpson, Director, Group Life & Disability Management Services, Industrial Alliance, Toronto, ON;
Email: yvonne.simpson@inalco.com
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