The Impact of Canada’s Multiculturalism Policy on the Employment Rates of High-Skilled Immigrants

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Canada’s multiculturalism policy on the employment rates of high-skilled immigrants in STEM fields from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing a quantitative research design, the study integrates cross-sectional and longitudinal data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) to provide a comprehensive analysis. The findings indicate that multiculturalism policies have had a generally positive effect on the employment outcomes of high-skilled immigrants, particularly through initiatives supporting credential recognition, language training, and inclusive hiring practices. However, significant challenges remain, including difficulties in foreign credential recognition, language barriers, and systemic biases in hiring practices. By comparing employment trends and analyzing factors influencing employment outcomes, the study highlights the areas where policy and support measures need to be strengthened to enhance the integration of high-skilled immigrants into Canada’s STEM workforce. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and employers to further improve the effectiveness of multiculturalism policies and support the successful employment of high-skilled immigrants.