Diversity gives Canada a built-in global advantage
An inclusive workforce benefits all of us,
As the U.S. and parts of Europe turn inward and shut their doors to immigrants and free trade, Canada stands poised to benefit from its diversity and policies of inclusion. But it is not enough to simply reap the dividends that come from attracting highly skilled immigrants; it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate how opening ourselves to the world benefits everyone.
Global migration is a long-term trend and intrinsic feature of globalization. Nearly all the great advances in the social, cultural and economic spheres can be traced to the migration of people, goods and ideas. Today’s challenges such as health, education, environment, energy and infrastructure have an international dimension and require global solutions. It is not surprising both businesses and governments want their workforce to communicate, connect, negotiate and understand others globally.
When we talk about globalization we focus on supply chains, disruptive technologies, financial markets and liberalized trade. But it’s also about connections and connections are all about people: the people who work in those supply chains, innovators who create and use new technologies, researchers who advance science, investors whose choices drive economies and the traders who bring products to market. Canadians should be the model for global connectivity. We can be both an example and advocate for a world that values differences, encourages the circulation of talent and ideas, and puts people at the centre of economic strategies.
During a year-long study, funded by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation and supported by other partners, we conducted statistical research and consulted the business community to explore the link between a diverse workforce and economic returns. An in-depth economic analysis of the Workplace Employee Survey, a Statistics Canada data set covering more than 6,000 firms in 14 sectors and between 15,000 and 20,000 employees annually over a six-year period, revealed in almost all sectors, a strong correlation between ethno-cultural diversity and increased productivity and revenue. The correlation was strongest in sectors that depend on creativity and innovation such as cultural industries, technology and business services. If Canada wants to succeed in the high valueadded sectors, workplace diversity is a valuable contribution and immigration is a must.
To complement the quantitative research, we hosted roundtables in seven cities with more than a hundred of Canada’s leading employers to gain their perspectives on workplace diversity. Executives confirmed what our data shows: workplace diversity is good for business. Benefits of diversity included access to a wider talent pool, the innovation and creativity that comes with different points of view, the ability to develop and tailor services for a more diverse group of customers at home, and improved understanding of market opportunities abroad.
Yet, almost all firms said they faced challenges in creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. They talked about barriers and what kind of policies and practices are needed so diversity can be harnessed. They raised issues such as the recognition of credentials or of international experience, reliance on traditional networks, and unconscious bias in hiring. Underemployed, highly skilled immigrants are a stranded resource, something we cannot afford.
We must ensure Canada remains an attractive destination for the world’s top talent. That means supporting talent hubs, inclusive cities that provide not just jobs, but transportation, housing, education, access to recreation and culture to attract and retain highly skilled millennials.
Canada’s diversity and global connections represent a significant global advantage, but one not all Canadians have fully recognized or leveraged. To realize our potential will require policies that promote a more inclusive society and encourage Canadians to pursue what should be a global vocation. With the world becoming more isolationist, this is the moment for Canada to seize and champion the opportunities diversity represents for us all.