Canada’s People Of Colour Population Reaches 5 million 16% Of Total Population. Has Canada Really Changed?
According to Statistics Canada, for the first time Canada’s non white population has surpassed the 5 million mark. There is a facade that exists in Canada the mythology of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is not only perfidious it is an illusion that needs to die.
Canada is all smokes and mirrors, the nation is about assimilation and exclusion not about dealing with race issues in an honest format or manner. Institutionalized racism is a very much entrenched, legislated, and mandated in Canada.
For instance, many people from other countries that are engineers, doctors, teachers can’t receive accreditation in Canada because their education doesn’t meet “Canadian standards”. Another racist term utilized by human resources in Canada is acquiring “Canadian experience”. It is just another way for the Mythical Norm to lock out people of colour from high skilled job positions and force these people into low skilled labor jobs.
The Canadian government claims to be “trying” to find a solution. It is a broken record but it is a way in which supremacy is legislated and enforced.
The Aboriginal Canadians are treated very harshly and unfairly in Canada. Every single year there are land disputes and the racial tension between the Aboriginal Canadians and white Canadians. The discrimination the First Nations people experience in Canada is a very serious issue. In fact, last summer in Ontario there was a land claim dispute between an Aboriginal community and white Canadians. The federal government chose to stay out of the quandary making the province of Ontario deal with the racial tension.
Unlike the United States, Canadians we ignore race or at least pretend that race doesn’t exist. In America, the Americans are cognizant of race and don’t try to ignore race.
In Canada, there is this pretentious attitude that Canada is somehow less racist than United States. I believe Canadian racism is even more dangerous because of the hypocrisy to bigotry. In Canada, the racism is institutionalized and entrenched in the frameworks of the society and culture.
If you visit the Canadian books stores and want to read about black Canadian culture you will find the following writers Dionne Brand, Austin Clarke, Nalo Hopkinson, Makeda Silvera, Lawrence Hill, George Elliott Clarke and that’s about it.
If you turned on the Canadian television you would swear Canada is still a white nation. If you have cable or a satellite dish watch the CBC, CTV, or Global television you will see countless stories about curling, hockey, the “traditional” Canadian culture. You won’t hear much about black Canadians unless it is black history month. Asian Canadians are hardly discussed much in Canada either.
The 2006 Canadian Census states that there are 5,068,100 visible minorities in Canada that account for 16% per cent of the total population. 96% of people of colour in Canada live in metropolitan areas specifically two cities Toronto and Vancouver. South Asians are the largest “visible minority” group in Canada making up 4% of the Canadian population or 1.4 million people, Chinese Canadians are second largest visible minority group in Canada at 1.2 million. I have a problem with the word “visible minority” I think it’s another form of “othering”. Black lesbian feminist wrote about “othering” in the controversial 1994 classic book “Bread Out Of Stone”. Are people of colour really a part of the Canadian fabric? I wonder?
After South Asians and Chinese Canadians the next largest visible minority groups are blacks, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese Canadians. I am surprised that the black Canadian population is the third largest non white group in Canada. According to the 2006 Canadian census, 783,000 blacks live in Canada the vast majority have African or Caribbean heritage.
My complaint is, why are all black Canadians lumped together into just one group? There is a richness to the African Diaspora. The “black Canadian” community is not a monolithic group there are Jamaicans, Haitians, Nigerians, people from the Caribbean, South America, Latin America, Kenyans, Southern Africans, East Africans. The Canadian census discriminates against the black Canadian communities because they generalize us. It’s an example of white supremacy. I think this is an important issue to explore. The East and South Asians are placed into different categories yet people of African descent we are treated as a monolithic group. I have a problem with this.
On the Canadian census, all it says is “black”. Does Statistics Canada not know there are black Canadians that live in the province of Nova Scotia? There are Africans from Africa, there are black Caribbean people, black people from South America, black people from Europe, black people from the South Pacific as well. There is multiplicity in the African Canadian community.
It is true, Canada’s non white population is growing and I believe this is a very positive thing. Far too often, when people think of Canada they immediately think white. However, the census didn’t explore issues such as the Canadian power structure. The city of Toronto has more visible minorities then white people. So why is the mayor of Toronto always the Mythical Norm? We don’t even question it? Why is the Police Chief in Toronto always the white heterosexual male? Why is the demographic of Canadian newspapers still so white? Why is the news anchors mostly white? Why is CBC still a white out? I don’t listen to CBC radio I tune into NPR because I know black people won’t be treated as an afterthought or a sideshow. I listen to Michel Martin’s program “Tell Me More”. At least in America NPR Radio gets it.
Alberta has a bad reputation of being a racist redneck province but at least Alberta has been attempting to attract more people of colour to the province. Alberta is actually a very rich western province with the oil surplus, higher employment opportunities. The problem I have with Alberta is, the weather the place is simply too cold. Also the redneck reputation is still entrenched in Alberta it is the headquarters of the Conservative Party of Canada. The 2006 Canadian census, proves the people of colour population in Canada is growing. However, the real issue now is how can non white Canadians exert our influence more in Canadian society. I feel the real social and political change needs to take place.
79 responses to “Canada’s People Of Colour Population Reaches 5 million 16% Of Total Population. Has Canada Really Changed?”
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- - Tuesday , April 22 , 2008
Gayblackcanada 
I completely agree with and understand your article, it’s great to know that other people have similar sentiments on these issues! I am currently putting the final touches on my Masters-level thesis that touches on many of your points (mainly the heterogeneity of black Canadian experiences but in relation to an emerging mental health service for blacks) and would love to share it with you. Please email me if you are interested.
Fatimah Jackson
I see nothing wrong with Canadas composition.Why should white Canadians be so disenchanted with their own culture that they must attempt to replace it with another and not desire assimilation by its immigrants.There is nothing genetically wrong with being white.There is nothing wrong in realizing that no matter what culture comes to your country people will have the same genetic potential.Diversity can be a weakness in many ways especially when it divides a population that didnt acheive assimilation.Look at Yugoslavia,Africa,the mideast.There are plenty of examples of diversity plaguing a landscape with simmering hate,frustration,terror.Diversity is division and the precursor to friction and cultural war in many cases,look at France and islam.India and islam.
@Jim
*There is nothing genetically wrong with being white.*
Wow!
White skin is a form of albinism which is a genetic mutation, just as having blond hair blue eyes =genetic mutation.
Why do you keep refering to “white Canadians” like we’re one homogeneous population? You are perpetuating the exact same myth about “white people” as you accuse us of doing to “black Canadians”. We also come from many different countries, and cultures. Are you racist against “white people”?
glad u feel upset cause that’s what she trying to say. a lot of people think that all blacks they see in canada r from jamaica, when infact we come from all different places
“white Canadians” white is white! It does not matter if a person calls themselves french or english they are white.
As for answering your question *Are you racist against “white people”?*
Non-white people do not have power to be racist over white people. Non-white people cannot control if whites will have access to proper education, equal labour, what religion will be forced down whites throat, what laws will or will not be enforced.
There is no such system on the planet where non-white people have the power that [white racism] white supremacy kkkontrols all nine areas of people activity including Economics, Education, Entertainment, Labor, Law, Politics, Religion, Sex, and War!
I’m sorry but this is absolutly discusting. While yes Canada has some history that is not something to be proud of, Canada does however have one of the easiest immagration policies. I am white, but I was born in England, and yes some of my school degrees are no good here, so what did I do? Rather than bitch about it, I went to back to school in Canada and guess what! What I learnt was not up to the standards set here. It was well below par, and the two other students from India thought so as well. We worked our asses off we got a better education and we all have good jobs here in Canada. So maybe instead of bitching about how you have no power, become the power? Go to school, get an education, and hard work will pay off.
Black people–regardless of their nationality–make up a tiny percentage of the canadian population. Why should we bend over backwards to accomadate or magnify the importance of your relatively small culture in our country?
I think you hit the nail right on the head.
you want to live in canada. be canadian.
not happy. perfectly happy to see you move back to the shit hole country you oozed out of.
joe,
Wish you’d use another name. I don’t want people to confuse us. Joe(with a capital J)
I agree
*you want to live in canada. be canadian.*
Wow!
It does not matter how long one has lived in kkkanada if you are not a member of the First Nations of Turtle Island then you are a foreigner.
If you want to live on this land called Turtle Island you become Native and learn and respect Native People and Native ways, if not return to the sh*t hole of your ancestral home land in europe!
@David M.
Racist man and racist woman make up less than 10% of the global population. Why should 90% of the world population which is non-white bend over backwards to accomadate or magnify the importance of racist man and racist woman who are an invasive species outside of europe?
Once again, the “latino” rubric is erroneously racialized, so here we go again…
“latino” is NOT a race, no matter how many idiots pawing away at their computer keyboards or how many bleached blonde bobble-heads on TV tell you it is. I have a lot of respect for my Canadians neighbors and admire them very much, so please don’t contribute to OUR mountain of gargantuan “latino” stupidity here in the U.S. It has already reached celestial levels here and shows no signs of shooting itself in the other foot. Otherwise the article was very insightful. Thanks…
I am a 3rd generation white Canadian. I have never been on welfare nor received handouts from anyone. I remember when Toronto was relatively crime-free and a drug related murder or honor killing was unheard of. Now they are regular occurance. I remember when I could get on the bus without being called ‘white bitch’ by black women because I accidentally brushed up against them while trying to move to the back or if I dared to talk back in any way to their rudeness. I remember when universities taught actual subjects rather that political agendas. (I refer to the latest terrorist pogrom by Moslems against Jews at York University) I remember when I wasn’t made to feel like I should adjust MY way of thinking to immigrant colleagues at work, or immigrants in general. I remember when the Vietnamese and Jamaican gangs were actually controllable, now there are too many for even the police to handle, no specialized curriculum at schools for blacks or Moslems crying racism after being in the country for 5 minutes. I remember when I was not a minority in my own city, in my own country and was not made to feel apologetic for my culture or my Western values. Thanks to every vote-pandering, guilty white liberal politician who opened the Pandora’s box of immigration and introduced the rediculous concept of Multiculturalism into the late, great Canada. I am not talking about the Canada of 50 years ago either. I am refering to the past 15 years or so. So go ahead, blame “whitey” for all your problems…but ask yourselves this one question, if you hate us so much, why did you come? Why do you stay? So please, all you ungrateful and racist immigrants, either shut up, adjust OR LEAVE.
agreed, 100%
your county wants us here, cause u people are not reproducing at a fast rate. if no immiigrants were in canada your country couldn’t survive. who r the one that work in the factories for minimum wage.
canada need immigrants to survive. cause the white population r not having enough kids
I agree 100% I dont even know if I could put it better myself. My hat is off to you.
I agree 100% with you Laura.
It seems that our own Government is hell bent on causing us to become Extinct.
Maybe European-Canadians would have more children if we felt our communities were safe enough to bring them into the world.
Maybe our fertility rate would increase if our Government adopted economic policy that encouraged us to do so, rather than punished.
@ Liam
The racist man and racist woman aka white people are an invasive species outside the borders of europe. The white race is nothing more than another blood suckkking creature just as the tick, the leech, or any other parasite.
LEAVE?? You are so dumb, North America does not belong to White people, they stole from the Original people, the Natives…..Go back to school
This is what we are talking about, another Racist, asking non white to leave, forgotten that the First nations has been in North America, before your White decendants arrived, before Columbus arrived.
If any one has to leave it will be the White people, stupid. White people went into Africa and kidnapped, Raped, stole our minerals, from Diamond, oil, Gold, Platinum back to North America and on the way dropped some off at the now Caribbean.
Black people didn’t ask to be brought here, and so the reason we all came here, is get to back some of our stolen goods, and by the way of Crime, black people can not afford to bring in Cocaine from South America, White people do.
By the way, black people are not Mafia’s, White people are, and the drugs brought into the Black communities, are what distroys the communities and then the Whites again disappears after distructions.
YOU NEED TO SHUT UP AND GO BACK TO EUROPE!
Thank you someone with some sense!!!!!! I just love how white people continuesly destroy other peoples countries and complain when those people come to find refuge and hope in their country.
Wow i feel realy sad for people like you who seem to think that its our fault that the these awfull changes happen in Canada, but if you where a bit more educated you would know that the reason all these people who come to find refuge in your country is because your contry alied its self with world dominators like The united states, and went to destroy those immigrants homes. Its easy to take what isnt yours but it Isnt easy to take responsability for it. And about those muslims why dont you reaserch about Iraq before it was destryoed, it was once a rich country as well, where poverity didnt exist and most women were educated, yes it had dictatership but the people who suffered from it were only the ones who also wanted power. but one the states went there to still their minerals in the while pretending to save them from dictatoriship they destroyed everything in their path, even innocent children. And then 9/11 came as a form of revenge, I definatly dont support that. but they had it comming. Btw if you look in the 9/11 story you will find a lot of questionable evidence. Before judging people you should to understand them.
@This girl
I conquer!
Why don’t YOU leave? Just because there are tons of white people in a country does NOT make it ours. We stole everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, from the indigenous natives. I am so sick of the racist, bigoted, arrogant, stupid, stupid white people who make the good ones like me look bad! Go kill yourself! But first, take your nasty racist family back to Europe, and let the beautiful brown people have their land back.
@ Laura
The word white simply means RACIST!
The number one serial name callers on the planet, the number one serial liars, the number one serial rapist, and the number one mass murders are white people. It is not Blacks, nor those who follow Islam, or any other non-white group on the planet. The true problem of the world is white people.
The pathology of the white race is insanity!
Umm, the lady up above me… (Laura)…. Maybe you need to take a step back for a second and practice what you preach. Now, I understand that there are differences in your city now and things aren’t happening traditionally (according to how you want them to go). However, you aren’t doing anything to make things better. For you to be a third generation white “Canadian”, you’re acting like a 9 year old cry baby. Appreciate the life that you’re living as of now because it could always be worst. Besides, you’re exploiting the fact that you’re a “down-low” racist. Last time I checked, being racist wasn’t lady like.. Grow up…
As for the dude who wrote this article. Good stuff…. I appreciated the info…
P.S. Don’t act like there isn’t anything fishy going on.
So according to you she is racist because she is standing up for what she believes in and wants to be treated fairly in her country where she was born? You must therefor be a racist then because you agree with somebody bashing a country that allowed him to enter it and live a better life, and just because he hasnt achieved great success he starts spreading hate. Just as you are spreading hate on Laura for standing up for herself and her rights. There is nothing wrong with being white in a white country. Whites civilized the world to the degree we are at now. We prop up the world with our money and by the backs of our white people does the world continue to function. So shove your comments.
It is true, and at times both surprising but also not surprising.
Canada’s population was low to start out. There were the natives, who are the “original” people here, but even they are not naturally original here since their people came from Asia via the ice age. So the Anglo-Saxons from the British Isles and Ireland were the next to immigrate to Canada, with the French to the province of Quebec, but that was considered a lot back then. Then came the open immigration due to industrialization (labour) and this second wave were now minorities and people of ethnic background such as the Italians, Israelis/Jews, Germans, Eastern Europeans, etc. The next wave after the start of the 60s were from Asia, such as China/Hong Kong, India, Philippines, Middle Eastern countries. There were also immigrants from the Caribbean. Many of these immigrants from this time were highly skilled and professionals. Now we continue to have immigrants from all of these countries especially from the last wave, but today not so much anymore come from the first wave which were “white” people or anglos, and not so much anymore from western Europe or Southern Europe because those countries have become more developed. This whole process of immigration occurred in other new world cities (ie. in Canada and the USA) as well, but Canada much more and more open.
2. Immigration is fine, but ever since the late 80s, Canada became too lenient on its immigration laws. Too many refugee-based immigration was the case, too many less-educated people being allowed in by that time, and I’m not sure, but some feel that Canada lets in developing countries from the Commonwealth much easier as if they have priority status. These countries would be India, Pakistan, Jamaica.
3. It’s a combination of Canada letting in too many people (excess) by the late 80s, immigrants settling only in the major cities (no surprise), and too much greed and “development” from the government in our cities which is the reason why the population growth are coloured or ethnic people (non-anglo). However, step outside of the cities and Canada is more spaced out and is more traditionally Anglo-Saxon.
I’ve been discussing with friends and loved ones about immigration in Canada today, and I think it is overdone. Enough. I’m a child of immigrant parents as well from almost forty years ago, but my parents and me (and others from our era and same history) have noticed through our CANADIAN eyes that the quality of immigrants has regressed. They are also more individualistic than previous eras of immigration where they really wanted to build Canada. The immigrants today are just here to get the “freebies” here and are just here for work. They send a lot of their earned money over to their native countries. They reflect the regression of developing countries (ie. unruly, undisciplined, loud, not mannered) and it is revealing that the government is just going for numbers. Some are wondering, does the government have a quota or something? Is it so that they’ll get more taxes and they have an excuse to keep building those ugly houses in the boonies so that immigrants will buy them? They say that immigration is need to keep the population going and to help the work force. True. However, there is really no need for much immigration today because the seniors are living longer, there’s a pension problem, the baby boomers are not retiring and the younger people are finishing school and looking for work but the boomers are still out there. And now the latest is that we have a recession and job loss, so it’s totally inappropriate to have immigration now. The developing countries are having population growth but it doesn’t mean that we have to take in our share of them for balance. But the government makes it seem that is so. Also, not every place has to be so developed. Not every place has to have a huge population. Is it a rule that every place must have so many houses, roads, horrid malls and big box stores and is it a rule that every place has to have many of its woods, farmlands and ponds eliminated to make way for “developments”? NO. Especially today. We need to look after our home, our country.
Hi,
Thats true, I agree.But Its not mandatory that people from Asia or other developing countries are not civilized or mannered. We in India have more respect for foreigners coming to our country.I donot support any one race. We are one -Human Beings. Differences make us more exciting and a need to know each other.
“We are one -Human Beings”
Yes, 90% of the world population are HUE- man (human) [people of colour] beings
“Differences make us more exciting and a need to know each other.”
I have learned all I need to know about white people. The difference between racist man/racist woman and the rest of us is that non-white people have not destroyed cultures and nations on the global scale of the european.
There only one group of people placed on the earth to create mischief and that is racist man and racist woman. And when this and any other facts are presented to white people and how they mistreat non-white people those same racist (which means white) will once again us the art of deception which they (whites) will often do when they feel attacked, masquerade as victims!
I love what you said. It is very true that the immigrants arriving into the country have degressed and no longer want to work to build canada and be a part of canada, they work and send there money home. If they dont want to be a part of canada then they can get the hell out. Its our country and you must conform.
Orville,
I take issue and find flaw in much of what you have to say:
“Every single year there are land disputes and the racial tension between the Aboriginal Canadians and white Canadians.” Do you not mean, non-Native Canadians? After all, the land disputes are between governments and various Native groups. Or are you saying that these governments only represent and are comprised of ‘white Canadians’? On a related note, how do you justify the all-encompassing ‘white’ and then turn around and criticize Statistics Canada for lumping ‘black Canadians ‘together into just one group”?
“[M]any people from other countries that are engineers, doctors, teachers can’t receive accreditation in Canada because their education doesn’t meet ‘Canadian standards’. Another racist term utilized by human resources people in Canada is acquiring ‘Canadian experience’.” Just recently, the CBC aired a documentary about and English and a Scottish doctor who had both faced these challenges. Care to comment?
“If you visit the Canadian books stores and want to read about black Canadian culture you will find the following writers Dionne Brand, Austin Clarke, Nalo Hopkinson, Makeda Silvera, Lawrence Hill, George Elliott Clarke and that’s about it.” To think that Canada has so many award-winning writers (with sales to match) drawn from such a small number of people. Something to take pride in, I would say.
“If you have cable or a satellite dish watch the CBC, CTV, or Global television you will see countless stories about curling, hockey, the ‘traditional’ Canadian culture.” I don’t care much for curling, but recognize that it is extremely popular. Hockey is, of course, our national winter sport. Part of the culture? Certainly. I’m afraid I don’t understand your objection.
“Does Statistics Canada not know there are black Canadians that live in the province of Nova Scotia?” Of course. They record the number as 19,320. What is the issue here?
“The city of Toronto has more visible minorities then white people. ” Actually, visible minorities make up 47% of the population. A small point, but I see that I am not the first to correct you on this: http://orvillelloyddouglas.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/america-is-a-land-of-freedom-and-opportunities-for-people-of-colour/
“So why is the mayor of Toronto always the Mythical Norm?” Hope I don’t seem rude, but before you dig yourself into another hole (see http://orvillelloyddouglas.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/america-is-a-land-of-freedom-and-opportunities-for-people-of-colour/), you might want to define “Mythical Norm”.
“Why is the news anchors mostly white?” You yourself recognize that Canada’s population of visible minorities stands at 16%. Not to say that there isn’t an unbalance, but we do have people like Ian Hanomansing and Ron Ozawa, and Carla Robertson hosting the national news.
“Why is CBC still a white out?”Jian Ghomeshi, Ron Charles, Gregory Charles, Marivel Taruc, Ian Hanomansing, Ron Ozawa, Aamer Haleem Aamer Haleem, Carla Robertson. Would you like others?
“There is a facade that exists in Canada that has become a tainted mythology to the rest of the world that Canada is all about multiculturalism.” Sorry, but I have no idea what you mean. Perhaps you could clarify.
You absolutely destroyed this racists narrow minded hate filled view of Canada. I being a white canadian who was born here and whos parents were born here and whos grand parents were born here. We and every other white canadian who is being discriminated against in our country Thanks you.
Canadian stupidity, what’s new!!!. third generation, so what?. I’m 1/2 native 1/2 white, so I can talk for both and I can tell you that based on my native roots my generation is in the 100ths or so. Those stupid whites immigrants with 3 generations made feel the rest immigrants. Who are the immigrants? You stupid “white Canadians” gtf out of our land, this is what you should do. Stop thinking that you’ve done anything good. You’re as immigrants as the other people. Honestly, gtf out of our land.
WHOO HOO! You tell us kid!
And yes, I said “us.”
The ignorant, arrogant, bigoted white foreigners that claim to be Canadian natives.
god bless diversity…see how lovely it winds up…nothing but politically-correct clap-trap to distract us from REAL problems, while the politicians get richer, the academics fatten their pensions and the rest of us work 2 jobs to support our political delusions…so sad.
I enjoyed every comment posted here. I wonder if the government know what they are doing in terms of immigration.
The government should reduce the number of influx if not in future there will be too many issues to contend with, issues like… Poverty, unemployment, crime,illitracy etc. The government is trying to creat superficial economic boom by letting 265,000 people into Canada each year, who they (government) belief will buy homes, and spend money in the economy. But what they don’t realise is that the problems outweigh the gains. The canadian Govenment should bring about policies that will generate economic growth, and stop using immigrants to fuel it econonic growth.It’s a cheap way of solving macro economic problem.
Well if the majority of Canadians are white and they want to keep it that way then isn’t it their right?
No J it is not their right because Canada is not their nation. It seems to me “J” you have forgotten Canadian history? Why don’t you pick up a history text book and read about the genocide and white supremacy? For instance, the Europeans murdered the Aboriginals trying to extinguish their culture and languages. The real Canadians are the indigenous peoples not us we are all just immigrants and that includes white Canadians.
Ok, well then let’s ask the Aboriginals about what they think of immigration. I doubt they want more.
Dear Orvillelloyddouglas
I kind of follow this discussion and I think that your comment makes lots of sense to me. I’m Native American and let me tell you that I don’t see any of you as immigrants. At the end, every individual in this continent is somehow an immigrant. Perhaps we (Native Americans) have many more generations, than you do, in this land and hence this land corresponds more to us than to you or any immigrant group.
Now as far as “J”, what can I say? This is the typical attitude of the self-called “Real Canadians”; 3 generations in this land and already claiming this land is theirs. What do I mean with the attitude? Well, every time you talk to most of those self-called “real Canadians”, or white immigrants of first-second-third generation, or idiots (I let you choose the adjective) they are always right. It doesn’t matter if you prove them wrong (as you did here with “J”). Usually, they come back and BS to make you, and if possible everybody, believe that they are right that at the end they won and in the worse case they are comfortable by saying the last word as “J” just showed. Why?, simply because inside themselves they’re still part of this racist white supremacy. For most of them it isn’t about being right or wrong, they simply feel that they OWN the truth. You can prove them wrong, but since they OWN the truth, then they will always pretend that they won. What a bunch of idiots.
I’m sorry if I generalize, but based on my experience this is a common factor in the attitude of most of those first-second-third generation of white immigrants. On the other hand I kind of agree with limiting immigration, but will Canada do? Educate Natives? Cmon, both, the government and white supremacists, know that this will only turn things around because one day natives will take over. Also, what is reported in this document is extremely racist. People of Colour? What is that? Why non-whites have to be different in this country? Are 1st generation European immigrants considered in this People of Colour? The following is what Demographics Canada reported in 2006:
**************************************
Ethnic Groups
Most of Canada is of English origin constituting 28% of the population, while Eastern Canada constitutes 23% of the people of French origin. Other European countries constitute 15%, American Indian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6% and mixed background 26%. The government of Canada earnestly attempts to maintain a multi-cultural atmosphere in the country.
**************************************
So, this article is WAY TOO RACIST, isn’t it?. Being a non-white makes me inferior? Or what? If so what is the definition of white? My skin is lighter and many Europeans and in general the so called whites. Arabs call themselves whites, and I think that based on geography they’re absolutely right the Caucasus is right where they come from. Many Jordanians, Iranians, Palestinians, north-Africans, etc. are much lighter than the so called whites. Asians are in general whiter than many so called “whites”. Why do everyone need to accept this racist manner of discrimination by calling people Native American, Latin America, African American, Asian American, etc. Why don’t we call the supremacists European Americans?. Because I’m American, I don’t understand why I suppose to accept being called with nicknames.
Finally, why “Canadians” don’t accept to be Americans? hmm, good question. But it seems that is the ONLY country in this continent (America), with a population that accepts 100% not to be American. They rather go with the USA racist train of thought America is the USA people. Hey u guys! America is a continent, based on history the US shouldn’t be called America because the name of America was given to this continent far before any British had landed and stole our territory. Anyways, this may be another topic, but my recommendation for any Canadian is that next time someone calls you American be proud and say yes. If we were born in this continent, or have the citizenship of any of the countries from this continent then we all are Americans, including the USA gringos.
It may be more proper to say Canadians are actually American in historical terms but I doubt ANY Canadian would be proud to be called that. America is the most hate country on Earth. If a Canadian travels anywhere in the world they are greeted nicely, Americans are practically shot at (or should be). I think I’ll stick to my label as Canadian, thanks.
Hmmmm….I don’t like where all of this argue-ing is going at all.
J you are just a jealous loser. Deep inside you wish you were from the US, just like all the rest of us. That is why we have to constantly try to poke fun at Americans even though we do everything in our power to be just like them, down to the white racism.
As a white Canadian, I would like to say that I am sorry for the awful racist crap that people are spewing on here. It takes a lot of guts to speak about your experience of racism in Canada and I personally applaud you for doing so. Thank you for speaking your truth here.
And I would like to apologize for the part that I have played in the oppression of people of colour in Canada. I know that my privilege means that I don’t necessarily even see it much of the time, but I am working hard at becoming more aware of my own racism and becoming an ally to people of colour.
Thank you, again, for speaking your truth. Please know that there are other people out here (including some white people) working to change the racism in Canada. And I am sorry that fear has got so many people in this country (and around the world) so blind to how much they are failing at treating others as they would want to be treated. The racism that you experience is not excusable. I just hope and pray that the little each one of us can do makes a difference.
Canada is a country filled with immigrants – everyone of us except those who are Aboriginal are immigrants. We have to work to figure out how this country can best serve ALL of it citizens, not just the people who historically (and presently) have had the power. We have to keep working for equality in all its forms.
Erin,
I take issue with this continually overused and false statement that we are all immigrants. My aborigional lineage aside,(1/16 aborigional). I was born here. Anyone who is born here is a native of this country. I refuse to think of myself as an immigrant. I am a native to this country. You or anyone else can’t take that away from me. Yes my ancestors came here some generations ago, and only those that actually immigrated here are immigrants. All the rest are natives of this land. This is my land. This is my country. I was born here.
1/16
What that means to me is white people raped a Native person!
im still an immigrant if ive been here for three generations right? your an idiot. Natives didnt build this country did they? Jesus how are people hating on canada. Move the fuck out if you think its so bad. Being privliged doesent make u racist do something to help the underprivileged u moron
You’re the racist bastard – not the white men who designed and built cities, roads, waterworks, railroads, electric plants, oil pipelines, communication systems, factories, fisheries, resorts, housing, lumber mills, shipyards and everything else the black man enjoys yet at the same time bitches about. How about your lazy ass race getting off your butts, shut the f__k up and doing something productive instead of blaming “da white man” for your inadequacies?
“The Color of the Race Problem Is White” – professor and Ph.D. Robert Jensen, University of Texas
aka the problem is white people!
Chuck, I know you can express yourself better than making crude slurs. You don’t have to agree with me but I want to remind you on this board slurs are not tolerated. Also, why don’t you open a Canadian history text book? If you bothered to research Canada’s history you would know that Asian men broke their backs building Canada’s railroad in the 1800s! How do you think Canada became so prosperous? It was due to the fact that people of colour were exploited through slavery, unfair immigration practices and taken advantage of by the Mythical Norm.
Wow, This is great; Lots of moderate and strong opinions and insults from all sides. I’m a white 4th generation Canadian with some native blood (Blackfoot and Cree – I do consider myself white). Every person has some valid points. I understand how the whites feel(for sure), how the aborigionals feel(much sympathy) and how people of non white origions feel( somewhat). The strong comments from all sides are good. We need to get over the Canadian way of pussy footing around issues and let it all hang out for once. This may be the best path to understanding and gaining real respect for each each other. Positive change is often made by swinging the pendulum to the outer extreme and then settling down to a more moderate but intelligent form of reasoning. Keep up the great comments. All of them come from a place of frustration about not being heard and understood. No one is totally wrong here and no one is totally right. Peace.
“Laura Friday , March 13 , 2009 at ‘8:42’ ”
You are a 3rd generation Canadian…So am I, and I am a “visible minority.” It seems you were blaming ethnic diversification for all the problems in Canada, even though in return you scold people for blaming- as you so eloquently put it -“whitey.”
I have never been on welfare nor received handouts from anyone. Perceptually there was a time when crime rates were lower … during this time a lot of crimes were also unreported. There also was a time when a crime was not considered a crime if it happened to be against certain ethnic minorities.
Also I would like to make mention that the supporters of drugs are not necessarily only in the ethnic population. Do a search, if you would for images of 4/20 in Vancouver. Vancouver is a city that boasts an ethnic population of approx. 40%, yet most of the supporters shown are of an anglo saxon background.
I am sure universities and schooling systems also once taught that the world was flat and that a men and women were not equal. You see with new knowledge, understanding and growth… populations seek to learn new subjects.
I am sure Aboriginal people still remember a time when they were not minorities….
Hostility among people exists, regardless of their background. It is the actions of individuals that needs to be contemplated and not associated with entire races.
I do not garner hate in any form from any direction against any race.
I am an advocate of mutual respect amongst human beings.
And I think that you can agree that my rebuttal was effective and fair without the need for charged racial slurs, demeaning anecdotes or statements lacking maturity.
Thank you.
At least canada doesnt have batshit crazy rightwing commentators like America. Also its not the whites that are racist but Asians. I would be ok with them if they tried to smile once in a while or speak english while in a group setting, so as not to exclude anyone. Their main theme is exclusion, they dont talk to anyone who is not chinese and they act like they are the ones who are allowing us to live here. They constantly make racist remarks, I even saw an assian girl wearing a nigger head tshit WTF. The biggest thing that pisses me off is that nowadays the main requirement in getting a job in vancouver is not english but cantonese or mandarin, I’m sorry I didnt know I was living in china. Jesus these people are irritating.
Besides that not recognizing higher education from other countries are a waste of useful resourceful people that could make Canada more rich and enlightened.
I am fortunate to have come across this article. I am actually considering relocating to Canada from the US partly for the racism..even among blacks (excuse the generalization)
and meaning to get away from the racism in the US atleast where i reside. i know racism exist in every square inch but i was given a different impression by several people and wanted to pay a visit atleast.
I’m glad I found this article also… As I’m on a common thought of looking at relocation options due to the racial issues here in the US. As an Black/African-American, I have not found any “SAFE” place to live and thrive, where the white/anglo dominator mindset is not active. It is not enough to acknowledge that people of color/colour have been used to build both America and Canada without compensation (i.e., slavery). I was under the impression that Canada would be a better alternative, but it is not either. I’m not asking to loved and special consessions to be made on my behalf, but just given a chance based on my character as a good human. Just like America, Canada seems to want to exterminate the Black race.
You’ve GOT to be kidding me? Such absolute BS! What a racist article and I’m so sick of hearing crap like this. I raised my daughter to be open and accepting of all other cultures and I honestly don’t know why. She didn’t get the same respect from her peers in school and was treated like an outcast at times being one of the few very white looking kids. I still stood my ground as I believe that people shouldn’t be judged based on colour or what country they originate from despite the fact that a lot of these kids were taught and raised with the opposite values. Can’t get a job because you don’t have Canadian experience? Yes that’s very sad and I feel your pain having to take low paying minimum wage jobs that I’m extremely over qualified for. I however don’t qualify for a lot of the programming and assistance offered in my area due to the fact that I’m not a new comer to Canada. But I really REALLY do feel your pain. I wonder if I would get the same treatment if I relocated to another country, especially where English wasn’t the first language? hmmmmm. Drop the visible minority garbage. Why do we have to differentiate? In my daughter’s school she was the visible minority so what exactly does that mean? Not a whole hell of a lot. Maybe the alleged “visible minorities” should stop whining all the time and carrying chips on their shoulders?
As fourth generation white canadian i am so tired of hearing all this bullshit about how evil and horrid white canadians are…we founded,established,planned and built this beautiful first world country all u visible minorities are living in.So what a few asians built the railways(The civil engineers who planned them were not asian).And besides the majority of the population has always been white,which means the majority of the progress was driven by white Canadians.
And this stupid arguement about native indians as the only people who can only call themselves true Canadians is also bull shit…I worked in South Africa for a bit and learned their history is just like ours.The black Africans who inhabit Southern African are not the original inhabitants either.The San were the original inhabitants and they were virtually wiped out by Bantu’s from the north during the 1400’s(is this not attrocity?).The Bantu people now occupy the country and they fought for it through apartheid.It’s the same for white Canadians,we fought for this country too.You would’nt tell a black South African that his country is not his,so don’t tell me Canada is not mine!!Attrocity is associated with all races.
I am not racist,i believe native indians are just as Canadian as I am and I know that what happend to them was unjust,but it’s happend all over the world.Atleast the natives have a chance of growing unlike other first nation people who have been completly wiped out around the world.I strongly encourage their growth.
But all these asians that are flocking in are not Canadian.They are just here taking advantage of the political and economical situation here.They don’t embrace the Canadian culture.They refuse to.Europeans however do embrace it because it because our culture is prodominantly european.Is this mass asian immigration good for Canada?We will lose our identity.I don’t object to non-white immigration but when it is unregulated it can threaten the indentity of Canada.
Canada for Canadians.
Rowan your comment is offensive and is indeed very racist. Your language is offensive using the term “all these Asians” illustrates your disgust for Asian people. Also, what is Canadian culture? It seems in your eyes Rowan, Canadian culture is white culture.
Also, so what if you are a fourth generation white Canadian, the Aboriginals were here first prior to the European settlers. The native Canadians are the only true Canadians the rest of us including white Canadians are just immigrants.
Have you bothered to read a Canadian history text book? The Chinese men and South Asian immigrants in the nineteenth century broke their backs building the railroads for Canada. The black slaves were imported and exploited to complete labour in Canada. The Aboriginals were murdered and killed because the Canadian government wanted more land to expand the territory. Since Canada is a multicultural nation and people from around the world have moved to Canada there is no distinct Canadian culture. Europeans are the ones that controlled the immigration laws and discriminated against people of colour from immigrating to Canada.
You’re a funny guy. Speaking from an “asian’s” point of view. I do think racism is bad. BUT it seems like you’re using what people did from the past which was over 200 years ago. So I don’t think it’s logical to use that for an argument.
Every race had their own people that used exploited others. So don’t talk as if “your race” doesn’t. That is just hypocritical. Today’s white people are atleast more compliant than their ancestors before. And every race has their own racist so shut up about racism.
And to be honest aborignals are also immigrants. They came from asia via Ice Age and just settled here way before the Europeans did. So regardless we are ALL IMMIGRANTS.
And from what I know and clearly remember from my history textbook. WHITE PEOPLE are basically the ones who invented (not excluding any other races) alot of things that we enjoy in today’s life. They are the ones that also introduced democracy and they are the ones who basically changed the world into what it is today. I would rather live with white canadians than other non-white canadians because there’s a good portion of them that just feels sorry for themselves and starts spreading hate towards white people just because they don’t instantly get what they want. If you really want to succeed, get off your computer, stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something with your life.
To conclude, thank you white people for your generosity of having us asians live in the country that you developed so very well. You have given a future for my family.
I’m a projects manager for an electrical company and I started off from working in tim hortons to a factory and so on. So for those of you who make it seem white people are the ones who are responsible in putting “visible minorities” in factories. What about get an education if you want to move up higher (no pun intended but ive met plenty of people who complains that they work in a factories and they were engineers back at their home but they don’t even bother upgrading to meet standards just cause they feel like its not fair, but to tell you the truth, all countries has their own standards you gotta respect that!)
But I just wish white people would produce more kids. They are slowly decreasing.
Regards to you white folks 🙂
Jon.
It is good for all to express their concerns and objections. I really wished that people were viewed as people. I am mixed, black, asian, scottish european thinking of moving to Canada. I love the nature, the country is so beautiful and I thought the people where lovely and warm. Reading this has made me reconsider alot. I just dont understand the rascism thing i find it very ignorant and i thought it was because people where uneducated but its not. Its a complete waste of time just think, how many more developments and productive things that is not being done because of this pathethic, evil condidtion placed on everyone. Im disgusted and for a mixed person like myself what would canadians call me. To be honest I dont care about it at all I am who I am I am proud, well educated and very happy if others want to discriminate that is their own problem, I take the moral high ground. They are the ones with some very deep rooted problems. Pathetic.
Hey Nix,
TRUST me. These people that has problems with white people are just ranting and they represent a small portion of the Canadians. We are very welcoming. I just don’t understand why people like to talk about events 200 years back and talk as if they were the ones that suffered. I think they forgot times change and people change as well. White people now are not the same as their ancestors back then. I for one am grateful to them for actually opening their arms into letting us in this beautiful country. I am deeply embarrassed to be a part of them since they are representing non-white Canadians.
I for one am filipino and with a mix of chinese and I’m happy to live in a place where opportunities are given to those who actually strives to do their best.
Hope this changes your mind because we need people who are actually willing to help build a better Canada rather a divided one.
Jon.
This is Canada if it were us living in other countries as a white Minority we would not receive equal rights or special treatments due to our beliefs
I am pleased that the writer pointed out the kkkrimes against members of the First Nations.
In the film UNREPENTANT: KEVIN ANNETT AND CANADA’S GENOCIDE (documentary), shows what the kkkanadian government has done to the First Nations and continues to do. The kkkanadian government admits that 50,000 Native children were kkkilled while attending “Indian” Residential Schools. The documentary can be seen free on google videos simply search under UNREPENTANT: KEVIN ANNETT AND CANADA’S GENOCIDE (documentary)
Or here is a link
UNREPENTANT: KEVIN ANNETT AND CANADA’S GENOCIDE (documentary)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6637396204037343133#
Europeans are not just any immigrant group in Canada. There is a reason we call the British and French , our two founding peoples, not just immigrant invaders. Canada was largely a wilderness when the French arrived nearly 500 years ago. They cleared land and built farming communities and established schools, church communities and hospitals. The British followed, doing much of the same and transforming Canada into a civilized society. The native people living in North America died en mass from European diseases and were outnumbered by Europeans in Canada by the early 1700s. They were mistreated but by and large most Europeans arrived in Canada long after the conquest of Canada by the French and British. Over the past 400 years, just about every town, village, city, farming community, university, college and hospital was founded by either a European or a descendant of Europeans. In Canada 84% are of European origins and probably another few % are partially European in origin. Most have at least some connection to settlers that arrived before Canada was even a nation in 1867. The idea that white people are just another immigrant group is laughable. Probably 90% of non whites in Canada are barely a generation in Canada, while there are over 20 million white people in Canada with at least some roots going back centuries in this country, who have no modern, personal connection to Europe.
I am asian (filipino, 22) and I’m proud to have white canadians as co-workers. They are great to be with and throw some pretty wild parties.
I for one think you guys are the ones responsible in developing the entire world due to your numerous inventions and actually introducing democracy. I would rather have you guys as my neighbors rather any other self-pittying non-whites(just talking about the ones on this forums).
I hope these people who talks bad bout you guys doesn’t change your view towards us who actually appreciates you.
Regards,
Jon.
The illusion of inclusions has non-white people globally mentally insane. I too have worked, partied, laughed, and even prayed with europeans but they still will never look at non-white people as their equal. For any non-white person to defend europeans is simply an example of white identification.
The european are very good at the art of deception in convincing non-white people that they have come a long way baby…
If the white race cannot eat it, bored with having sex with it, or can no longer profit from it the white race will kkkill it!
“transforming Canada into a civilized society”
Wow! What was civilized about europeans raping, enslaving, and kkkilling the indigenous people of Turtle Island…
“They were mistreated”
The First Nations are still mistreated!
“most Europeans arrived in Canada long after the conquest”
That is like saying someone was killed in a hit and run. And one learns from the news who the victim was and where they lived that it is ok to take their home and other valuables then past it down to their children.
Racist man and racist woman aka white people will justify anything!
This thread was absolute hilarity. You guys have a lot of time on your hands. Good luck Canadians/immigrants/Natives/Europeans/Asians or whatever you think you are.
B,
TORONTO
if i am white person and go to Africa or Asia I am White not Canadian, clearly Candain’s can tell the difference between Jamaican”s and Ethiopians, its just a stat that isn’t going to help a black or asain man get elected mayor even if it changes. How can u be upset ur categorized as black if your back. Canada has opportunities for everyone, and if u honestly think canada is’nt tolerant enough or doesent provide enough opportunities then go south……. they have a black president right?
I stumbled across this article because I googled “where do most black people live in Canada”, I was doing my research before relocating. I googled alot about Canada, the provinces and cities, economy, politics and laws. To my surprise, it is much similar to U.S, except for a few minor differences. Their dollar is worth more than the U.S, that was also good to know. My reasons for relocating was for what I believe is a failing government in the U.S and we may soon be under attack, but being that Canada is apart of North America; it may fall with it. Anyway, I am not sure if my interpretations are correct or if my generation is victim of it.
I read every single person’s opinion and I laughed at most, not becasuse of its ignorance or “prejudices/racism” or any of those things, just that everyone is arguing and no solution is at hand–that may actually ever be considered, therefore all I can do is laugh. I learned so much in just thinking to move to Canda– it was really random–but everything really happens for a reason. Even If I do not move, I learned so much about Canada in three hours on the Internet (THAT I WILL REMEMBER) , than I would have in any history class that teaches its history. The “common” peoples opinions and beliefs and facts are more substantial to me than any book written by ONE person.
For once in my life, I felt for a second afraid to be Black somewhere else. I didn’t even know that I cared I was Black until I realized I may experience a little of what my ancestors have somewhere else. I really got use to my environment in America. And then I thought where the hell have I been, I experience pretty much the same here where I live. But one thing is for sure, it is nothing like moving somewhere else and the grass isn’t much greener on the other side. At least I know how to maneuver my way around in America and aware of my surroundings and the injustices around me, so hat I may avoid them. However, moving to Canada, I would feel blind. Again, I realized racism really exists and I had come to ignore it, sometimes actually defend alot of it, the same way the “White Canadians” are doing so here.
For the most part, “race” will not be a determinant in my decision in moving to Canada. I was never afraid to live around Whites in America, I live around them now, but for some reason, I thought it would be a consequential difference. I am a Junior in College and was hoping to take my career abroad and was almost afraid seeing the “incompetence dilemma” as well. I am not use to moving, I haven’t even been out of my city, unless for vacation. So, I am sure I would face these same problems if I was to move in another town, city, state, in America. No matter where I go, I know there are three things I will never be able to escape, being Black, paying taxes and dying.
I wish I could change some grammatical errors on my post, it’s bothering me. Anyhow, I re-read it 3 times before submitting it and once submitting it, I wanted to omit something. Correction:I don’t think any of this is really funny, its just sad. There isn’t much most can do, but the ability of knowing and speaking about it is a blessing. Many of our brothers and sisters(of all countries) are still very lost in mind.