We Are Not Lazy! Employment and Racialized Immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract

Canada’s labour force has depended on immigrant populations to drive economic growth and workforce development. However, racialized immigrants face significant barriers in securing employment that aligns with their foreign education, training, and work experience. This qualitative study utilized seven focus group interviews with 44 racialized immigrants to explore their experiences in job searching, employment retention, and career advancement in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The findings revealed five main themes: (a) lack of recognition for foreign credentials; (b) absence of Canadian work experience and survival jobs; (c) language and accent barriers; (d) childcare and motherhood; and (e) Islamophobia. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of systemic discrimination and gender-related obstacles encountered by racialized immigrants, which hinder their integration into the labour market. It underscores the need to revisit immigration policies to better align with labour market realities and address these inequalities.