In a revealing study by ComIT.org, a non-profit organization championing diversity and the democratization of education and opportunities in Canada, a stark image of the country’s workplace environment has been painted. Surveying 500 recent immigrants who have settled and found employment in Canada within the last 3-5 years, the findings uncover a disturbing gap between the purported values of diversity and inclusion and the actual experiences of these individuals on the ground.

Is there diversity in the workplace?

According to the survey, a significant 51.4% of respondents reported being managed by less qualified individuals who were either Caucasian or second or third-generation Canadians. This underscores a concerning trend of managing mediocrity, where meritocracy seems overshadowed by racial or national lineage.

More alarmingly, the prevalence of open aggression in the form of microaggressions and overt racist remarks is shockingly high. About 60.8% of immigrants experienced subtle forms of discrimination, while a staggering 70.4% witnessed or faced direct racist comments in their workplace. Such experiences are not just numbers but indicate a profound culture crisis in Canadian workplaces, calling for immediate and decisive action to foster a genuinely inclusive environment.

The reluctance to confront discrimination is equally troubling. Over half of the surveyed immigrants admitted to turning a blind eye when a colleague faced racism, and a significant portion felt uncomfortable or unsupported in addressing bias or discrimination, highlighting a critical need for stronger support systems within organizations.

Moreover, the survey illuminated a ‘promotion purgatory,’ with over 61.8% of immigrants being overlooked for promotions in favor of less-qualified Caucasian candidates, pointing to systemic barriers that hinder the career advancement of diverse individuals.

Most revealing is the adaptive behavior of immigrants to minimize their cultural identity, with 57.8% downplaying their ethnicity to ‘fit in’ and a large majority facing misunderstanding or ridicule over their cultural traditions. This pressure to conform to dominant cultural norms not only undermines individual identity but also diminishes the value diversity brings to the workplace.

Pablo Listingart, Founder and Executive Director of ComIT.org, articulates the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to eliminate racism and bias. The survey’s insights are a call to action for Canadian workplaces to move beyond lip service to diversity and inclusion and implement tangible changes that recognize and respect the rich tapestry of backgrounds that make up the workforce.

As Canada prides itself on being a multicultural nation, the findings from ComIT.org’s survey serve as a crucial reminder of the gap between ideal and reality. It’s evident that there is much work to be done to ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. The time for real change is now, requiring a collective effort from organizations, leaders, and individuals to cultivate an environment where diversity is not just celebrated in theory but is an integral part of the organizational fabric, driving innovation, understanding, and success in a truly inclusive Canada.