Majority of Canadians Oppose Equity Hiring — More Than in the U.S., New Poll Finds
A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of Canadians oppose the inclusion of cultural or ethnic backgrounds in hiring decisions, a stance that contrasts sharply with public opinion in the United States. Conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies, the survey indicates that 57% of Canadians are against hiring based on equity — a higher opposition rate compared to the 46% of Americans who oppose affirmative action programs.
Key Findings from the Poll
The survey, which included 1,539 Canadian respondents between November 22 and 24, paints a comprehensive picture of the Canadian outlook on equity hiring. While only 28% of Canadians support such initiatives, a slightly higher 36% of Americans stand in favor of affirmative action. The survey has a hypothetical margin of error of ±2.5%.
The opposition to equity hiring spans uniformly across different age groups in Canada. Notably, the survey reveals that the resistance is particularly strong among those aged 45-54, with 62% standing against the practice. Men and women appear to be on similar wavelengths, both reflecting a 57% opposition rate. This parity is somewhat unexpected as women generally hold more progressive social views.
Regional Variations and Societal Perspectives
Regionally, Quebec emerges as the province most opposed to equity hiring, with 63% of its residents in disagreement. Alberta follows closely at 58%, and British Columbia reflects a 57% opposition. Conversely, Atlantic Canada shows the lowest opposition at 50%.
Immigrants demonstrate slightly more support for diversity hiring compared to non-immigrants — 34% versus 26%. Despite this, a solid 50% of immigrants indicate that they do not favor background considerations in hiring processes. Jack Jedwab, president of the Association for Canadian Studies, highlights this nuance: “There’s a hierarchy of vulnerability, and some groups may feel that they don’t qualify, leading to varied support among different demographics.”
Professional Outlook on Equity Hiring
The poll further delineates attitudes based on employment status. Freelance workers and the self-employed express the highest opposition, with a staggering 75% against equity hiring. This perspective is also shared by 58% of full-time and 51% of part-time workers. These findings suggest that those working independently or with more tenuous employment conditions may view equity initiatives as a direct threat to meritocratic principles.
Contextualizing the Findings
These polling results surface amid increasing scrutiny and debates concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs both in Canada and globally. Major corporations like Walmart and Harley Davidson have recently dismantled their diversity programs, citing various operational challenges.
At the governmental level, Canada has made strides in meeting equity hiring targets, with the hiring of visible minorities in federal positions rising from just under 18% in 2016 to nearly 27% by 2024. However, public attitudes remain complex and wary. Jack Jedwab reflects on this trend: “It is crucial our workforce mirrors our demographic reality. Yet, if objectives seem unachievable or unclear, public skepticism towards these initiatives grows stronger.”
Implications for the Future
For community members in both Canada and the U.S., these findings hold critical implications for the future of workforce policies and practices. As diversity hiring becomes increasingly contentious, local and regional businesses may need to navigate these diverse perspectives more sensitively. Community engagement and transparent policy explanations play vital roles in resolving potential tensions and fostering greater understanding.
Those seeking further dialogue or support can access local resources such as employment rights groups, governmental advisory panels, and community workshops aimed at providing clarity and assistance to both employers and employees regarding equity initiatives.
In conclusion, the Canadian stance on equity hiring, as showcased through this survey, underscores a broader conversation about diversity and inclusion. How these findings influence policy decisions and corporate strategies will shape the evolving landscape of labor and social equity in both Canada and the U.S., potentially guiding future community interest and engagement strategies. As always, Woke News remains committed to highlighting these pivotal developments and their local impact for our readers.
