Alone In Canada - Coping with discrimination

"I like Canada because different cultures live together and I think that the way they get along is really cool." - Gabriela, from Mexico

Most people in Canada are open minded and respectful of the various groups in this country. While this is true most of the time, there are times when this is not so. Some newcomers find that they have to cope with discrimination - not just from people who were born in Canada or who have been here for a long time, but also from other newcomers. The discrimination can be based on race or ethnic group, religion or sexual orientation. It is painful to experience discrimination. It is natural to be angry and very upset when it occurs.

You may feel discriminated against the most when you are looking for a place to live or for a job. Sometimes a landlord may tell you that a room or apartment is not available. You believe the person. Yet, you may find out a few days later that the place is still empty. You feel that the landlord did not like you.

Or you may be sure that it was because of your race or religion.

Most newcomers have a hard time finding a job. Often they are told that they lack "Canadian experience." Some newcomers have a harder time than others in getting work, even though they are just as skilled and educated. These newcomers may find that employers don't hire them because of their race or colour.

Although Canada has laws against racism and other types of discrimination, the sad fact is that it still occurs. Sometimes the racism is so subtle that it can be hard to prove.

Many people experience discrimination in Canada, and you may experience it too.

What can you do when you know you are being discriminated against? The first thing is to recognize that it has happened. Then take a deep breath to calm yourself. You may feel frustrated, angry or hurt. These are natural reactions.

Once you are calm, decide what you want to do next. You probably have four choices. The first is that you can ignore the remark or the situation, and try to comfort yourself as best as you can. Second, you can complain about the discrimination to a friend or a member of your family. As a third option, you can confront the person who offended you. Finally, you can make an official complaint to the Human Rights Commission, to your managers at work, or through your union, if you belong to one.

It is important to know that you have these options, but choosing one is not easy. What you decide to do will depend on a number of factors. You will want to think about the situation and whether or not it's important enough to you to take action. What feels most natural to you? Think about the amount of support you can expect, and what the best outcome might be. And finally, you will want to find a balance between what is good for you, and fulfilling your responsibility to others, and to society.

For example, before you make an official complaint at work, you will want to consider how much the process is likely to upset you. Think about whether the managers are likely to be sympathetic or whether they will see you as a troublemaker. On the other hand, you will have to decide whether ignoring the situation will make it worse, not only for yourself but also for others who are likely to be discriminated against. It may help you to talk to a friend or to someone with experience in handling discrimination.

It you decide to confront a person you feel is standing in your way because of your race or your colour, you will find it helpful to have the support of a sympathetic and knowledgeable group of people.

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