LABOUR MARKET BARRIERS FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED IMMIGRANTS IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

LABOUR MARKET BARRIERS FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED IMMIGRANTS IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

This paper investigates the experiences and barriers faced by internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) in achieving their economic and labour market integration goals in Northern Ontario (NO). Seventy-four face-to-face interviews were conducted with 74 ITIs, immigrated to Canada within 10 years and living in a NO community for a minimum of 6 months. Participants reported greater credential devaluation in NO and higher emphasis by employers on Canadian experience. Participants had inflated expectations of their economic and social integration, fuelled by current immigration strategies, but lacked the necessary support systems within NO communities. Findings have policy relevance at the federal, provincial, and community levels extendible to other remote communities across Canada. (100 words)