What is it about?
This article gives an account of the development of immigrant service industry in Toronto. The evolution of the industry is the result of racialized immigrants agitating against racism and economic exploitation. The anti-racist character of earlier activism gave way to arguments for services, bringing immigrants in a new relationship with Canadian society. Funding cutbacks and economic restructuring brought another shift. Such contextual changes had consequences on how immigrant women, who made up a big proportion of the staff in this industry, could argue for resources for their organizations, and how they identify themselves in order to be heard.
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Why is it important?
With perpetual changes in immigration policies and global refugee crisis, the settlement service industry faces increasing and changing demand, and are required to be highly flexible and efficient with fewer economic and political resources. This study provides the backdrop for understanding this industry and the contribution of immigrants working here to voice the needs of newer citizens.
Perspectives
This article is a testament to the contribution of many immigrants who struggled to make Canada a better home for themselves and other immigrants. It also paves the way for seeing how inter-ethnic and inter-racial organizing is possible, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Jane Ku
University of Windsor
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Ethnic activism and multicultural politics in immigrant settlement in Toronto, Canada, Social Identities, March 2011, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/13504630.2010.524785.
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