Workforce Diversity Profiles
Visible Minority Workforce
According to the 2021 Canadian census, Toronto’s total visible minority population was 1.54 million people, accounting for 55.7% of the city’s total population. The visible minority population in the city of Toronto accounts for more than one-quarter of Ontario’s total visible minority population (4.82 million people). The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as “persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour”. The visible minority population consists mainly of the following groups: South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese. For the purposes of our inclusion profiles, we have done a separate profile for Black workers who are not included in the numbers for this profile.
Gender
A slightly higher percentage of visible minority women are in the workforce when compared to the workforce as a whole.
Disability
Significantly fewer visible minorities report having a disability than for the Toronto workforce as a whole.
Education
In Toronto, visible minorities are more likely to have a University Education while fewer have diploma or certificate granted by a community or private career college.
Income
In Toronto, visible minorities are more likely to have a University Education while fewer have diploma or certificate granted by a community or private career college.
Newcomers
13.9% of Toronto’s workforce is comprized of newcomers from a visible minority.
Diversity
Over half of Toronto’s working population is a visible minority.
Job by Occupation
Visible minorities are more likely to work in occupations in manufacturing, and natural and applied sciences. They are less likely to hold an occupation in Arts & Culture and Education and Law.
Job by Industry
Visible minorities are more likely to work in the science sector, transportation sector and hospitably sector. Fewer work in the education, construction and healthcare sectors.
Final Thoughts
Toronto often boasts about our multiculturalism. It’s enshrined in the City of Toronto’s official motto – “Diversity Our Strength” – and observers from across the world have highlighted Toronto’s unique advantage in having so many people here from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Results from the 2021 Census confirms that this is no idle boast! As noted by Toronto Global “It makes this one of the most interesting places to live and it helps our businesses grow and thrive. Our region is able to hold onto more of our talent because, simply put, they’re able to find themselves here.”