Summary
- • 22.3% of Canadians identify as visible minorities
- • 7.7% of Canadians identify as Indigenous
- • Over 450 ethnic origins were reported in the 2016 census
- • 21.9% of Canadians are foreign-born
- • 17.5% of Canadians speak more than one language at home
- • 3.8% of Canadians identify as LGBTQ2+
- • South Asian is the largest visible minority group, making up 25.1% of the visible minority population
- • Chinese is the second largest visible minority group, making up 20.5% of the visible minority population
- • Black Canadians make up 15.6% of the visible minority population
- • Filipino Canadians make up 10.2% of the visible minority population
- • Arab Canadians make up 7.0% of the visible minority population
- • Latin American Canadians make up 6.0% of the visible minority population
- • Southeast Asian Canadians make up 4.8% of the visible minority population
- • West Asian Canadians make up 3.1% of the visible minority population
- • Korean Canadians make up 2.0% of the visible minority population
Buckle up, maple leaf lovers, because when it comes to diversity, Canada is serving up a statistical smorgasbord hot off the census press. With over 450 ethnic origins, a multilingual mishmash at home, and a rainbow of LGBTQ2+ representation, the Great White North is like a cultural buffet where everyones invited. From the South Asian squad to the Filipino posse and the vibrant Arab flair, Canadas visible minority mosaic is anything but vanilla. So grab your Tim Hortons and get ready to dive into the data dive revealing just how eh-mazingly diverse our neighbors up north truly are.
Disability
- 1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 and older has at least one disability
- 13.7% of Canadians aged 15 and older have a mobility disability
- 7.2% of Canadians aged 15 and older have a mental health-related disability
- 5.0% of Canadians aged 15 and older have a seeing disability
- 4.7% of Canadians aged 15 and older have a hearing disability
- 3.5% of Canadians aged 15 and older have a dexterity disability
Interpretation
In a country where maple syrup and politeness flow freely, it seems diversity is truly the sweetest Canadian export. With 1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 and older boasting at least one disability, our nation shines as a mosaic of resilience, strength, and adaptability. From navigating the world with a mobility disability to bravely facing mental health challenges, our population showcases the full spectrum of human experiences. So whether we're breaking barriers with a dexterity disability or embracing the world in a different hue with a seeing disability, let's toast to the rich tapestry of abilities that make us uniquely Canadian.
Ethnic Diversity
- 22.3% of Canadians identify as visible minorities
- Over 450 ethnic origins were reported in the 2016 census
- South Asian is the largest visible minority group, making up 25.1% of the visible minority population
- Chinese is the second largest visible minority group, making up 20.5% of the visible minority population
- Black Canadians make up 15.6% of the visible minority population
- Filipino Canadians make up 10.2% of the visible minority population
- Arab Canadians make up 7.0% of the visible minority population
- Latin American Canadians make up 6.0% of the visible minority population
- Southeast Asian Canadians make up 4.8% of the visible minority population
- West Asian Canadians make up 3.1% of the visible minority population
- Korean Canadians make up 2.0% of the visible minority population
- Japanese Canadians make up 1.3% of the visible minority population
- 39.1% of Toronto's population identifies as visible minorities
- 51.6% of Vancouver's population identifies as visible minorities
- 23.6% of Montreal's population identifies as visible minorities
- 28.2% of Calgary's population identifies as visible minorities
- 28% of Canadians with disabilities are visible minorities
Interpretation
Canada's multicultural tapestry is as rich as a diverse buffet spread, with over 450 unique ethnic origins adding flavors to the mix. South Asians, Chinese, Black, and various other cultural groups each contribute their own distinct spices to the Canadian melting pot, showcasing the beauty of unity in diversity. From the vibrant streets of Toronto to the serene landscapes of Vancouver, visible minorities weave threads of heritage into the fabric of Canadian society, creating a vibrant mosaic that reflects the nation's inclusive spirit. As more Canadians with disabilities join the ranks of visible minorities, the canvas of diversity expands, painting a picture of a dynamic and inclusive society where every unique brushstroke adds depth and complexity.
Immigration
- 21.9% of Canadians are foreign-born
- 1 in 4 immigrants in Canada arrived between 2011 and 2016
- In 2016, 60.3% of recent immigrants were admitted under the economic category
- 26.8% of recent immigrants were admitted under the family class category
- 11.6% of recent immigrants were admitted as refugees
- In 2016, the top source country for recent immigrants was the Philippines (15.6%)
- India was the second top source country for recent immigrants (12.1%)
- China was the third top source country for recent immigrants (10.6%)
- 51.7% of immigrants who arrived between 2011 and 2016 settled in Ontario
- 17.1% of recent immigrants settled in Quebec
- 14.5% of recent immigrants settled in British Columbia
- 15.2% of recent immigrants settled in Alberta
- 19.4% of Canadians aged 25 to 64 are first-generation graduates
Interpretation
In a country where apologies are as common as maple syrup, Canada's diversity statistics are a deliciously rich blend of flavors. With almost a quarter of Canadians being foreign-born, it's no surprise that the Great White North is a melting pot of global talent. From the economic migrants making it rain in Toronto's financial district to the family reunions spreading warmth in Montreal, Canada is a mosaic of stories waiting to be told. As we raise our glasses to the Philippines, India, and China for adding their spices to the mix, let's not forget the maple leaf's generosity in embracing refugees seeking a sweeter life. So whether you're settling in Ontario's bustling cities, Quebec's charming streets, British Columbia's scenic wonders, or Alberta's adventurous landscapes, remember that in the land of poutine and diversity, everyone has a seat at the table, especially those first-generation graduates paving the way for a brighter future. Cheers, eh?
Indigenous Population
- 7.7% of Canadians identify as Indigenous
- 4.9% of Canadians identify as First Nations
- 1.7% of Canadians identify as Métis
- 0.2% of Canadians identify as Inuit
- 67.3% of Indigenous people live in urban areas
- There are 634 First Nations communities in Canada
Interpretation
In a country as diverse as Canada, the statistics paint a multifaceted portrait of its population. The percentages may appear merely as numbers on paper, but they represent stories of identity, heritage, and resilience. The urban migration of Indigenous peoples reflects the shifting landscapes of modern life, while the sheer number of First Nations communities signifies the intricate tapestry of cultures within the nation. These figures serve as a reminder that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality that enriches our society with complexity, depth, and understanding.
Linguistic Diversity
- 17.5% of Canadians speak more than one language at home
- There are over 70 Indigenous languages in Canada
- 21.1% of Canadians have a mother tongue other than English or French
- 7.7 million Canadians speak a language other than English or French at home
- 22.8% of Canadians are bilingual in English and French
- Mandarin is the most common immigrant language spoken at home
- Cantonese is the second most common immigrant language spoken at home
- Punjabi is the third most common immigrant language spoken at home
- 36.5% of Canadians can conduct a conversation in more than one language
Interpretation
Canada's diversity statistics are more impressive than a bilingual beaver juggling maple leaves. With over 70 Indigenous languages, a kaleidoscope of immigrant tongues, and a quarter of Canadians proficient in both English and French, our linguistic landscape is as rich as a poutine topped with multiculturalism. From Mandarin to Punjabi, our nation's melting (ice) pot serves up a linguistic feast where conversations can flow like Niagara Falls in many different tongues. So next time you're in the Great White North, don't be surprised if you hear someone ordering a double-double in multiple languages – we're just that culturally versatile, eh?
Religious Diversity
- 22.9% of Canadians identify with a non-Christian religion
- 3.7% of Canadians identify as Muslim
- 1.7% of Canadians identify as Hindu
- 1.7% of Canadians identify as Sikh
- 1.0% of Canadians identify as Buddhist
- 1.0% of Canadians identify as Jewish
- 34.6% of Canadians report no religious affiliation
Interpretation
Canada's diversity statistics tell a colorful tale of maple syrup, poutine, and inclusivity. With nearly a quarter of Canadians identifying with non-Christian religions and over a third reporting no religious affiliation, it seems that our neighbors up north are more focused on spreading kindness than preaching dogma. From Muslims to Hindus, Sikhs to Buddhists, and even a sprinkle of Jewish Canadians, this delightful mosaic of beliefs truly highlights the beauty of multiculturalism in the land of polite apologies and ice hockey.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- 3.8% of Canadians identify as LGBTQ2+
- 1.0% of Canadians identify as transgender or non-binary
- 3.2% of Canadians identify as gay or lesbian
- 0.6% of Canadians identify as bisexual
- 7.6% of Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 identify as LGBTQ2+
Interpretation
In a country known for its politeness, Canada’s diversity statistics are politely sending a loud and clear message: we are a nation embracing all shades of the rainbow. With a 3.8% identification rate for LGBTQ2+ individuals and a strikingly high 7.6% among Canadian youth, it’s evident that the maple leaf is not just a symbol of national pride but of inclusivity and acceptance. These stats remind us that our nation's true strength lies in the kaleidoscope of identities it encompasses, making it a vibrant tapestry of modernity and progress.