Finding solutions to inequities affecting immigrants could help in economic recovery

The University of Toronto and YWCA have issued a report that asks Canada to provide support to marginalized groups such as migrant workers that have been impacted disproportionately because of the coronavirus. Canada will have to find solutions and address the inequalities that have been brought to the forefront by the coronavirus outbreak. This could be an important factor in Canada’s complete economic recovery.

What is the report about?

The paper published by the YWCA and the University of Toronto is titled, “A Feminist Economic Recovery Plan for Canada,” and it analyses how marginalized groups have been affected due to the virus. The report states that racialized people, immigrants, LGBTQ2S+, and women had to bear the brunt of the pandemic. It goes on to outline how COVID-19 has had a negative impact on these groups. The paper includes recommendations for policymakers in Canada so that they can make provisions for a quick and equitable post-coronavirus economy.

Adverse effects on particular groups:

Carmina Ravanera, who co-authored the report, told the CIC News that they focused especially on migrants and immigrants in the report since they are crucial to the Canadian economy. Their jobs make significant contributions to keep the society running.Migrant workers proved to be essential to the economy during this time. They represent a large portion of workers who work in long term care homes.

Unlike previous economic downturns that made it likely for men to be laid off, coronavirus has had a greater impact on women in terms of the number of infections as well as the total number of deaths. Women were also the frontline workers during the pandemic. Around 56% of women workers were engaged in occupations like cashiering, care, catering, cleaning, and other clerical functions.