Commentary
New data reveals that the majority of Canadians prefer a colourblind approach in the hiring process, rather than considering race or ethnic background.
Interestingly, gender did not significantly impact the results, as 57 percent of both men and women disagreed with race-based hiring. There were regional differences, with Quebecers showing the highest level of disagreement at 63 percent, and Atlantic Canadians showing the highest level of agreement at 36 percent.
Opposition to race-based hiring was evident across racial lines, with a majority of white respondents (59 percent) and a significant portion of non-white respondents (49 percent) expressing disagreement. Similarly, a large percentage of both native-born Canadians (59 percent) and foreign-born Canadians (50 percent) opposed employers considering race in the hiring process.
In comparison to American respondents, Canadians were more likely to oppose taking race into account in hiring, with 57 percent of Canadians and 46 percent of Americans holding this view.
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Despite the public’s lack of support for race-based hiring, institutions such as universities frequently incorporate race and ethnic background into their hiring practices.
These targets have implications for academics, as universities often advertise research chair positions specifically for equity groups. For instance, one university advertised a computer science faculty position open only to individuals who identify as a member of a racialized minority.
While government affirmative action programs are protected by Section 15(2) from legal challenges, they are not mandatory. Future governments could align public policy with public opinion by limiting or eliminating race-based hiring in institutions, as indicated by the latest opinion data.
Currently, race-based hiring practices persist in public institutions, despite the preference of most Canadians for a colourblind meritocracy.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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