The Canadian nonprofit sector provides indispensable support for vulnerable populations, with its 2.5 million workers contributing a significant 8.3 percent to the nation’s GDP. However, behind this statistic lies a profound truth: according to Imagine Canada’s 2022 report, Diversity is Our Strength: Improving Working Conditions in Canadian Nonprofits, about 50 percent of these workers immigrated to Canada at some point in their lives. These individuals are the unsung heroes supporting otherwise underserved communities across the country. Therefore, any policy that limits newcomers’ ability to find work or remain in Canada might play well to certain audiences, but the true cost is borne by vulnerable communities.

Compared to those in other parts of the economy, workers in the nonprofit sector are highly educated. Women make up a majority of the nonprofit sector and almost a third of the sector is made up of Indigenous and racialized groups. These workers offer diverse skills, cultural competencies and language fluencies that are immeasurable assets to the population they serve.

Effective social services hinge on the trust of the communities served by this diverse and multicultural workforce. By fostering trust and openness, nonprofit workers bridge gaps, engage marginalized communities, and promote societal cohesion – a testament to their commitment to the well-being of all Canadians.

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Source: Policy Magazine, Jamil Tanimu, Mai 2024.