Newcomers to Canada: Helping our Canadian Economy and Communities

Growing up in Canada is a privilege for me. I am originally Iraqi and I have lived in Egypt until the age of 11 when I moved to Ottawa. My family and I migrated to Canada in order to live a better, safer life. Life back in Iraq was hard for me and my family. Although I was very young, I felt how dangerous and unsafe it was for my family and I to live there. I felt as if I will not have a future there, and that my family and I had to move somewhere that will promise us a better life. We chose Canada because we heard great things about how welcoming they are to immigrants and how a lot of immigrants have built themselves and started successful businesses here. One thing I'm grateful for is the fact that I don’t have to miss my culture or the food I grew up eating because I have it all here in Ottawa. Ottawa has the best Shawarma restaurants. Many middle eastern shops offer Arab food, spices, and all the things I grew up loving.

Many of Canada’s newcomers have come here and established businesses that sustain the economy, employ others, and serve the community. Statistics Canada shows that Immigrants in the economic class in Canada accounted for the largest share of business ownership, at around 40%. Al-Oumara Meat Shop & Grill is one example of many. It is a family-owned business. I was lucky to meet the owner and ask him a couple of questions about his shop. They have products imported from countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, you can find all types of spices and foods. They also have Halal meat that caters to the needs of the Muslim community.

Al-Oumara Meat Shop & Grill

Many immigrants face sociocultural barriers when it comes to finding and keeping a job. Often their degrees obtained in their country of origin are not recognized in Canada. Sometimes they might be considered overqualified for certain positions, impeding their chances of being hired, which then drives them to self-employment. In fact, several studies show that immigrants are more likely to be self-employed than non-immigrants. In 2006, about 17% of immigrant working men aged 20 to 64 were self-employed, compared with 12% of Canadian-born men. Many newcomers to Canada, like this family above, came here and started businesses that serve the community by providing many services and essential products, while also employing others who are in need of work, and contributing to the economy as well. These businesses not only provide job opportunities to immigrants who are new and looking for a job upon arriving but also to those within the community who are in need of an income.

While the COVID-19 crisis has affected many businesses in Canada, this local grocery store is still operating and is always welcoming when it comes to the community. Safety is key. The owner recognizes these difficult times so the shop is open on weekends and most holidays with a lot of infection prevention safety measures in place. They have a variety of spices that are essential for any Arab household, and about 30% of the customers are mainstream Canadians who simply love to buy and try these spices.

Newcomers to Canada, supporting all Canadians during a difficult time

The Government of Canada announced some good news for Canadian immigrants in October 2020, stating that there will be a new plan to help the “Canadian economy to recover from COVID-19, drive future growth and create jobs for middle-class Canadians”.

The healthcare system has also relied heavily on immigrants to keep Canadians safe and healthy, while also keeping businesses going. Newcomers help maintain supply chains both as consumers and suppliers, expand their businesses and also create more jobs for Canadians. It will be a multi-year level plan that recognizes the importance of family reunification and Canada’s global commitment to protecting those most at risk through refugee resettlement. This will help Canada create a strong foundation for economic growth in the future and help maintain business with the contributions of newcomers. This plan will support economic recovery through immigration.

Al-Oumara Meat Shop & Grill is just one example of many newcomer business ventures that are essential for the economy, there for those in need, and that contribute to the community in many positive ways, even in times of crisis.

Meenaullah Abdulrahman
Carleton University Student