Immigrants Strengthen Nunavut Workforce, Say Local Organizations

Discussions around immigration in Nunavut have intensified following comments from local MLA Solomon Malliki, who suggested that immigrants are taking jobs from Inuit workers. In response, various organizations representing workers and job seekers in the territory are advocating for a different narrative, emphasizing the positive role that immigrants play in the local workforce.

According to Francis Essebou, executive director of Carrefour Nunavut, immigrants are not a barrier but a crucial asset. In an email to Nunatsiaq News, Essebou highlighted that immigrants contribute significantly across multiple sectors, including health care, education, construction, and tourism. “They help fill critical gaps,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of a diverse workforce in supporting essential services and economic growth.

The contrast between Essebou’s perspective and Malliki’s remarks was evident during a legislative assembly session where Malliki expressed concerns about job competition for Inuit workers. He asserted that some constituents feel overwhelmed by the influx of immigrants, fearing that their opportunities for employment are being diminished.

Statistics from the 2021 census reveal that approximately 3% of Nunavummiut, or 1,165 individuals, were foreign-born immigrants. The census also indicated that between 2016 and 2021, 240 immigrants relocated to Nunavut, which accounted for over one-fifth of the territory’s total immigrant population. The majority of these immigrants hailed from the Philippines, the United States, and Nigeria.

In a broader context, Jason Rochon, president of the Nunavut Employees Union, emphasized the diversity within the workforce. He pointed out that a significant number of union members are from varied racial backgrounds, including both Canadian and recent immigrants. “Our union believes all workers, no matter where they come from, are important in building the local economy,” Rochon remarked.

Malliki later clarified his position in an interview, suggesting that his constituents’ concerns may stem from language barriers rather than job competition. He mentioned instances where students and medical clients reported difficulties understanding educators and healthcare professionals who spoke English with accents unfamiliar to them. “A few students came up to me saying that they don’t understand their teacher,” Malliki noted, highlighting the challenges faced in a multicultural environment.

A 2024 report by Statistics Canada supports the need for clear communication in the workplace, indicating that close to 95% of workers in Nunavut spoke English at work, while more than 40% regularly used Inuktut. Among Inuit workers, the use of Inuktut frequently occurs, either alone or in combination with other languages.

Rochon further emphasized the benefits of a diverse workforce, stating that varying cultural backgrounds contribute to enriching the workplace. “Diverse backgrounds help build a diverse workforce, creating opportunities for collaboration, understanding, and better efforts at decolonizing the workplace,” he explained.

As the conversation surrounding immigration continues, it remains vital for stakeholders to foster a supportive environment that acknowledges the contributions of all workers. The ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the multifaceted dynamics of employment in Nunavut, ensuring that the territory can benefit from both its indigenous and immigrant populations.