Of the 443,690 Indian immigrants to Canada today, the majority are from the Indian states of Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Andra Pradesh, and Kerala. Approximately half migrated between the years of 1996 – 2006 (Statistics Canada, 2008; Gupta and Misra, 2004) with over 70% settling in Toronto (54.6%) or Vancouver (22.2%) (Statistics Canada, 2008).

Demographics

In comparison to the overall Canadian population, the Canadian Indian population is fairly young. This group is less likely than the general population to be over the age of 65. In 2001, only 7% of the Indian origin population were 65 and over, compared to 12% of all Canadians (Statistics Canada, 2007).

Religion

Hindu and Sikh are the most popular religious affiliations amongst most Indian Canadians. There are Hindu-established temples across Canada – over 50 in Ontario. The largest Canadian Hindu temple is located in Brampton – the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – over 32,000 square feet.

Likewise, Sikhs have developed a large network of religious community institutions throughout Canada. The largest Gurdwara in North America was built in Malton, Ontario in 1990 (Israel, 1999).

Religion plays a bigger role in Canadian Indian life than in Canadians overall. They are less likely to report “no religious affililiation” (4%) than the general population (17%) (Statistics Canada, 2007).

Language

There are 17 major languages spoken in India, and over 200 different dialects. English is the official language, Hindi the national language (ethnomed.org).

Indian Canadians can converse in at least one official language (French or English). In 2001, 85% reported speaking conversational English, 8% reported conversation skills in both English and French.

Education

Indian Canadians are more likely than the general population to have obtained a university degree. As documented by Statistics Canada in 2001, 26% of Indian-origin adults were graduates of university, compared to 15% of the overall population (Statistics Canada, 2007).

A high proportion of these degrees are obtained in technical fields – generally in the mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering and applied science industries (Statistics Canada, 2007).

Employment

Indian Canadians are also more likely to be employed than the overall population. Compared to 62% of the general Canadian population, 64% of Canadians of Indian origin, 15 years and over were employed in 2001 (Statistics Canada, 2007).

However, Indian Canadians also earn lower incomes than the national average. In 2000, the average income for Canadian East Indians was about $27,000, and $30,000 for Canadians in general.

Family structure

The traditional family structure is hierarchical. Elders are shown respect; there is a general acceptance of their decisions, wants and/or needs within family homes.

However, within Canada, Indo-Canadians must negotiate life within a new set of rules, and cultural norms. Indian parents may find that they must adapt to the new culture in order to preserve essential cultural values in the home and among their children.

For example, the traditional role women occupy within Indian culture (in fact of course in may cultures world widel) can conflict with the Canadian lifestyle. North American dating norms and informalities, and casual social relationships can be especially bothersome for South Asian parents regarding their daughters.

Many immigrant groups hold onto traditional gender attitudes even after migrating. Traditional practices such as arranged marriages and male control of female members of the household may be prevalent in in some groups (Israel, 1999).

Women

Adjusting to new societal gender-role expectations and requirements in Canada can also be challenging. Depending on previous experiences there may be new responsibilities such as working outside the home. There may also be social challenges including family breakdown, separations at a time when community networks are less available. (Israel, 1999).

References:

http://ethnomed.org/ethnomed/voices/soasia.html
Gupta, R., and Misra, R. (2004). Predictors of health promotion behaviours among Asian Indian immigrants: implications and practitioners. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 24, (12), 66-86.
Israel, M. (1999). South Asians. Encyclopedia of Canada’s Peoples. Toronto: Multicultural History Society of Ontario. Available: http://multiculturalcanada.ca
Statistics Canada. (2007). Profiles of Ethnic Communities in Canada. The East Indian Community in Canada. 2001. Statistics Canada Catologue number 89-621-X1E. Ottawa. August 2007. Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division. 2001 Census.
Statistics Canada. (2008). Canada’s Ethno cultural Mosaic, 2006 Census: Canada’s Major Census Metropolitan Areas. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 97-562-XWE2006001. Ottawa. April 9. Analysis Series, 2006 Census. Available: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/analysis/ethnicorigin/toronto.cfm