Are immigrants in Canada over-represented in riskier jobs relative to Canadian-born labor market participants?

Background: This paper uses new data to examine the gap in injury and fatality rates between immigrant men and women and their Canadian-born counterparts. Methods: Data from the 2011 National Household Survey and the Association of Workers² Compensation Boards of Canada were used to determine the difference in occupational and industry injury and fatality rates between various arrival cohorts of immigrants and those Canadian born. Results: For both men and women, there is no significant difference in occupational injury and fatality rates between various arrival cohorts of immigrants and Canadian-born workers. However, industry injury and fatality rates are lower for the most recent arrival cohorts of immigrants relative to Canadian-born workers. Conclusions: Although immigrants face many hurdles and challenges in their resettlement process in Canada, given the evidence from the paper, they are not likely to be at higher risk for work-related injuries relative to those Canadian-born.