Canadian Population Portraits Part 1: Latin Americans
Toronto – August 10, 2026 – In this series, UFCW Canada is sharing recently-released population portraits from Statistics Canada, which examine the experiences and socioeconomic outcomes of six racialized population groups in Canada.
In 2026, Statistics Canada released six population portraits based on data collected through the Government of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2024-2028). This portrait series examines the experiences of the following populations in Canada: Black, South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Latin American, and Arab populations, using disaggregated data.
Why does this data matter?
The Disaggregated Data Action Plan aims to address systemic racism and gender inequities. In the context of race-based data, disaggregation means breaking down broad categories, such as “visible minority,” into more specific groups, including Black, Chinese, Arab, and others.
This detailed statistical information helps identify the unique experiences and outcomes of specific population groups across health, social, economic, and environmental indicators. By providing a clearer picture of inequities, disaggregated data can support the development of more effective and equitable programs, policies, and services and measure our progress.
Why does this matter to unions?
At UFCW Canada, we believed that diversity is our strength. Understanding how different population groups experience barriers in Canada is essential to shaping our collective response to workplace discrimination, at the bargaining table and in advocating for workers’ and human rights.
Understanding the experiences of diverse communities, including Latin Americans, helps strengthen our collective union approach to advancing equity and defending worker rights.
Addressing racial injustice through a disaggregated data approach supports efforts to combat discrimination workers face on the job and across intersecting identities such as gender, sexual orientation, creed, and age.
UFCW Canada will continue to advocate for workers through collective bargaining processes, strong workplace protections, and government advocacy that prioritizes workers' rights.
Population Portrait #1: Latin Americans in Canada
The Statistics Canada Report, Portrait of the Latin American Populations in Canada: Diversity and Socioeconomic Outcomes, looks at the demographic growth, sociocultural diversity, and geographic distribution of Latin American populations across Canada. Key findings are summarized below, specifically looking at demographics, employers and discrimination.
Key Facts
Population Growth
- "Latin American" is a recognized population group in the Canadian Census.
- In 2021, approximately 726,820 people (about 2% of Canada's population) identified as Latin American.
- This population nearly tripled from 251,585 in 2001 to 726,820 in 2021.
- Projections suggest the Latin American population could reach 870,000 to 1.2 million by 2041, representing 2.0% to 2.3% of Canada's population.
- The most frequently reported countries of birth include Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and El Salvador.
- Ontario has the largest Latin American population, followed by Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Education & Employment
- More than half of Latin Americans in Canada are of core working age (25-54).
- Over 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Despite high educational attainment, 21% were overqualified for their jobs in 2020/2021, more than double the rate of non-racialized and non-Indigenous workers.
- The employment gap is particularly significant for Latin American women, who are more likely to work in sales and service occupations.
Discrimination
- More than two in five Latin Americans reported experiencing discrimination during the six years before 2021.
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Common settings included:
- Workplaces or job application/promotion processes (26.9%)
- Stores, banks, or restaurants (24.8%)
Belonging
- Despite challenges, Latin Americans generally reported a strong sense of belonging both to their local communities and to Canada.
