Economic Migrants in a Global Labour Market: A Report on the Recruitment and Retention of Asian Computer Professionals by Canadian High Tech Firms. CPRN Discussion Paper.

The recruitment and retention of Asian computer professionals by Canadian high-tech companies was examined by interviewing 8 Canadian-born information technology (IT) workers, 47 Asian-born IT workers, and 8 human resource (HR) professionals employed by high-tech companies in Ottawa. Of the 47 Asians, 33 stated that they did not know much about Canada before coming to Canada, and 41 did not experience any difficulties getting visas for themselves. Although the Canadian and non-Canadian IT workers had similar perceptions regarding workplace-related issues, 12 of the Asia workers complained of subtle discrimination at work. Twenty-nine Asian workers reported considering moving to the United States versus only two Canadian workers. All eight HR professionals spoke highly of the Asian IT professionals and their technical competence, although several expressed concerns about Asian workers' ability to communicate. Many Asian workers appeared to have misconceptions about tax rates, living costs, and employment opportunities in Canada and the United States. It was concluded that the Canadian government could help improve recruitment and retention of Asian IT workers in Canada by enabling them to bring their educated relatives from their homelands and by facilitating closer interaction and partnerships between educational institutions and the high-tech sector. (The bibliography lists 17 references. The interview guide and questionnaire are appended.) (MN)