Jamaica - Jamaicans Living In Toronto

Jamaicans Living In Toronto

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:56:22 UT

Jamaicans In Canada: A Detailed History

Evon Smith — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:00:00 UT

Among the many West Indian countries whose citizens emigrate each year, Jamaica is no exception. Most Jamaicans who leave the island and travel to Canada fine themselves settling in Montreal, Halifax or Toronto. The total number of Jamaicans in Canada has increased dramatically since the 1960’s and the reasons for coming are also different. Currently, Jamaicans who live in Canada can be found in every major Canadian city and occupy a multitude occupation.

The first group of Jamaicans in Canada

The first group of Jamaicans who came to Canada did so against their own will.

However, they stood firm on their convictions and refused to taken advantage of.According to James and walker (1984), West Indian slaves were imported into New France and Nova Scotia individually and in small numbers. However, the Maroons of Jamaica who entered Halifax in 1796 were the first large group to enter British North America (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).

The name Maroons was used to describe slaves who ran away from their owners and created free communities away from the European settlements in Jamaica. A war between the Maroons and the British broke out on the island of Jamaica in 1795. The war ended when the British realizing that they could not win, tricked the Maroons into laying down their arms and then carried them into exile in Nova Scotia (James & Walker, 1984).

Governor John Wentworth settled the Maroons who numbered over 500 on the out skirts of Halifax and offered the men jobs to fortify the Citadel. Standing proud and still holding on to the memory of being betrayed by the British, the maroons mounted a strong resistance and refused to be compliant Nova Scotian settlers. After numerous appeals to London, the Maroons were allowed to return to Sierra Leone in West Africa in 1800. The “Maroon Bastion” stands on Citadel Hill as an example of their legacy and the sense of pride they contributed blacks remaining (James & Walker, 1984).

Between 1800 and 1920 small numbers of West Indians were brought from Jamaica as labourers for the Cape Breton mines and from Barbados to work in coal mines in Sydney and Nova Scotia. Migration from the West Indies almost virtually stopped after 1920. As a result, the West Indian population in 1941 was smaller than it was 20 years earlier. Even thought pressure for migration in the West Indies mounted, The Canadian government refused to allow any more non-whites into the country (James & Walker, 1984) (James & Walker, 1984).

Blacks were stereotyped as lazy, sexually over active, criminally inclined, and genetically programmed for inferior status. This belief was used to influence immigration policies, which excluded non-whites from entering Canada. In 1908, Robert Borden the leader of the Conservative Party stated. “The Conservative Party stands for a white Canada”. Not to lose face with voters, the Liberal government passed immigration that excluded non-whites, except when they were needed for cheap (slave) labour (James & Walker, 1984).

Jamaicans in Canada after World War II After World War II, a great demand for unskilled workers resulted in the National Act of 1948. This Act was design to attract cheap labourers over sea from British colonies. This resulted in many West Indians, including Jamaicans coming to Canada. The Jamaicans who entered Canada after World War II did so because they still believed it was an opportunity to escape poverty and seek a new start in a world where personal advancement and success seemed to be encouraged. Wanting to stop the in-flow of black West Indians, the Walter Act of 1952 was passed to impose a “severely restricted quota” on black West Indians entering the country (James & Walker, 1984).

In 1955 Canada introduced the West Indian Domestic Scheme (Anderson, 1993). This Scheme allowed eligible black women who were between the age of 18 to 35, in good health, no family ties and a minimum of a grade eight education from mainly Jamaica and Barbados to enter Canada (James & Walker, 1984). After one year as a domestic slave (servant), these women were given a landed immigrant status and were able to apply for citizenship after five years. Even though the Scheme originally allowed only 100 women per year, 2,690 women entered Canada from Jamaica and Barbados by 1965. In 1962, racial discrimination was taken out of the Canadian Immigration Act and the number of Jamaicans who came to Canada dramatically increased (Lazar & Dauglas, 1992).

Jamaicans in Canada after the 60s

Because changes in the Immigration Act allowed non-whites to enter Canada without restrictions, many Jamaicans took advantage of the opportunity and entered Canada with hopes of achieving their goals for a better life. After the purging many racist immigration policies, a large number of Jamaicans started to enter Canada as tourist and many would later apply independently for landed immigrant status (Anderson, 1993).In the late 60s, the Canadian government instituted the Family reunification clause in its immigration policy, which made it even easier for Jamaicans and other groups to bring their love ones to join them in Canada (Anderson, 1993). Thus, during the 70s and 80s most Jamaican who entered Canada were children and husbands of the many Jamaican women who came to Canada between 1955 and 1965.
According to Anderson (1993), Caribbean immigrants to Canada were more likely to

settle in large cities and their provinces of choice were Ontario and Quebec. The largest concentration of Jamaicans immigrants can be found in the following boroughs or Metropolitan Toronto: Scarborough, Toronto, North York, York and Mississauga. Other cities include Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Waterloo, Windsor and Halifax (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).

In 1989 86.7% of Jamaican immigrants settled in Ontario, 7.4% settled in Quebec, 2.6% settled in Alberta, 1.1% settled in British Columbia, 1.7% settled in Manitoba and 0.6% settled in the rest of Canada. Jamaicans made up 27.5% of the total number of West Indian immigrants for that year (Anderson, 1993). Because of language concerns, most West Indian immigrants settle in Ontario as oppose to Quebec. In addition, Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is a magnet for West Indian immigrants (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).
Jamaicans in Canada
Jamaica by far has been the major source of West Indian immigration to Canada since west Indians were allowed in Canada. Between 1974 and 1989, 35.7% of all West Indian immigration to Canada came from Jamaica. Nevertheless, there was a decline during the early 80s, a recovery during 1986 and a decline again by 1989 (Anderson, 1993). According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Jamaicans made up 40% of West Indian immigration in the early 90s.

In a 1996 overview from Immigration Canada, Jamaica was ranked eighth in terms of the number of its citizens immigrating to Canada. Jamaica is preceded by countries such as China, Pakistan, and the Philippines in the number of its citizens that migrate to Canada. The number of Jamaicans immigrating to Canada declined in 1997 and again in 1998. Jamaican immigration to Canada is at an all time low; it is currently ranked number 10 by immigration Canada for the year 2000.

Jamaicans In Quebec

According to the Ministere des Affaires Internationales, de L’Immgration et des Communautes Culturelle et la Ville de Montreal, in 1995 there were 7345 Jamaicans living in Quebec, however, a more recent show that number to be much more. Between 1960 to 1970 28% of immigrants in Quebec were Jamaicans, during 1971 to 1980 there was a sharp increase to 41%, there was a significant drop to 12% between 1981 to 1985 and between 1986 to 1991 the number went up to 20%.

One possible reason for this drop between 1982 to 1985 might have been the language law Bill 101. Bill 101 was introduced by Quebec’s separatist government on August 26, 1977. This was an openly discriminatory law enacted by the Province’s first separatist government, which took away the right to freedom of speech from its citizens. Under the law, tighter restrictions on the use of English were introduced, as well as access to English schools. It became against the law to produce any commercial sign that wasn’t only in French, and the law aimed to make French the language of the workplace (O’Malley & Bowman, 2001).

Of the total number of Jamaicans living in Quebec, only 20% can speak French and 86% practice Christianity as their religion. One percent of the populations have no schooling, 13% have a primary education, 45% have high school education, 25% have a college education, and only 16 have a university education (Ministere des Affaires Internationales, de L’Immgration et des Communautes Culturelle et la Ville de Montreal, 1995).

Employment In 1995, 68% of the Jamaican population in Quebec was members of the work force. Most Jamaicans work in the Health and social service sector (25%). 21% work in the manufacturing industry, 13% work in repair and construction, 15% are office and clerical workers, and 7% work in management (Ministere des Affaires Internationales, de L’Immgration et des Communautes Culturelle et la Ville de Montreal, 1995). It is a fact that West Indian immigrants generally have a high level of skill, education, work ethics, and experience. Today, they can be found in every category of occupation (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).

Male/female ratio Fifty nine (59%) of the Jamaican population in Quebec in 1995 was female and 41% was male. 38% 0f the women are employed, where as, 30% of the men are employed (Ministere des Affaires Internationales, de L’Immgration et des Communautes Culturelle et la Ville de Montreal, 1995). Most Health and social service workers are Jamaican females.

Family

In the Jamaican community, the nuclear family (one or two generation living in the same house) is part an extended family group spread over several North American cities. However, ties are almost always maintained with family and friends back home (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).

Material culture: Food: A spicy, colourful mix of cuisine includes ackee and saltfish, rice and peas, jerk chicken, fish and pork, curried goat, pepperpot soup, roasted yams, banana fritters, patties, salads, fruits and exotic desserts. Beverages include carrot juice, ginger beer, almost all kinds of fruit juices, coconut water and sorrel.

Arts and crafts: Creations in straw, clay, fabric, shell, wood and semi-precious stone are on display in most Jamaican homes. African, Indian, European and Arawak cultures influence Jamaicans Arts and Crafts. Depicting life and landscape, Jamaican paintings feature bright colours and bold lines. No Jamaican kitchen is complete without a dutchy (a cast iron pot). Dutchys come in different sizes and it is said that, “the blacker the dutchy, the sweeter it cooks”.

Theater: From the 19th-century Ward Theater to innovative little theaters and thriving centers for drama in Kingston, Jamaicans like a broad range of theatrical treats. Plays depict a variety of Jamaican experiences.

Sports and Games: One could argue that the national game is domino followed by ludy. Sports of choice include Cricket, soccer (the reggae boys), bicycle racing, water-sports, horse racing, rafting, and track and field.

Non-material culture:

Music: The country's music consists of folk ballads, work songs, revivalist hymns, and of course, reggae. Reggae music originated in the ghettos of Kingston during the 60s, and is a blend of African musical traditions and rhythm and blues.

Religion: Christianity, in its various denominations is the religion of the vast majority of Jamaicans. There are, however, other religions observed and practiced in the culture by a relatively smaller numbers of people, such as Rastafarianism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. From 1930 until the mid '60s, Rastafarianism was a local Jamaican religious movement with few outside influences. Nevertheless, Jamaican immigrants brought Rastafarianism to Canada in 1933 (The Canadian Encyclopaedia, 2000).

Customs: The people of Jamaica have emerged from a historical process in which peoples of all the continents were brought together within a well-defined social hierarchy. Thus, Jamaican culture is a particular synthesis of many different groups. As a result theme is “out of many, one people”. Popular culture is heavily influenced by the African heritage, while formal behaviour is unmistakably British in style. To illustrate, in the article for the Montreal Gazette Called Pigment matters in Montreal: Survey (October 26, 2001) McGill professor Jim Torczyner points out that in the 1996 government census when blacks were about their ethnicity Jamaicans commonly answered that they were British.

Language: While it is arguable that the popular speech of Jamaicans is a distinct language from English, it is derived from English along with the many different African dialects used by slaves at that time. Patois is the common dialect of the Jamaican people. The slaves developed it as a means to communicate without the slave masters understanding their discourse. However, English has been the official language for over 300 years.

Celebrations: Jamaicans celebrate carnival that is held the beginning of July each year, Jamaica day, which is July 18th, and Independence Day (1962), which is celebrated on August 6th.

Conclusion

The Maroons were the first Jamaicans who came to Canada, however, they did so against their own will. Nevertheless, they stood firm on their convictions and refused to taken advantage of. Between 1800 and 1920 small numbers of West Indians were brought from Jamaica for labourers for the Cape Breton mines. Stereotypes against blacks influenced immigration laws, making impossible for them to immigrate to Canada.

The Jamaicans who entered Canada after World War II did so because they still believed it was an opportunity to escape poverty and seek a new start in a world where personal advancement and success seemed to be encouraged. Also, there was a great demand for cheap unskilled workers. Even though the Domestic Scheme of 1955 allowed only 100 women per year into Canada, 2,690 women entered Canada from Jamaica and Barbados by 1965. The institution of the family reunification act made it possible for Jamaicans living in Canada to send for their family members.

Jamaica by far has been the major source of West Indian immigration to Canada. The largest concentration of Jamaicans immigrants can be found in Ontario. Bill 101 might have caused the drop in the number of Jamaicans in Quebec between 1981 to 1985. Females make up the majority of the Jamaican population in Canada. Elements of Jamaican material culture include Food, Theater sports and games. On the other hand elements of non-material culture includes reggae music, religious practices, language and customs.

Jamaican And West Indian Organizations

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

The Jamaican-Canadian Association
995 Arrow Road
North York
(416) 746-5772

Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations
3000 Don Mills Road
North York
416.498.9934 / 416.498.1227
http://www.ajaacanada.com

Black Business and Professional Association
(416) 504-4097
http://www.bbpa.org

Black Film and Video Network
http://www.bfvn.org

Caribbean Association of Peel
440-B Britannia Rd E
Mississauga, ON
L4Z 1X9
URL: http://www.caribpeel.org
Email: info@caribpeel.org

Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
URL: http://www.ccah.ca
info@ccah.ca
Phone: 905-257-0908
Fax: 905-257-9148

Caribbean Chinese Association
(905) 294-8379
http://www.caribbeanchinese.ca

Markham African Caribbean Association
1661 Denison Street, #76532
Markham
(905) 294-5033
http://www.markhamafrican.com/home.html

The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
905-257-0581

Toronto Caribbean Soccer League
http://www.torontocaribbeansoccerleague.com
e-mail: info@torontocaribbeansoccerleague.com

National Council of Jamaicans and Supportive Organizations in Canada

Toronto Online Resources

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Toronto (General Information)

CBC Toronto
http://www.toronto.cbc.ca
Profile Canada
http://www.profilecanada.com/
Globe and Mail Newspaper
http://www.globeandmail.com
Toronto's Official Site
http://www.toronto.com
Toronto Star Newspaper
http://www.torontostar.com

Toronto's Jamaican and West Indian Community

Overview of History of Jamaican Community
Blackcanada.com
http://www.blackcanada.com/GTA_6.htm
Black Canada.com
http://www.blackcanada.com/urban_toronto.htm
Black Pages
http://www.blackpages.ca
Canadian Reggae World
http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com
Jamaican Restaurants in Canada (Toronto)
http://eatjamaican.com/canada/toronto.html

Reprints and Archives From Toronto Media

Diversity Watch
Echoes of Bigotry (Toronto Star Reprint)
Fear, Death Rule 'Doomstown': The Jamaican Gangs of Toronto (National Post Reprint)
Jamaica: Success Fizzles in New Land (Toronto Star)
Ontario Human Rights Network
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/6174
The Jamaica Connection (CBC Radio Archives)
Series examining the Crime Connection Between Toronto and Jamaica.

Jamaican Resources in Toronoto

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Jamaican Consulate General
303 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 416-598-3008

Jamaica Tourist Board
303 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
416-482-7850

Jamaica Trade Commission
303 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
416-598-3393

Jamaica Weekly Gleaner - Star
1390 Eglinton Ave West
Toronto, Ontario
416-784-3002

Jamaican Writers

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Brown, Rosemary. Being Brown : A Very Public Life.

Christiansen, J, Robinson, J and Thornley-Brown, A. West Indians in Toronto: Implications for Helping Professionals

Cooper, Afua Breaking Chains and Red Caterpillar On College Street

Gairey, Harry, A Black Man's Toronto, 1914-1980 : The Reminiscences

Ford-Smith, Honor, Lionheart Gal

Silvera, Makeda ,Remembering G and Other Stories, Her Head a Village and Silenced, An Oral History of Caribbean Domestic Workers in Canada

Tulloch, Headly, Black Canadians, A Long Line of Fighters

Famous Jamaicans In Toronto

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Jamaicans in TV, Film and Theatre

Miss Lou, a national icon, lives in the GTA. So does Calvin Butler, producer of Jamaica's Oliver at Large TV series and Honor Forde-Smith, the Jamaican actress and acting teacher who founded Jamaica's Sistren theatrical collective. Leonie Forbes has appeared on stage in Toronto and as one of the stars of the TV series, Lord of Mercy that is produced in Toronto. Jamaican-born TV actor Peter Williams (Stargate, Neon Rider, Da Vinci's Inquest) got his start here, as well as Delroy Lindo (Going to Extremes, MalcolmX) and Tonya Lee Williams (The Young and the Restless) who were both born in England to Jamaican parents.

Jamaicans in Music

Johnnie Osbourne (who was then known as Bumpy) used to live and perform in Toronto. Heptones singer Leroy Sibbles has made Toronto his home. The late Jackie Mitoo also made his home here. So did Ernie Smith of Duppy Gunman fame. Carlene Davis launched her reggae career in Toronto.

Jamaicans in Politics

Jamaicans in the GTA have also made their mark in the political arena. Marcus Garvey spent some time in Toronto and set up a branch of the UNIA, which is still active. Lincoln Alexander, whose mother was a Jamaican immigrant, was the first elected official in the Canadian parliament. He represented Hamilton West. Between 1985 and 1991, he was the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The late Rosemary Brown was active in politics here and the head of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Alvin Curling has been a member of the provincial parliament (MPP).

Jamaican-born Athletes

Of course, who could forget Ben Johnson and Donovan Bailey, who have made their mark on a global scale at the Olympics. Laurie Silvera has owned and trained horses for 29 years at Toronto's Woodbine racetrack. Prior to coming to Canada, Laurie was a leading horse trainer in Jamaica for many years at Caymanas Park. Arthur Silvera is following in his father's footsteps and he is also training horses at Woodbine.

Jamaican And West Indian Events Calendar

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

February

Black History Month

March

Canadian Reggae Music Awards

April

Reel World Film Festival (featured Super Bob produced by Jamaican-born Devon Haughton and starring some of the most talented Jamaican actors living in Toronto)
Harry Jerome Awards
Angus Glen Caribbean Golf Tournament

June

Metro International Caravan (usually has a Jamaican pavilion)

July

Caribbean Day Festival (Main Street, Markham)
Jamaica Day Celebration
Canadian Urban Music Awards

August

Caribana
Jamaican Independence Celebrations at City Hall
Harriet Tubman Track Meet

September

Toronto International Film Festival(Jamaican movies such as Shottas and Dance Hall Queen have been featured)
The REEL BLACK AWARDS , Sponsored by the Black Film and Video Network

November

Simulcast of Red Stripe Superstake to Woodbine International Racecourse from Caymanas Park in Jamaica at Toronto's Woodbine racetrack. An opportunity to also enjoy Jamaican food and music.

December

Jamaican Canadian Association, Traditional Jamaican Christmas

Jamaican/Caribbean Media

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Newspapers

Canada Extra
(Published by the Gleaner Company of Jamaica)
1390 Eglinton Ave, West
Toronto
(416) 784-3002

Obsidian Theatre
A collective of Jamaican and West Indian theatrical performers
http://www.obsidian-theatre.com

Pride Newspaper
5200 Finch Avenue East
Scarborough
M1S 4Z3
(416) 335-1719

Share Newspaper
416-656-3400
http://www.sharenews.com

RADIO

FLOW 93,5 Urban FM

105.5 FM - CHRY

Joy 1250 - Caribbean Gospel and Christian Programming

Jamaican Food

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

You can purchase Jamaican products at the large supermarket chains including Loblaws as well as such West Indian grocery stores as:

Nicey's Food Market
Locations on Oakwood Avenue and in Downsview, Scarborough, Mississauga Brampton, and Pickering

Wire's Variety
753 Dovercourt Road
Toronto

For a special treat, try one of the many restaurants throughout the GTA that serve Jamaican food:

Dining
The Real Jerk
709 Queen Street East
Toronto
(416) 463-6055

Irie Caribbean
808 College St.
Toronto
416-531-4743

Flavours (Toronto)

Cravins Caribbean Grill
7270 Woodbine Ave.
Markham, Ontario
(905) 415-0078

Take-Out
Tipper's (Toronto)

Gerry's Fast Food
724 St. Clair W. (West of Bathurst)
Toronto, Ont.
416-652-0605

Randy's Take-Out
1569 Eglinton Ave West
Toronto
416-781-5313

Rap's Take Out (Open 24 Hours)
1541 Eglinton Avenue West
Toronto
(416) 256-4426

Spence's Bakery
1539 Eglinton West
Toronto
416-782-7850

Mr. Jerk
Locations in: Downtown Toronto (Eglinton W. and Wellesley St. E), Don Mills, Scarborough

Ralph's West Indian Bakery
6680 Finch Avenue West
Rexdale(Humber College Blvd)
416-674-7765

Palominos
Location in Brampton

Glass Bucket Restaurant
4040 Creditview Mississuaga(near Burnamthorpe)

Negril
2002 Middlefield Road
Markham (Right off Steeles)
(905) 294 9694

Caribbean Jerk Pit
10737 Yonge St., Unit 20
Richmond Hill(Corner Elgin Mills East)
(905) 883-5798

Tropical Cove
Ajax Plaza
37 Station Street
Ajax
905- 619-8077

Jamaican Community Challenges

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Many Jamaicans have made their mark in Toronto, however, the community is not without its challenges. The close proximity between Jamaica and Toronto has its positive and negative aspects. When tension heats up between rival gangs in Kingston, the fallout can be felt on the streets of Toronto. For example, during October and November, 2002, there were waves of gang related incidents in Toronto with incidents almost every weekend. For example, Toronto newspapers reported Heavy D, a member of the Markham Crew gang , turned up dead in a Scarborough convenience store as a result of a shooting that took place in broad daylight. When Jamaican born youth, who have been raised in Toronto run afoul of the law, some are deported back to Jamaica. Ill equipped by the Canadian school system and lacking the skills to earn a living, some have no means of supporting themselves upon their return to Jamaica. For some, it is a country where they have not resided since they were infants or toddlers. The impact of their difficulty in adjusting to the Jamaican society is sometimes felt on the streets of Kingston. The Jamaican government has produced reports about the deportee problem. (Deportee Study: Executive Summary)

The criminal element is a small part of the community. Are other Jamaicans facing challenges in an attempt to adjusting to their adopted home in Toronto? Goldfarb, a reputable polling organization, did an in depth study into the impact of race on quality of life in the greater Toronto area. Eighty-eight per cent of Jamaicans surveyed indicated that racial and ethnic discrimination was a problem. Almost two-thirds of Jamaicans surveyed indicated that they had personally experienced it. A study conducted by Michael Ornstein, director of the Institute for Social Research at Toronto's York University professor, concluded that:

Toronto is quickly becoming segregated along racial, ethnic and economic lines.
Huge "inequalities" in income, employment, education and rates of poverty based on ethnicity and race.

Based on studies that he conducted, David Hulchanski, a professor of housing policy at the University of Toronto, concluded that blacks and other racial minorities still face discrimination in the housing market. Based on in depth interviews with Toronto immigrants of Jamaican, Polish and Somali origin, Professor Hulchanski and York University Geography Professor Robert Murdie, plotted the three ethnic minorities on a scale measuring discrimination from one to five. Based on the experiences they related, Polish immigrants tended to receive a rating of one. Jamaicans averaged just over three.

Based on an analysis of 1996 census data, unemployment rates were found to vary from less than 6 per cent among Europeans to more than 40 per cent in some black groups. The discrepancy in child poverty rates ranged from less than 10 per cent among families of European origin to more than 60 per cent in some Black ethnic groups. Jamaicans were included in a group experiencing significant disadvantage with a poverty rate of around 50%.

Based on 2001 census data, many well-educated immigrants who arrived in Canada during the 1990's are working in jobs for which they are overqualified. The top 29 occupations of recent male immigrants holding university degrees included restaurant and food service managers, taxi and limousine drivers, truck drivers, security guards and janitors.

"Whether they worked in a high-skilled or a low-skilled occupation, recent immigrants earned less than their Canadian-born counterparts", Statistics Canada reported in March 2003. In spite of the fact that immigrants arriving in Canada during the 1990's were better educated than in previous decades, their earnings compared with Canadian-born workers have "deteriorated sharply".

In an attempt to address some of these issues, the Toronto City Council approved the Toronto Plan of Action for the Elimination of Racism and Discrimination during its April, 2003 session.

Where Jamaicans Live

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

According to the 2001 Canadian Census, 3.5% of the population of the city of Toronto is Jamaican-born. 3.2% of the population of the Greater Toronto area was born in Jamaica. While Jamaicans live throughout the Greater Toronto area, you will find the largest concentration of Jamaican families in the city of Toronto.

Census Figures

Toronto Census Metropolitan Area: 4,682,897; 150,840 Jamaican-Born (3.2%)
City of Toronto: 2,481,494; 88,305 Jamaican-Born (3.5%)
- Ward 1 (Etobicoke North): 12.7% Jamaican
- Ward 42 (Scarbough Rouge): 9.5% Jamaican
- Ward 8 (Takes in Jane-Finch Corridor): 8.5% Jamaican
- Ward 43 (Scarborough East): 7.5% Jamaican
- Ward 15 (Eglinton - Lawrence): 6.7% Jamaican

Yonge and Bloor is the main intersection of the downtown core. You can find Jamaican restaurants and grocery stores in the downtown core and throughout the GTA.

Based on information from the City of Toronto site, the communities in which you will find the largest Jamaican populations are: Ward 1 (Etobicoke North), Scarborough and Ward 8, which takes in the Jane-Finch corridor. To get a flavour of a community in which you will find one of the largest Jamaican communities in the GTA, exit the Allen Expressway and head west along Eglinton Avenue. For several blocks, you will see Jamaican restaurants, bakeries, barbershops and hairdressers. The Jamaica Gleaner Company office is located in that neighbourhood. You will also find stores that sell hip hop fashion, grocery stores and posters promoting the latest Jamaican plays and reggae artists who are about to pass through Toronto. Step into some of the record stores and it's like stepping back in time because you will see LPs spinning on the turntables and LP jackets, featuring reggae artists, lining the walls.

"Connection", "Village" and "Jungle", nicknames for communities in Kingston, Jamaica, each have their corresponding neighbourhoods in Toronto, where many Jamaicans reside. "Village" is the nickname used for the area around St. Clair Avenue and Bathurst Street. West Kingston's "Jungle" has a sister neighbourhood in Toronto's Lawrence and Bathurst area, also known as Lawrence Heights. (Ben Johnson lived in that community after he left Jamaica.) (Ben Johnson lived in that community after he left Jamaica.)

For audio profiles of the communities with the nicknames Jungle in Toronto and Jamaica, check out the CBC Toronto web site:

Profile of Toronto's "Jungle" Community
Relationship Between Kingston Jamaica's Jungle Community and Toronto

Apart from the City of Toronto, the Regions of Peel (takes in Brampton and Mississauga) and Durham (Ajax Pickering area) have the largest Jamaican-born populations in the GTA.

Region of Peel: 985,565; 23,155 Jamaican-born (2.30%)
Brampton: 324,390; 10,785 Jamaican-born
Mississuaga: 610,820; 12,185 Jamaican-born
Durham: 502,905; 13,350 Jamaican-born (2.70%)

York Region (which includes the cities of Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket) and Halton Region (which includes the city of Oakville) have comparatively small Jamaican populations.

York Region: 725,670; 10,700 Jamaican-born (1.50%)
Halton Region: 372,410; 2,920 Jamaican-born (0.08%)

As Toronto is easily accessible from Jamaica, Jamaicans living in Toronto have the opportunity to enjoy the very best in Jamaican entertainment. Jamaican musicians who have performed in Toronto over the years have included Bob Marley and the Wailers, Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, Shaggy, Mutabaruka and Burning Spear, to name just a few. Toronto based Jamaicans have access to everything from reggae concerts and roots plays, to pantomimes, live and direct from Jamaica. Jamaican actors including Carl Bradshaw, Oliver Samuel and Charles Hyatt, have performed live on stage in Toronto. The Reggae Boyz, Jamaica's soccer team, have played here.

Jamaicans In Canada: A Brief History

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

The first Jamaicans who migrated to Canada were settled in Halifax on July 22, 1776. Many of these early immigrants helped to reinforce Nova Scotia's defences by building the Halifax Citadel, 1795-1800. While some of the Maroons remained in Canada, due to difficulty in adjusting to the harsh climate, the majority were re-settled in Sierra Leone where their descendants remain until this day.

In the 1900s, the Jamaicans who migrated to Canada included John Robert Giscome, a gold prospector, James Barnswell a carpenter and Robert Sutherland, who graduated from Queen's University and became the first Black lawyer in Canada. In the early 20th Century, Jamaicans came to Canada to work as domestics, Canadian railway porters and blacksmiths. Due to Canada's restrictive immigration policies, it wasn't until the domestic scheme was implemented in 1955 that there was an increase in Jamaican immigration to Canada. Up until 1965, only about 1,000 Jamaican women had come to Canada under the domestic scheme.

Some Jamaicans also came to Canada on student visas during that era. Due to the severe shortage of nurses during the 1960s, Jamaican nurses were able to come to Canada under the "cases of special merit" provisions of the immigration act.

In 1967, immigration laws were modified and under the "point" system, more Jamaicans were able to come to Canada based on their level of education and skill. During the Trudeau years, provisions were put in place in the Canadian immigration system to permit the re-unification of families. This era saw a larger influx of Jamaican immigrants with the majority settling in the Greater Toronto area.

Life In Toronto: A Snapshot

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

The Greater Toronto Area is a mixture of high-rise buildings, sub-divisions of detached homes, townhouse developments and rural communities. It is very much an area in transition. For example, in some of the rural areas, it is not unusual to see sub-divisions of detached homes and townhouses on one side of the road and cattle and horses grazing across the road.

The communities in and around Toronto have done an excellent job of preserving their parks and green space. Some of the largest Parks include:

[•] High Park
[•] Edwards Garden in Scarborough
[•] Centennial Park in Etobicoke
[•] Chingcousy Park in Brampton
[•] Toogood Pond in Unionville
[•] Duffin's Creek in Pickering

At Black Creek Pioneer Village, just north of the Jane-Finch corridor, you will find a restored 19th Century village depicting life as it used to be in Ontario. Other attractions in the greater Toronto areas include the CN tower, Skydome, the Air Canada Center and Wild Water Kingdom.

Overview

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

What is now known as the City of Toronto came into being in 1997 with the amalgamation of the cities of North York, East York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, and York. The Toronto Census Metropolitan area (also known as the Greater Toronto Area or GTA) encompasses the cities of Newmarket to the North, Brampton/Caledon to the North West, Milton/Oakville to the South West and Ajax Pickering to the East.

See Map

Toronto has one of the largest Jamaican communities in Canada. We are pleased to present a guide to "Things Jamaican" in and around Toronto.

Jamaican Businesses

Mahogany Saunders — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 17:00:00 UT

Jamaicans have made their mark in virtually every facet of Toronto life. Examples of Jamaican owned businesses in the Greater Toronto area include:

Alan Hobbins, Piano Teacher
Julliard trained, accomplished classical pianist and Harry Jerome award recipient
(905) 475-2340

Black Pages Directory (Canada)
Established in 1989 for the purpose of identifying and promoting Black and Caribbean businesses and professionals. Facilitates the recycling of dollars within our community. Study after study has consistently shown that a dollar changes hands an average of seven times in some communities but only once in the Black and Caribbean community.
http://www.blackpages.ca

Bramic Sales Inc.
Scarborough
West Indian and Asian food importers and distributors.
(416) 297-0114

Colour Innovations
A full-service company providing specializing in printing, digital photography and multi-colour lithography.
http://www.colourinnovations.com

Excel Group Development
Toronto
Coaching & Sales Management Seminars
http://www.GrowingCoaches.com

Jean Pierre Aesthetics and Spa
Toronto
A full-service health and beauty treatment centre in the very heart of downtown Toronto.
http://home.interlog.com/~jpierre

Jones and Jones Productions
Producers of Jamaican gospel, reggae and theatrical productions.
http://www.jonesandjones.ca

Michidean Limited
Pattie bakers and wholesale distributors.
7725 Birchmount Road
Markham
(905) 946-0708

Oakville Sight & Sound
Retail home theatre specialists, focusing on audio and video systems.
290 North Service Road West
Oakville
L6M 2S2
(905) 338-2275

Soothing Hands Equine Massage
Kim Allaby, Horse Massage Specialist
(416) 410-8732
e-mail: soothinghandsequinemassage@live.ca
website: http://www.soothinghandsequinemassageschool.com

The Publicity Group
Toronto
Public relations agency owned by Tonya Lee Williams.
http://www.thepublicitygroup.com

The Training Oasis, Inc.
Experts in executive and management team building.
http://www.thetrainingoasis.com