According to the most recent census for Quebec (2001), there are 81.265 people of African origin who live in Quebec. There is no doubt that this number has increased since then. These people are of paramount importance for the economic and cultural enrichment of Quebec.
Unfortunately, the Afro-Quebecois are facing prejudice and racial discrimination that hinders them from achieving full integration. The following facts and figures help to illustrate the kinds of problems faced by African immigrants in Quebec.
-
The visible minorities are twice as likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population, in spite of being often highly educated. (Canada Statistics, 2001)
-
Significant salary gaps exist between minorities and those of the majority group. (Canada Statistics, 2001)
-
The members of the Black Community often experience unfair treatment at their work place, in shops, in the banks, on the street, when they deal with the police, and when they go to court.
-
0% of Blacks have stated that they have faced such discriminatory treatments, while 35% of South East Asians, 29% of Latino-Americans, and 26% of Arabs report the same. (Canada Statistics, 2002)
-
On the field of access to accommodation, one third of the French Speaking Blacks and 15%of the English Speaking Blacks are victims of flagrant discrimination (Commission of the rights of the person and of the youth, 1988)
Most of the time, the image of Black Community is associated with violence, poverty, and a lack of education.
The examples of success portrayed by the Media come almost exclusively in sports and the arts. (Canadian foundation on racial connections, 2005).
The services offered by MAAH Fondation du Village Africain are necessary to improve the living conditions of Afro-Quebecois’ while promoting their social, economic, and cultural integration into the Quebec community. For the past twenty years, MAAH Fondation du Village Africain – also known as the African Village Foundation – have helped more than 1,000 people from Africa in Quebec.
Our needs are huge and urgent. Please, help by making a donation!