Human capital valuation of vulnerable visible minority immigrants in Atlantic Canada during a COVID-19 year: evidence from a sample of the CERB recipients

Purpose This study analyzes returns to education and post-schooling labour market experiences of visible minority immigrants in Atlantic Canada, in comparison to the national labour market in Canada, at the outbreak of COVID_19 pandemic in 2020. It also compares the earnings of visible minority immigrants with non-visible minority immigrants. A review of government policy initiatives to attract and retain immigrants in Atlantic Canada is also undertaken to provide the context. Design/methodology/approach After reviewing some major government policy initiatives in Atlantic Canada to attract and retain immigrants, the study presents some descriptive statistical analysis, followed by an econometric analysis based on the estimation of a human capital earning function using microdata obtained from the 2021 Census Public Use Microdata File. Findings Deliberate government policy measures, that also support community initiatives, have resulted in rising numbers of new immigrant arrivals settling in smaller provinces of Canada, such as those in Atlantic Canada. The labour market returns to human capital of immigrants in Atlantic Canada were not different from those nationally in 2020 which was the year when COVID-19 virus outbreak took place. Earning disadvantage of visible minority immigrants was lower in Atlantic Canada than nationally. Labour market in Atlantic Canada continued to complement the roles of governments and communities in regionalization of immigration. Research limitations/implications This study could not compare recipients of Canada Emergency Relief Benefit with non-recipients. Practical implications The complementarity of the roles of labour markets, governments and community organizations in the attraction and retention of immigrants in smaller areas of host nations. Social implications The economic integration of newcomers in non-traditional destinations of immigrants and visible minorities. Originality/value This is original research conducted by the authors.