Examining Determinants of Employers’ Attitudes toward Hiring Immigrant Workers: Evidence from an Employer Survey

Abstract

Using a representative survey of 800 small and medium-sized employers across Atlantic Canada, we empirically tested factors associated with employers’ attitudes toward hiring immigrants. Results showed employers who recently hired immigrants reported more positive attitudes, consistent with our theory that deep contact fosters positive perceptions. Employers in New Brunswick reported less-positive attitudes than those in the other Atlantic Provinces. Public-sector and not-for-profit employers had more positive perceptions than private-sector and for-profit employers. The coefficients for the rural/urban divide showed expected signs but were statistically insignificant. We interpret our findings and suggest implications for policy and practice.