The World in a City

Clint MacNeil teaches history, geography, and world religion at St.
Charles College in Sudbury.

Toronto is a very large, rapidly growing multi-cultural centre. However,
a number of factors are making the process of integration more difficult
for today’s immigrants than in previous decades. This book looks at
the immigrant experience in Toronto since 1970, and examines the extent
to which social structures include or exclude immigrants.

The authors conclude that immigrants appear disadvantaged due to
“structural discrimination,” such as the lack of affordable housing,
inability to find suitable employment, inadequate English-language
programs, and lack of access to health care (they don’t know about
available services, or services are unevenly distributed across the
city)—all of which invariably affects their mental health. The authors
also conclude that Toronto does not offer equal opportunities for all of
its citizens, and point out that as immigrant populations grow, so too
will the complexity of social challenges that must continually adapt to
meet immigrant needs without alienating other groups.

The book contains an introduction, seven essays, a photoessay titled
“Images of Integrating Diversity,” a comprehensive list of
references for further research, a detailed bibliography, an index, and
biographical information about the contributors and editors. The World
in a City deepens our understanding of the current situation and raises
the debate over what changes need to be made to ensure that new
immigrants are fully and equally included in the community.