By Derek Abma, Postmedia News, Jan. 24, 2011

Canadians are split on whether racism is a growing problem in the country, according to a new survey by the Association of Canadian Studies and Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

The survey, exploring experiences with racism in Canada, shows contrasting views.

For example, 65 per cent of Canadians in this survey said whites and visible minorities are treated equally in the workplace. However, Canadians were almost evenly split on whether racism is a growing problem in the country.

This survey, of about 1,700 Canadians taken in September, showed 46 per cent feel racism is on the rise. Slightly less – 45 per cent – disagreed.

Asked if they’d witnessed a racist incident in the last year, 38 per cent of Canadians in this survey said yes.

The demographic breakdown in the poll revealed some differences between age groups with regard to their experiences and attitudes.

For example, those in the middle ranges of the working population were most likely to say that all races are treated equally in the workplace; the proportion was 70 per cent or more in every grouping between 25 and 54. However, just 51 per cent of those 65 and older felt this was true, and it was 61 per cent for those 18 to 24.

The youngest age group questioned – 18 to 24 – was also the most likely to report having seen a racist incident at 58 per cent. The other extreme of the age categories, at 65 and older, were least likely at 19 per cent.

On the other hand, the youngest age groups contained the lowest proportions of people saying racism is a growing problem – 38 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 37 per cent of 25- to 34-year-old. Those 65 or older had the most, at 53 per cent, saying racism is on the rise.

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