Population Characteristics
Population characteristics such as employment, income, education and ethnicity are known to influence health status and health system use. For example, lower incomes affect health status through access to safe housing and the ability to buy sufficient and healthy food. The lack of social support networks contributes to a higher risk of poor health. Education increases opportunities for income and job security and gives people a sense of control over their lives – all of which contribute to better health.
Ethnicity
The majority of Niagara residents are predominately from a Western European background, with a very small number of visible minorities at 6% versus 23% in Ontario. Overall, 18% of Niagara residents are immigrants, compared to 28% across Ontario. Both Niagara and Ontario have the same proportion of aboriginal populations at 2%.
Fort Erie is the main point of entry for refugees entering Canada, (61% in 2005) although this data is not captured through the census enumeration. While most of these refugees eventually move on to other areas, Niagara must provide temporary support to them when they are at their most vulnerable. These refugees have outstanding mental and physical health issues, a limited knowledge of English and no local family or social supports.
In addition, Niagara is also home to seasonal migrant workers for temporary employment in the agricultural and tourism sectors, and who would not be captured in the population statistics.
Language
The majority of Niagara residents report English as their mother tongue (91% versus 86% across Ontario).
Niagara has two municipalities designated under the French Language Services Act: Welland and Port Colborne. In 2006, 11% of Welland’s population and 5% of Port Colborne’s population reported French as their ‘mother tongue’.
More Information
Click HERE for more detailed information about our population characteristics.