Canadian Experience Wanted: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Media Representation of Skilled Immigrants

This MRP examines whether and how Canadian English electronic press media represents what is known as 'Canadian experience'. Although Canada is considered an immigrant welcoming country, it has been criticized for its poor recognition of immigrant skills and work experience. The media's portrayal of skilled newcomers reveals underlying social attitudes towards immigrants; this is reflected in contemporary immigration policies and labour market practices, which affect skilled immigrants' integration into Canadian society. Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis, this study traces the representations of Canadian experience in the national electronic newsprint media, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and one regional source, the Toronto Sun between 2015-2022. The analysis of the articles reveals how certain skilled immigrants continue to be unfavourably represented by media reporting. The indirect marginalizing discourses embedded within the language of the articles has implications for skilled immigrants in Canada.