2001 Census Analysis The Jewish Community of

Part 5 Immigration & Language

By: Charles Shahar

UIA Federations Canada would like to thank the following members of the 2001 Census Analysis “Professional Advisory Committee” for their expert assistance throughout this project.

Dr. Jonathan Berkowitz, , BC Dr. Jay Brodbar, , ON Prof. Leo Davids, Toronto, ON Mr. Colin Geitzler, Aylmer, QC Ms. Jean Gerber, Vancouver, BC Dr. Gustave Goldmann, , ON Dr. Jack Jedwab, , QC Prof. Marty Lockshin, Toronto, ON Mr. Greg Mason, Winnipeg, MB Dr. Sheva Medjuck, Halifax, NS Prof. Allan Moscovitch, Ottawa, ON Prof. Morton Weinfeld, Montreal, QC Dr. Morty Yalovsky, Montreal, QC

UIA Federations Canada would also like to thank Réal Lortie and Marc Pagé of for their expertise and meticulous attention to detail.

The researchers would like to express appreciation to Faye Rosenberg-Cohen for contributing her knowledge and insights regarding the Winnipeg Jewish community. Without her assistance this report would not be possible.

Finally, a special acknowledgment is extended to Lioudmila Medvedtchenko for her diligent work in the extraction and verification of statistical data.

All data in this report are adapted from: Statistics Canada, special order tabulations for UIA Federations Canada. Highlights of Results

 About one in six (16.4%) of the Winnipeg Jewish population are immigrants, comprising 2,430 individuals. A significant majority (83.6%) are non-immigrants, or 12,345 persons.

 Winnipeg has the lowest percentage of immigrants of any major Jewish community in Canada. The proportion of immigrants in the local Jewish population (16.4%) is significantly lower than that of the national Jewish population (32.5%).

 In the local Jewish community, there are 750 Jews who were born in Eastern Europe (excluding the FSU). There are also 440 Jews who were born in the Former Soviet Union, 390 in Western Europe, 385 in the United States, and 145 in Israel.

 Those born in Israel are among the youngest of any immigrant group in the local community, with a median age of 36.1 years. The oldest groups include Jews born in Romania (75.5 years), Poland (75.3 years), and Russia (74.2 years).

 Garden City has the largest number of foreign-born Jews in Winnipeg (540), followed by Tuxedo (445) and South River Heights (385). In terms of most recent immigrants (1995– 2001), the largest number has settled in Tuxedo (100).

 The dominant mother tongue of Winnipeg Jews is English (84.2%). A much smaller percentage (7.8%) report Yiddish as their native language.

 A small percentage (7%) of Jewish immigrants rely on government benefits for a decade after their arrival, whereas about two-thirds (67.5%) earn wages or are self-employed. Comparisons suggest that immigrant Jews are much less reliant on government benefits, and more apt to find employment, than immigrants in the general Winnipeg population.

Table of Contents

The Birthplace of Jews Living in the Winnipeg CMA ...... 3

The Age Breakdowns of Immigrants ...... 7

Year of Immigration of Winnipeg Jews...... 11

The Geographic Distribution of Immigrants...... 13

The Mother Tongue & Home Language of Winnipeg Jews ...... 19

Individual Income & Income Source of Immigrants ...... 21

Poverty Levels of Immigrants ...... 27

The Role of Immigration in Promoting Demographic & Economic Continuity ...... 29

The Challenges Ahead ...... 31

Appendix 1: The Jewish Standard Definition ...... 35

Appendix 2: The Reliability of the Census ...... 37

Appendix 3: The Definition of Poverty ...... 39

Appendix 4: Additional Data Tables ...... 41

Census Analysis Series Immigration & Language

This report examines the characteristics of of only 8 families. These newcomers found Jewish immigrants in the Winnipeg Census themselves in difficult circumstances in the Metropolitan Area (CMA) based on figures city of Winnipeg, a small town with a from the 2001 Census. The data describe the population of 8,000, which at the time had linguistic and economic characteristics of few commercial establishments, no immigrants. The findings also identify industries and few opportunities for earning immigrant groups who are most a living.1 economically vulnerable and in need of community intervention. Within a few weeks of their arrival, 150 of the men left their families to work for the Since before the turn of the last century, railway, laying tracks across the prairie to Jewish immigrants have settled here in large Medicine Hat.2 A few later succeeded in numbers from various parts of the world, opening small shops. The majority of these providing a stimulus for population and immigrants managed to find suitable economic growth, and more recently, housing. Those who were left behind in the counteracting the effects of out-migration. immigrant sheds suffered bitterly the Immigrants have enriched the fabric of the following winter. A General Relief Jewish community here, bringing with them Committee was then organized by the local different cultural expressions, languages, Jewish community, which managed to raise and occupational skills. $1,200 for the care of these destitute individuals.3 The Winnipeg Jewish community has a long history of responding to the needs of its immigrants. In 1882 the first major wave of 1 Belkin, S. Through Narrow Gates: A Review of Jewish Immigration, Colonization and Immigrant Aid immigrants arrived from Russia. They Work in Canada (1840-1940). The Eagle Publishing Company Ltd., 1966. consisted of 340 individuals, who were 2 Arnold, A.J. The Jews of Canada: The Prairies. welcomed by a fledgling Jewish community Viewpoints: The Canadian Jewish Quarterly. Vol. VII, Nos. 3 & 4, 1973. 3 Belkin, S. Through Narrow Gates.

1 The Winnipeg Jewish population began to all immigrants, of all classes, all countries swell in size as immigration exploded at the and all occupations, with the exception of turn of the twentieth century. In 1891, there British subjects and United States citizens were 645 Jews living in Winnipeg. This with means to maintain themselves.5 figure rose to 1,164 by 1901, 9,009 by 1911, and 14,494 by 1921. The 1921 population of Tragically, as Germany began its virulent Jews was already about as large as the persecution of Jews, Canada’s restrictive current size of the Winnipeg Jewish immigration policy rarely wavered, spurred community. on in the 1930’s by antisemitism and Fascist sympathizers within the country itself. It There were two Jewish organizations which was not until after the Second World War extended aid to immigrants in 1905: the Dr. that immigration policy was eased, but too Gaster Romanian Society which established late to save those who had desperately a free kitchen, and the Beth Jacob sought to leave Europe. Synagogue which provided free lodging. Due to disagreement between various Between 1947 and 1952, Canada admitted groups and organizations, there was some about 16,000 Holocaust Survivors from delay forming a local Jewish immigrants’ Europe.6 Some of these individuals settled in aid society.4 In 1912, the Hebrew Winnipeg. In 1956, the Hungarian Immigration Society was founded. It Revolution erupted, and 4,500 of the 37,000 organized a free employment bureau and Hungarian refugees admitted to Canada dining hall in 1915. were Jews (again, most survivors of the Holocaust and their families).7 Some also The economic life of Canada, as of other chose to reside in Winnipeg. countries, was shaken by the unprecedented industrial collapse and depression of the 5 Belkin, S. Through Narrow Gates. 6 The figure of 16,000 Survivors was derived from 1930’s. Canadian immigration policy manuscripts of the Department of Immigration became more and more restrictive. In 1931, (1946-1950) and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (1948 to 1953). They were also derived the Federal Government promulgated a law from United Jewish Relief Agencies files and CJC Archives. which prohibited the landing in Canada of 7 Kage, J. With Faith & Thanksgiving: The Story of Two Hundred Years of Jewish Immigration and Immigrant Aid Effort in Canada (1760-1960). The 4 Belkin, S. Through Narrow Gates. Eagle Publishing Company Ltd., 1962.

2

The final major wave of Jewish immigration A number of important appendices are came from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) included in the back of this report. Appendix in the late 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s. 1 describes how “Jewishness” is defined in Soviet Jews left their home country for a this analysis, specifically as a combination number of reasons, including rising of religious and ethnic affiliations. There is antisemitism, an unstable political and also a discussion of Census accuracy given economic situation, employment limitations, population size in Appendix 2. a bleak outlook for the next generation, and a lack of social security. Some of the FSU Appendix 3 describes the criteria used to Jews who settled in Canada came to define poverty in this report. Appendix 4 Winnipeg, although the majority settled in presents some additional data tables related Toronto. to the local Jewish immigrant population.

The current analysis will attempt to shed Finally, the reader should note that any further light on some of the issues regarding minor discrepancies found when totaling the Jewish immigrant population in columns or rows in the tables are due to Winnipeg. It is hoped that it will become an random rounding of data. Such rounding up informative tool for use by community or down is built into the Statistics Canada planners and service-providers alike. processing and cannot be avoided. Given the small nature of these rounding errors, their The topics covered in this monograph impact on the overall interpretation and include the place of birth of immigrants, reliability of the data is minimal. their year of immigration, and their geographic distribution. Other topics include The Birthplace of Jews Living in the mother tongue, home language, income the Winnipeg CMA distribution, income source, and poverty Table 1 examines the place of birth of the status of Jewish immigrants in the Winnipeg Jewish population in the Winnipeg CMA. CMA. A special section will examine the About a sixth (16.4%) of the local role of immigration in promoting community are immigrants, that is, were demographic and economic continuity. born outside Canada. They comprise 2,430

3

Table 1 Place of Birth Winnipeg Jewish Population

Place of Birth # %

Canada 12,345 83.6

Israel 145 1.0

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 750 5.1

Former Soviet Union 440 3.0

Western Europe 390 2.6

North Africa / Middle East (excl. Israel) 40 0.3

United States 385 2.6

South America 115 0.8

Other 165 1.1

Total 14,775 100.0

4 individuals. The great majority of Jews a small decrease in the local Jewish (83.6%) are non-immigrants. They comprise population between 1991 and 2001. 12,345 individuals. In short, there are five times the number of Jews in Winnipeg who As Table 1 shows, the largest immigrant were born in this country compared to those segment in the Winnipeg Jewish population born outside Canada. was born in Eastern Europe (excluding the FSU), comprising 750 individuals. There are The level of immigrants in Winnipeg 440 Jews born in the Former Soviet Union, (16.4%) is significantly lower than that of 390 in Western Europe, 385 in the United the national Jewish population (32.5%). In States, and 145 in Israel. There are 115 Jews fact, the proportion of immigrants here is from South America, 40 from North Africa lower than any other major Jewish center in and the Middle East (excluding Israel), and Canada. It is lower than that of Jewish 165 from other parts of the world. communities in Vancouver (35.2%), Toronto (34.9%), Montreal (33.9%), Table 2 contains a detailed breakdown of the (31.8%), and Ottawa (24.3%). country of birth of Jews living in the Winnipeg CMA. In terms of Western This reflects the trend of the last several Europe, 150 individuals were born in decades whereby Manitoba received Germany, 115 in the United Kingdom, 55 in considerably less than its proportionate France, and 75 in the rest of Western share of immigrants to Canada, given its Europe. size. Manitoba developed a Provincial Nominee agreement with Canada that is now Regarding Eastern Europe, 500 Jews were beginning to correct this discrepancy. born in Poland, 130 in Romania, 90 in Hungary, and 40 in the rest of Eastern While the Jewish community also sought to Europe. In terms of the Former Soviet rectify this trend by working with the Union, 220 Jews were born in Russia, 145 in Manitoba Provincial Nominee program as the Ukraine, and 75 in the rest of the FSU. part of its “GrowWinnipeg” initiative, the results of such efforts were not significantly Fewer Jews originated from North Africa reflected in the 2001 Census, which showed and the Middle East, namely 140 from

5

Table 2 Country of Birth (Detailed Breakdowns) Winnipeg Jewish Population

Country of Birth # Country of Birth #

United Kingdom 115 Morocco 20 France 55 0 Spain / Portugal 0 Algeria 0 Belgium 0 Egypt 0 Netherlands 30 Ethiopia 10 Germany 150 Syria 0 Austria 10 Lebanon 0 Italy 0 Iraq 0 Greece 0 Iran 0 Rest of Western Europe 35 Rest of N. Africa / Middle East 15 Czechoslovakia 20 South Africa 115 Hungary 90 Israel 140 Poland 500 Canada 12,345 Romania 130 United States 385 Bulgaria 0 Mexico 0 Yugoslavia 20 Argentina 85 Russia 220 Chile 0 Ukraine 145 Brazil 15 Georgia 0 Rest of South America 15 Belarus 10 Rest of World 45 Kazakhstan 0 Total Jewish Population 14,785 Rest of Former Soviet Union 65

6 Israel, 20 from Morocco, and 25 from the Jews born in the Former Soviet Union are rest of that region. skewed toward the 45-64 and 65+ year cohorts. There are 150 individuals between In terms of South America, 85 came from 45-64 years, and 180 who are 65+ years. Argentina, and 30 from the rest of that The elderly cohort likely mostly represents continent. As noted in Table 1, 385 those who arrived in this country before Winnipeg Jews were born in the United 1960. States. Jews from Western Europe peak at 45-64 South Africa is the birthplace of 115 Jews years, with 205 individuals, or about half living in Winnipeg. Finally, 45 Jews were (52.6%) of their age distribution. Individuals born in other parts of the world. from the United States peak between 25-44 years. About a third of their distribution The Age Breakdowns of Immigrants (33.8%) is represented by this cohort, or 130 individuals. Table 3 examines age cohorts by country of birth. The percentages are read across rows. Table 4 is a detailed summary of median age It can be seen that the age distribution of by country of birth for the Jewish population Israelis peaks between 45-64 years (34.5%), of Winnipeg. Non-immigrants (those born in with 50 individuals. However, there are too Canada) have a median age of 42.3 years. few Israelis to draw definitive conclusions The youngest age groups include Jews from regarding their age distribution, as sampling the “Rest of South America” (13.2 years), error may be a factor here (see Appendix 2). and from the “Rest of World” (35 years), although the actual numbers in both cases The age distribution of Jews from Eastern are small. The median age of individuals Europe is skewed toward the senior cohort born in Israel is 36.1 years. (65+ years). More than three-quarters (77.2%) of Jews born in Eastern Europe are At the other end of the distribution, Jews elderly, comprising 575 individuals. from Romania (75.5 years), Poland (75.3 years), Russia (74.2 years), Czechoslovakia (73.2 years), and Hungary (70.1 years) have

7

Table 3 Age by Place of Birth Winnipeg Jewish Population

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Place of Birth # % # % # % # % # %

Canada 2,440 19.8 1,565 12.7 2,775 22.5 3,340 27.1 2,215 18.0

Israel 35 24.1 30 20.7 20 13.8 50 34.5 10 6.9

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 0 0.0 0 0.0 25 3.4 145 19.5 575 77.2

Former Soviet Union 15 3.4 10 2.3 85 19.3 150 34.1 180 40.9

Western Europe 10 2.6 0 0.0 75 19.2 205 52.6 100 25.6

North Africa / Middle East (excl. Israel) 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 20.0 30 60.0 10 20.0

United States 50 13.0 65 16.9 130 33.8 90 23.4 50 13.0

South America 30 26.1 15 13.0 25 21.7 45 39.1 0 0.0

Other 30 18.8 25 15.6 35 21.9 40 25.0 30 18.8

Total 2,610 17.7 1,710 11.6 3,180 21.5 4,095 27.7 3,170 21.5

8

Table 4 Median Age by Country of Birth Winnipeg Jewish Population

Median Median

Country of Birth Age Country of Birth Age

United Kingdom 58.2 Morocco -- France 61.0 Libya -- Spain / Portugal -- Algeria -- Belgium -- Egypt -- Netherlands 60.0 Ethiopia -- Germany 54.6 Syria -- Austria -- Lebanon -- Italy -- Iraq -- Greece -- Iran --

Rest of Western Europe 39.3 Rest of N. Africa / Middle East -- Czechoslovakia 73.2 South Africa 40.2 Hungary 70.1 Israel 36.1 Poland 75.3 Canada 42.3 Romania 75.5 United States 40.8 Bulgaria -- Mexico -- Yugoslavia -- Argentina 42.5 Russia 74.2 Chile -- Ukraine 50.0 Brazil -- Georgia -- Rest of South America 13.2 Belarus -- Rest of World 35.0 Kazakhstan -- Total Jewish Population 44.5 Rest of Former Soviet Union 55.1

9

Table 5 Year of Immigration Winnipeg Jewish Population

Year of Immigration # %

Non - Immigrants 12,435 84.2

Before 1950 500 3.4

1950-1959 415 2.8

1960-1969 320 2.2

1970-1979 265 1.8

1980-1989 285 1.9

1990-2001 475 3.2

(Subtotal 1995-2001) (300) (2.0)

Non-permanent residents 65 0.4

Total 14,760 100.0

10 median ages that are much higher than the momentum building for Jewish immigration median for the Jewish community as a to Winnipeg. whole (44.5 years). There were 300 immigrants who arrived Year of Immigration of Winnipeg between 1995-2001. These are the most Jews recent immigrants, and further data tables in

this report will provide more information Table 5 is a breakdown of the year of regarding their characteristics and their immigration of Winnipeg Jews. It should be economic adjustment. noted that this table does not represent the total number of immigrants who came to There were 285 Jewish immigrants who Winnipeg during the specified time periods came between 1980-1989, 265 who came (some may have left or died in the interim), between 1970-1979, and 320 who came but rather, is a “snapshot” of those who between 1960-1969. These periods were stayed or survived to be enumerated by the “lean” years for Jewish immigration to this 2001 Census. city.

According to Table 5, 475 immigrants Finally, 415 Jews came between 1950 and arrived in the period between 1990-2001. 1959, and 500 before 1950. Almost all of the This is a higher total than for any other individuals in these latter groups are now period since before 1950. However, attrition elderly. Those who came before the Second due to deaths or out-migration is more likely World War are now well into their advanced for earlier periods given that more time has years, and are at least in their eighties. elapsed. It is therefore difficult to make comparisons of immigrant numbers across There are 65 non-permanent Jewish time periods. residents living in Winnipeg. Non-

permanent residents are those from another On the other hand, the larger number of country who have had an employment immigrants arriving between 1990-2001 authorization, a student visa, a Minister’s than for previous decades, is a positive sign, permit, or who were refugee claimants at the and suggests that there is an upward time of the 2001 Census. Family members

11

Table 6 Place of Birth by Year of Immigration Winnipeg Jewish Population (Immigrants Only)

Non-Permanent Before 1960 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-2001 Residents Place of Birth # % # % # % # % # % # %

Canada 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 3.4 0 0.0 0 0.0

Israel 30 3.3 20 6.2 10 3.6 20 6.9 45 9.2 0 0.0

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 510 55.4 110 33.8 50 17.9 35 12.1 30 6.1 10 22.2

Former Soviet Union 150 16.3 20 6.2 85 30.4 75 25.9 100 20.4 0 0.0

Western Europe 180 19.6 110 33.8 30 10.7 30 10.3 35 7.1 0 0.0

North Africa / Middle East (excl. Israel) 10 1.1 10 3.1 15 5.4 0 0.0 10 2.0 0 0.0

United States 30 3.3 45 13.8 60 21.4 65 22.4 85 17.3 35 77.8

South America 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 3.6 10 3.4 95 19.4 0 0.0

Other 10 1.1 10 3.1 20 7.1 45 15.5 90 18.4 0 0.0

Total 920 100.0 325 100.0 280 100.0 290 100.0 490 100.0 45 100.0

12 living with them are also included in this Finally, immigration from the United States count. peaked between 1990 and 2001.

Table 6 shows place of birth by year of The reader is referred to Table 18 in immigration. In terms of immigrants Appendix 4, for a more detailed breakdown arriving between 1990 and 2001, the largest of country of birth by year of immigration number came from the Former Soviet Union for the Winnipeg Jewish community. (100), followed by 95 from South America. It should be noted that the 2001 Census does Between 1980 and 1989, the largest number not take into account more recent waves of came from the Former Soviet Union (75), Jewish immigration to Winnipeg. There followed by the United States (65). In the have been Jews arriving from Argentina in period between 1970 and 1979, the largest the last four years who are not included in contingent of immigrants came from the this report. Unfortunately, it will not be Former Soviet Union (85). possible to get a description of their numbers until the next major Census in Between 1960 and 1969, the largest group of 2011. immigrants arrived from both Western Europe (110) and Eastern Europe (110). The Geographic Distribution of Finally, the largest immigrant group before Immigrants

1960 came from Eastern Europe (510) Table 7 examines the geographic followed by Western Europe (180). distribution of Jewish immigrants in the

Winnipeg CMA. Totaling the figures across Immigration from Israel peaked between rows in this table indicates that Garden City 1990 and 2001. Immigration from Eastern has the largest number of foreign-born Jews Europe came mostly before 1960. The same in Winnipeg (540), followed by Tuxedo can be said of immigration from Western (445), South River Heights (385), and Europe. Immigration of those born in the Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge (255). Former Soviet Union peaked before 1960, although it has recently shown resurgence. The largest contingent of Israelis is found in Tuxedo (45). In fact, more than a third

13 Table 7 Place of Birth of Immigrants by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population

Eastern Europe Former Soviet Israel Western Europe South America Other (excl. FSU) Union District # % # % # % # % # % # %

Maples 0 0.0 30 4.0 45 10.6 30 8.0 0 0.0 15 2.5

Garden City 15 11.5 335 44.4 50 11.8 80 21.3 0 0.0 60 10.2

Old North End 0 0.0 45 6.0 15 3.5 20 5.3 0 0.0 10 1.7

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 0 0.0 70 9.3 65 15.3 35 9.3 10 8.3 75 12.7

North River Heights 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 15 4.0 30 25.0 15 2.5

South River Heights 30 23.1 90 11.9 65 15.3 60 16.0 50 41.7 90 15.3

Tuxedo 45 34.6 80 10.6 90 21.2 60 16.0 10 8.3 160 27.1

Downtown / Wolseley 10 7.7 15 2.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 35 5.9

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 10 7.7 10 1.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 20 3.4

East St. Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails 20 15.4 20 2.6 75 17.6 0 0.0 10 8.3 20 3.4

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 0 0.0 15 2.0 20 4.7 20 5.3 10 8.3 25 4.2

Other NE, South, East 0 0.0 20 2.6 0 0.0 55 14.7 0 0.0 30 5.1

Other South Central 0 0.0 25 3.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 25 4.2

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 1.7

Total Winnipeg CMA 130 100.0 755 100.0 425 100.0 375 100.0 120 100.0 590 100.0

14 (34.6%) of Israelis living in the local table suggests that the largest number of community are located in Tuxedo. Jews from the United Kingdom live in “Other NE, South, East” areas of Winnipeg, In terms of Jews born in Eastern Europe, the whereas the largest number of Jews born in largest contingent is found in Garden City France reside in Garden City. German Jews (335). Almost a half (44.4%) of persons appear to be spread out across several areas born in Eastern Europe are located in of Winnipeg. Garden City. Many of these individuals are seniors and have Yiddish as their mother Garden City has the largest contingents of tongue. South River Heights has 90 Hungarian, Polish, and Romanian Jews. The individuals born in Eastern Europe, and largest number of Russian Jews reside in Tuxedo has 80 persons. Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge, whereas Ukrainian Jews are concentrated in East St. The largest number of Jews from the Former Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails. Soviet Union is found in Tuxedo (90). East St. Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails has 75 The largest number of South American Jews Jews originating from the Former Soviet reside in South River Heights. Those born in Union, suggesting that some of these South Africa are concentrated in Tuxedo. individuals do not necessarily settle in Jews originating from the United States also traditionally Jewish areas. have their largest representation in Tuxedo.

There are 80 Jews in Garden City who were Table 8 examines year of immigration born in Western Europe, and 60 each in across geographic areas. Looking at those South River Heights and Tuxedo. Finally, who arrived most recently (between 1995- the largest number of Jews from South 2001), the largest contingent is living in America live in South River Heights (50). Tuxedo (100), followed by South River Heights (90). Table 19 in Appendix 4 presents a detailed breakdown of country of birth across It is interesting to examine the geographic geographic areas for the Winnipeg Jewish distribution of Jews who arrived in the last population. A cursory examination of this four decades. Those who came before 1970

15 Table 8 Year of Immigration by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population (Immigrants Only) (Subtotal: Before 1960 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-2001 District 1995-2001)

# % # % # % # % # % # %

Maples 65 7.3 25 7.8 15 5.8 0 0.0 10 2.1 10 3.4

Garden City 355 39.9 75 23.4 30 11.5 35 11.7 30 6.3 0 0.0

Old North End 45 5.1 30 9.4 15 5.8 15 5.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 135 15.2 20 6.3 25 9.6 40 13.3 10 2.1 10 3.4

North River Heights 10 1.1 10 3.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 40 8.3 35 11.9

South River Heights 100 11.2 45 14.1 40 15.4 30 10.0 130 27.1 90 30.5

Tuxedo 100 11.2 35 10.9 25 9.6 85 28.3 150 31.3 100 33.9

Downtown / Wolseley 0 0.0 10 3.1 10 3.8 0 0.0 45 9.4 30 10.2

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 10 1.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 3.3 10 2.1 0 0.0

East St. Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails 25 2.8 20 6.3 40 15.4 25 8.3 25 5.2 0 0.0

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 15 1.7 15 4.7 25 9.6 15 5.0 10 2.1 10 3.4

Other NE, South, East 15 1.7 35 10.9 25 9.6 20 6.7 10 2.1 0 0.0

Other South Central 15 1.7 0 0.0 10 3.8 10 3.3 10 2.1 10 3.4

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 15 5.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Total Winnipeg CMA 890 100.0 320 100.0 260 100.0 300 100.0 480 100.0 295 100.0 Note: Non-Permanent Residents are not included in this table.

16

Table 9 Mother Tongue Winnipeg Jewish Population

Mother Tongue # %

English 12,430 84.2

French 90 0.6

Spanish 100 0.7

Russian 320 2.2

Hebrew 90 0.6

Yiddish 1,155 7.8

Other 585 4.0

Total 14,770 100.0

Table 10 Home Language Winnipeg Jewish Population

Home Language # %

English 14,345 97.2

French 25 0.2

Spanish 70 0.5

Russian 185 1.3

Hebrew 35 0.2

Yiddish 40 0.3

Other 65 0.4

Total 14,765 100.0

17

Table 11 Mother Tongue by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population

English Russian Spanish Hebrew Yiddish All Other District # % # % # % # % # % # %

Maples 465 3.7 20 6.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 60 5.2 40 5.8

Garden City 1,925 15.5 15 4.7 0 0.0 20 21.1 390 33.9 185 26.8

Old North End 535 4.3 10 3.1 0 0.0 10 10.5 75 6.5 60 8.7

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 1,445 11.6 20 6.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 220 19.1 50 7.2

North River Heights 485 3.9 0 0.0 20 21.1 0 0.0 10 0.9 0 0.0

South River Heights 2,360 19.0 55 17.2 60 63.2 25 26.3 165 14.3 95 13.8

Tuxedo 2,310 18.6 80 25.0 15 15.8 20 21.1 85 7.4 60 8.7

Downtown / Wolseley 410 3.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 30 2.6 45 6.5

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 255 2.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 0.9 25 3.6

East St. Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails 400 3.2 95 29.7 0 0.0 10 10.5 35 3.0 20 2.9

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 455 3.7 15 4.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 30 2.6 25 3.6

Other NE, South, East 845 6.8 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 10.5 20 1.7 45 6.5

Other South Central 380 3.1 10 3.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 20 1.7 40 5.8

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 155 1.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Total Winnipeg CMA 12,425 100.0 320 100.0 95 100.0 95 100.0 1,150 100.0 690 100.0

18 are concentrated in Garden City. Arrivals in (0.5%), Yiddish (0.3%), Hebrew (0.2%) or the 1970’s are spread throughout various French (0.2%) at home. Finally, 0.4% of the areas of Winnipeg. Those who came in the local Jewish community speak other 1980’s have their largest proportion in languages at home. Tuxedo, and those who came in the 1990’s are also prominent in Tuxedo, but a Table 11 examines the distribution of significant proportion reside in South River mother tongue across geographic areas in Heights as well. the Winnipeg CMA. The largest number of individuals with Russian as their native The Mother Tongue & Home language are found in East St. Paul / Language of Winnipeg Jews Riverbend / Amber Trails (95), followed by

Tuxedo (80). According to Table 9, the dominant mother tongue of the Winnipeg Jewish community The largest segment of Jews with Spanish as is English. A significant majority (84.2%) of their mother tongue reside in South River the local Jewish population reports English Heights (60). Those with Hebrew as their as their native language, comprising 12,430 mother tongue are not concentrated in any individuals. A much smaller percentage particular area. Finally, Garden City has the (7.8%) say Yiddish is their mother tongue, largest number of individuals with Yiddish or 1,155 persons. as their mother tongue (390), followed by

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge (220). There are even smaller proportions that say their native language is Russian (2.2%), Table 20 in Appendix 4 looks at home Spanish (0.7%), Hebrew (0.6%), or across geographic areas. South (0.6%). Finally, 4% claim another mother River Heights (55) and East St. Paul / tongue, such as Polish or Romanian. Riverbend / Amber Trails (45) have the

largest numbers of individuals who speak As Table 10 indicates, a very significant Russian as their home language. Spanish as majority (97.2%) of the local Jewish a home language is most prevalent in North community speaks English at home, or River Heights (25). 14,345 individuals. Much smaller percentages speak Russian (1.3%), Spanish

19

Table 12 Place of Birth by Individual Income Winnipeg Jewish Population (15+ Years)

No Income / $25,000 - $39,999 $40,000 - $69,999 $70,000 - $99,999 $100,000 or more Median Income Under $25,000 Place of Birth # % # % # % # % # % $

Canada 4,540 45.9 1,850 18.7 1,930 19.5 590 6.0 990 10.0 28,602

Israel 50 50.0 25 25.0 10 10.0 0 0.0 15 15.0 26,013

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 340 45.9 180 24.3 125 16.9 70 9.5 25 3.4 28,133

Former Soviet Union 190 44.7 105 24.7 100 23.5 20 4.7 10 2.4 30,334

Western Europe 150 38.5 80 20.5 80 20.5 50 12.8 30 7.7 32,486

N. Africa / Middle East 0 0.0 30 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 35,208

United States 165 50.0 50 15.2 50 15.2 35 10.6 30 9.1 32,017

South America 40 47.1 10 11.8 25 29.4 10 11.8 0 0.0 44,826

Other 70 53.8 25 19.2 20 15.4 0 0.0 15 11.5 28,124

Total 5,545 45.7 2,355 19.4 2,340 19.3 775 6.4 1,115 9.2 29,175

20 Only 25 Jews in Garden City speak Yiddish few individuals from North Africa / Middle as a home language. The numbers of East to include in this analysis. individuals speaking Hebrew as a home language are too few and thus subject to the The lowest median incomes are reported by distorting effects of sampling errors (see those born in Israel ($26,013), Eastern Appendix 2). Europe ($28,133), and Canada ($28,602). The median income of Jews born in the FSU Individual Income & Income Source is in the middle of the distribution of Immigrants ($30,334).

Table 12 examines place of birth by Table 13 shows year of immigration by individual income. The percentage of adults individual income. About two-thirds earning under $25,000 is highest for Jewish (64.3%) of the most recent arrivals (1995- immigrants born in the United States (50%) 2001) earn under $25,000. This lowest and those born in Israel (50%). There are too income range is earned by 56.2% of those few Jews from Israel, however, to interpret who came between 1990 and 2001, 54.4% these statistics with confidence. of those who came between 1980 and 1989, and 31.5% of those who came between 1970 The groups with the lowest percentages of and 1979. those with incomes below $25,000 include Jews born in Western Europe (38.5%) and At the high end of the income scale, non- the Former Soviet Union (44.7%). There are immigrants have a higher percentage (10%) too few Jews from North Africa / Middle earning at least $100,000, than any East to include in this analysis. immigrant group across various periods of immigration. Table 12 also presents median incomes by place of birth (last column). The highest Table 13 also examines median incomes median income is evident for Jews born in (last column). The most recent arrivals South America ($44,826), followed by those (1995-2001) have a median income of born in Western Europe ($32,486), and the $22,359. Those who arrived between 1990- United States ($32,017). Again, there are too 2001 have a median income of $28,037.

21

Table 13 Year of Immigration by Individual Income Winnipeg Jewish Population (15+ Years)

No Income / $25,000 - $39,999 $40,000 - $69,999 $70,000 - $99,999 $100,000 or more Median Income Under $25,000 Year of Immigration # % # % # % # % # % $

Non-immigrants 4,575 45.9 1,860 18.7 1,935 19.4 595 6.0 1,000 10.0 28,637

Before 1970 495 40.1 325 26.3 215 17.4 115 9.3 85 6.9 31,537

1970 - 1979 85 31.5 70 25.9 75 27.8 30 11.1 10 3.7 35,258

1980 - 1989 155 54.4 45 15.8 65 22.8 20 7.0 0 0.0 22,202

1990 - 2001 205 56.2 65 17.8 50 13.7 20 5.5 25 6.8 28,037

(Subtotal: 1995-2001) (135) (64.3) (30) (14.3) (30) (14.3) (0) (0.0) (15) (7.1) (22,359)

Non-permanent residents 45 81.8 0 0.0 10 18.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 9,975

Total 5,560 45.7 2,365 19.4 2,350 19.3 780 6.4 1,120 9.2 29,175

22

Table 14 Place of Birth by Major Income Source Winnipeg Jewish Population (15+ Years)

Self-Employment Government Other Income from Wages & Salaries All Other Sources No Income Income Pensions Gov’t Sources Place of Birth # % # % # % # % # % # %

Canada 5,565 56.2 790 8.0 1,050 10.6 490 4.9 1,740 17.6 270 2.7

Israel 75 78.9 0 0.0 10 10.5 0 0.0 10 10.5 0 0.0

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 165 21.9 35 4.6 295 39.1 10 1.3 250 33.1 0 0.0

Former Soviet Union 190 45.8 15 3.6 125 30.1 30 7.2 45 10.8 10 2.4

Western Europe 215 55.8 25 6.5 50 13.0 40 10.4 55 14.3 0 0.0

N. Africa / Middle East 30 75.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 25.0 0 0.0

United States 195 58.2 15 4.5 10 3.0 20 6.0 60 17.9 35 10.4

South America 70 87.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 12.5

Other 60 42.9 10 7.1 10 7.1 10 7.1 20 14.3 30 21.4

Total 6,565 54.0 890 7.3 1,550 12.8 600 4.9 2,190 18.0 355 2.9 Note: “Other Income from Government Sources” includes social assistance benefits and training income.

23

Table 15 Year of Immigration by Major Income Source Winnipeg Jewish Population (15+ Years)

Self-Employment Government Other Income from Wages & Salaries All Other Sources No Income Income Pensions Gov’t Sources Year of Immigration # % # % # % # % # % # %

Non-immigrants 5,595 56.1 795 8.0 1,040 10.4 505 5.1 1,740 17.5 290 2.9

Before 1970 410 33.2 40 3.2 390 31.6 40 3.2 355 28.7 0 0.0

1970 - 1979 165 62.3 10 3.8 60 22.6 0 0.0 30 11.3 0 0.0

1980 - 1989 125 43.1 20 6.9 45 15.5 50 17.2 40 13.8 10 3.4

1990 - 2001 250 70.4 25 7.0 15 4.2 10 2.8 10 2.8 45 12.7

(Subtotal: 1995-2001) (130) (60.5) (15) (7.0) (15) (7.0) (0) (0.0) (10) (4.7) (45) (20.9)

Non-permanent residents 20 33.3 10 16.7 0 0.0 10 16.7 10 16.7 10 16.7

Total 6,565 53.9 900 7.4 1,550 12.7 615 5.1 2,185 18.0 355 2.9 Note: “Other Income from Government Sources” includes social assistance benefits and training income.

24 Immigrants who settled here between 1980 Jews born in Eastern Europe have a very and 1989 have a median income of $22,202. high percentage of individuals relying on It is not clear why they have a lower figure government pensions (39.1%). In terms of than more recent immigrants. The median those relying on “Other Government income of those who came between 1970- Sources” (such as training income and social 1979 is $35,258. It is $31,537 for those who assistance), those born in Western Europe settled here before 1970, and $28,637 for (10.4%) and in the Former Soviet Union non-immigrants. (7.2%) have the highest percentages.

Table 14 looks at place of birth by major Those born in Eastern Europe (excluding the income source. The percentages are read FSU) have a particularly high proportion of across rows. The group with the highest individuals relying on “All Other” sources percentage of employed individuals earning of income (33.1%). Many of these persons wages or salaries is South American Jews are seniors who rely on private pensions and (87.5%), although they are relatively few in investment incomes. number. A large percentage of Israeli-born Jews are earning employment wages and The data on those earning no income are salaries (78.9%), although their median difficult to interpret since they may income is quite low (see Table 12). represent not only individuals looking for work, but students and homemakers as well. Jews from Eastern Europe have the lowest percentage of wage and salary earners Table 15 looks at year of immigration by (21.9%), because many of them are seniors major income source. When all government who rely on government pensions. Those benefits are considered (including from the FSU also have a low percentage of government pensions): 7% of Jewish individuals earning wages or salaries immigrants arriving between 1995-2001 are (45.8%). Jews from Western Europe have dependent upon such benefits. Those who the highest percentage of individuals relying came between 1990-2001 experience the on self-employment income among same level of reliance (7%). Higher levels immigrant groups (6.5%). are evident for those who came between

25

Table 16 Place of Birth by Poverty Status Winnipeg Jewish Population

Total Poor Not Poor Place of Birth # # % # %

Canada 12,315 1,415 11.5 10,900 88.5

Israel 145 45 31.0 100 69.0

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 745 105 14.1 640 85.9

Former Soviet Union 445 115 25.8 330 74.2

Western Europe 390 45 11.5 345 88.5

N. Africa / Middle East 35 0 0.0 35 100.0

United States 375 90 24.0 285 76.0

South America 105 0 0.0 105 100.0

Other 165 10 6.1 155 93.9

Total 14,720 1,825 12.4 12,895 87.6

26 1980-1989 (32.7%), and between 1970-1979 wages or are self-employed, compared to (22.6%). 77.4% of Jewish immigrants.

The bottom line is that a very small Poverty Levels of Immigrants percentage of recent Jewish immigrants rely on government benefits at least for a decade Table 16 contains a breakdown of poverty after their arrival. How does this compare status by place of birth. The highest level of with immigrants in the general Winnipeg economic disadvantage is found for Jewish population? An analysis indicates that immigrants born in Israel (31%), followed by 18.8% of immigrants who arrived between individuals born in the Former Soviet Union 1990 and 2001 in the overall Winnipeg (25.8%). The lowest level of poverty of any population rely on government benefits, a immigrant group is experienced by Jews figure significantly higher than that of from South America (0%). Although there Jewish immigrants. are also no poor among those born in North Africa / Middle East (excluding Israel), there In terms of economic productivity, about are too few individuals in this latter group to two-thirds (67.5%) of Jewish immigrants interpret such a finding with confidence. arriving between 1995-2001 earn wages or are self-employed. More than three-quarters Table 17 examines poverty status by year of (77.4%) of those arriving between 1990- immigration. It is clear from this table that 2001 receive wages or are self-employed. the burden of poverty is especially prevalent The latter figure is higher than the average among immigrants who arrived between for the overall Jewish community (61.3%). 1980-1989. It is not evident as to why this is the case. In fact, Jewish immigrants are more economically productive than immigrants in Those who arrived between 1995-2001 have the general Winnipeg population who an 8.3% level of economic disadvantage, arrived between 1990-2001. About two- compared to 10.4% of those who arrived thirds (68.8%) of immigrants who arrived between 1990-2001. The level of between 1990-2001 into the overall disadvantage is 32.1% for those who arrived Winnipeg community earn employment between 1980-1989, 18.9% for those who

27

Table 17 Year of Immigration by Poverty Status Winnipeg Jewish Population

Total Poor Not Poor Year of Immigration # # % # %

Non-immigrants 12,415 1,435 11.6 10,980 88.4

Before 1970 1,225 170 13.9 1,055 86.1

1970 - 1979 265 50 18.9 215 81.1

1980 - 1989 280 90 32.1 190 67.9

1990 - 2001 480 50 10.4 430 89.6

(Subtotal: 1995-2001) (300) (25) (8.3) (275) (91.7)

Non-permanent residents 60 30 50.0 30 50.0

Total 14,725 1,825 12.4 12,900 87.6

28 came between 1970-1979, and 13.9% for expands the labor force and economic those who settled here before 1970. productivity of a community. Finally, immigration contributes to the cultural It is not clear as to why poverty peaks 10-20 diversity of a population, a fact that is years after settlement, whereas more recent celebrated as part of the unique nature of immigrants have significantly lower levels of what it means to be Jewish in Winnipeg. poverty. In fact, the most recent Jewish immigrants (1995-2001) have the lowest It is during periods of significant influxes of level of poverty described in Table 17. This immigrants that the local Jewish community finding is opposite that found for all other has seen its greatest rise in numbers. The major Jewish communities in Canada, where level of growth in the period between 1901- the economic conditions of recent immigrants 1931 was staggering. Jewish immigrant aid appear considerably more stark. groups struggled to absorb the flood of newcomers, and the community itself was It may be that more recent immigrants come mobilized to deal with this massive influx. with more financial resources and skills, Many of the communal services we see whereas many who came from the Former today had their genesis in grass-roots efforts Soviet Union in the 1980s were refugees. to help needy immigrants settle in this city. Recent immigrants coming as skilled independents are required to have some As shown in Table 21 (Appendix 4), the size money and employability in order to be of the Winnipeg Jewish community has been accepted as immigrants, a fact which may decreasing steadily since 1961. The largest explain why they adjust better than less decrease took place between 1971 and 1981, recent arrivals. by 14.7%. In the last decade, the momentum of decrease has slowed to only 2.7%. The Role of Immigration in Promoting Demographic & A major reason for this diminishment has Economic Continuity been the significant attrition of elderly since

1981, a fact reflected in the diminishing Immigration strengthens and energizes a presence of Jewish seniors. Out-migration to community. It brings individuals with new the rest of the country and outside Canada skills, experiences, and ways of thinking. It

29 also contributed to a lower overall Table 23 (Appendix 4) shows the sizes of population of Jews in Winnipeg. different ethnic groups in the Winnipeg CMA in 1991 and 2001, as well as the In fact, further analysis of the Census data percent change in that decade. Certain ethnic reveals that between 1996-2001, 745 Jews groups have shown significant growth left Winnipeg for the rest of Canada (see between 1991-2001. This is evident for the Table 22, Appendix 4). Unfortunately, it is Russian population (+107%), as well as the not possible to determine how many East Indian (+50.6%) and Filipino (+36.6%) Winnipeg Jews left for countries outside communities. Among non-immigrant Canada using the Census data alone. The groups, North American Indians (+43.6%) number of deaths in the community during and Metis (+33.5%) show the largest this period is estimated at 935 individuals. percentage gains.

On the positive side, 480 Jews migrated to The Dutch have the largest percentage loss Winnipeg from the rest of Canada, and 355 of any community in the Winnipeg CMA immigrated to Winnipeg from outside (-12.6%). Other populations with losses Canada between 1996-2001. During this include the Polish (-3.2%), Ukrainian period, the number of births in the Winnipeg (-3.1%), Scottish (-2.9%), Irish (-2.7%), Jewish population is estimated at 605 Jewish (-2.7%), and German (-2.3%) individuals. communities.

From the above figures it is clear that births These latter populations have had minimal alone cannot counteract the effect of numbers of recent immigrants. They can be population losses related to out-migration defined as “older”, more established and deaths. Without the mitigating effects of communities, that have not significantly in-migration and immigration, the Jewish regenerated their numbers in this population here would have certainly metropolitan area, and some have experienced an even larger population experienced significant out-migration as decline. well.

30 Table 24 (Appendix 4) clearly shows that Table 25 (Appendix 4) examines the ethnic communities with newer waves of education levels of recent immigrants (1990- immigrants have median ages that are well 2001), total immigrants, and non-immigrants below those of “older” communities. For in the Jewish population. It can be seen that instance, the median ages for newer 50.7% of recent immigrants have a communities include: Korean (25 years), university degree, compared to 35.7% of Pakistani (25.3 years), Arab (26.3 years), total immigrants, and 42.2% of non- and Latin American (26.4 years). Note that immigrants. the Aboriginal population has a median age of 24.2 years. The table also shows that 31% of recent immigrants have a university graduate The median ages for older communities degree, compared to 18.1% of all include British (45.4 years), Jewish (44.5 immigrants, and 15.4% of non-immigrants. years), American (43.3 years), Polish (40 In short, recent immigrants appear to have a years), and German (38.4 years). These are higher level of education than other ethnic groups where the major immigration immigrants and non-immigrants. Recent periods transpired many years ago, and immigrants are thus replenishing the Jewish which are experiencing little natural growth community with a highly skilled workforce, by way of fertility. thereby contributing to its economic viability in the long term. Those communities that are getting “new blood” are renewing themselves. This has The Challenges Ahead implications for their future continuity, and for the economic and political clout they The Winnipeg Jewish Community, through will exercise in the future. Specifically, it its GrowWinnipeg initiative, has set has implications for their ability to draw immigration as a priority and has upon a future pool of leaders, the size of successfully attracted newcomers to settle their workforce, their voting power in terms here. Since the Census in 2001, the of their sheer numbers, and by extension, community has received more than a their influence in the local and wider milieu. thousand new immigrants. Over the last 5 years more than 400 immigrants from South

31 America have settled in Winnipeg, the sensitizing Winnipeggers on the benefits and remainder coming primarily from the FSU value of integrating new families into their and Israel. lives. While there are many willing host families, the ratio of new families to Jewish Child and Family Service, acting as volunteer host families is high. The risk in the Jewish Immigrant Aid Services in not having enough Canadian host families to Winnipeg, has welcomed hundreds of support the socialization of newcomers is that immigrants to the Jewish community over the cultural sub-groups will form and become course of its long history. Providing key distant from the organized Jewish resettlement services and supports, JCFS has community. received a significant number of immigrants in the last few years. With this recent influx, Without a strong connection to the Winnipeg the community has gained experience with Jewish community, immigrant youth are just the latest challenge of successfully as likely to look for educational and career integrating new families. opportunities elsewhere in Canada as are those who are born in Winnipeg. Just as the While the community is as friendly as the community struggles to retain Canadian born “Friendly Manitoba” license plates imply, young people and encourage them to build many Jews in Winnipeg have lived in the careers and families in Winnipeg, immigrant community throughout their lives, and are youth may be even more susceptible to the still affiliated with the same people with opportunities available elsewhere, whom they started Kindergarten many years particularly with multiple languages and earlier. There are also many families where experience in migration behind them. siblings and grandparents all live in close proximity and visit regularly. While the Province of Manitoba has been improving policy, as well as its promotional Integration of culturally diverse immigrants programs and initiatives to increase into so many longstanding friendship groups immigration into the province, it has not yet poses several challenges. One is the caught up on the settlement services needed education of new immigrants on Canadian for the rising level of annual immigration to cultural norms. Another challenge is Manitoba. Provincial services for ESL and

32 employment haven’t kept pace with the to the Winnipeg Jewish community of a growing number of arrivals into the Province, wave of immigrants who experience and the Jewish community is now scrambling significant barriers to economic success is to fill gaps. that the poverty experienced by immigrants will be passed on to their children. While the community accepted the challenge of supplementing public services with Serving an impoverished wave of immigrants employment networking services, financial and creating the opportunities needed to assistance and subventions, and various break the cycle and prevent generational welcome programs, it now finds itself poverty, demands that the community attempting to provide some of the basic provide free and/or low cost services that services as well. ESL classes, employment keep immigrants connected to the Jewish services and workshops, and re-training community. In order to support successful programs are gradually increasing but will integration of waves of immigrants, Jewish not keep pace with immigrant needs for community services such as day school and several years to come. resettlement services, must adjust and absorb significant cost increases in a short period of Recognition of foreign credentials and time. experience is a huge barrier to successful integration. Professional governing bodies The elasticity required to cope with a fifty find themselves with insufficient skills and percent increase in immigration for each of resources to assess foreign credentials and are several years strains agencies to their limits. adjusting to the latest waves of immigration The need to contract ESL services for both very slowly. children and adults, expand classroom spaces, and provide childcare and As in other parts of Canada, immigrant recreational programs such as summer camp, professionals find themselves performing creates a financial challenge for the menial tasks and wasting years of education community as a whole. The agencies also and experience due to inadequate work struggle with staff training and cultural placements or internships, retraining adaptation in order to facilitate successful programs and assessment methods. The risk integration.

33 While the overall outlook and expected rate must encourage the promotion of cultural of retention of immigrant families is good, sensitivity amongst ourselves, our children the major challenge continues to be the and our community, and embrace the acceptance of new families into the cultural richness of each new group as it arrives in and social fabric of the community. the next few years.

As the situation for Jews throughout the world becomes increasingly precarious, the role of Federation and its affiliated agencies remains vital to successful transitioning. We

34 Appendix 1 The Jewish Standard Definition

This report uses what is known as the that we can identify Jewish affiliation at all “Jewish Standard Definition” to distinguish is critical for using the Census as a tool to who is Jewish from the rest of the better understand our community. The population. Jim Torczyner of McGill Jewish Standard Definition is meant to be as University and the Jewish Federation of inclusive as possible, reflecting the varied Montreal formulated this definition in 1981, expressions that comprise the richness of the using a combination of religious and ethnic Jewish experience. identification. It is important to note that a significant According to this criterion, a Jew is defined change to the “Jewish Standard Definition“ as anyone who specified that they were: was implemented in the current analysis of  Jewish by religion and ethnicity. Census data. The category of those who had  Jewish by religion and having another “no religion and a Jewish ethnicity” was ethnicity. expanded to include those with “no religious  Jewish by ethnicity with no religious affiliation and a Jewish ethnicity”. affiliation. The category of “no religious affiliation” is Anyone who specified another religion broader than that of “no religion” because it (Catholic, Muslim, etc.) and a Jewish includes those who consider themselves ethnicity were excluded in the above agnostics, atheists and humanists, as well as definition. those having no religion. Since it is possible to be Jewish and have such affiliations, it Using this criterion, it is not possible to say was felt that this change would better reflect how a person behaves “Jewishly”: for the broad spectrum of Jewish affiliation. instance, whether they adhere to traditions Data from previous Censuses have been re- or attend synagogue on a regular basis. analyzed to ensure compatibility with the However, despite this limitation, the fact current criterion.

35 Appendix 2 The Reliability of the Census

The Census is a massive and complex projected from a 20% sample of households. undertaking, and although high standards are The responses to long-form questions, when applied throughout the process, a certain projected to represent the whole population level of error still characterizes the inevitably differ from the responses that endeavor. Such errors can arise at virtually would have been obtained if these questions any point in the Census process, from the were asked of all households. preparation of materials to the collection of data and the processing of information. Statistics Canada has a number of quality control measures that ensure Census data are There are a number of principal types of as reliable as possible. Representatives edit errors that impact on the Census. In the questionnaires when they are returned, coverage errors, dwellings or individuals are and follow up on missing information. There missed, incorrectly enumerated or counted are also quality control measures in place more than once. Regarding non-response during the coding and data entry stages. errors, responses to the Census cannot be obtained from a certain number of Despite these controls, a number of errors households and/or individuals because of and response-biases can nonetheless impact extended absence or extenuating data obtained from the Jewish population. circumstances. For instance, certain segments of the Jewish community may be reticent to answer In response errors, the respondent Census questions fully or accurately. misunderstands a Census question and answers incorrectly or uses the wrong Recent immigrant populations, who are response box. Processing errors occur during suspicious of government-sponsored the coding and inputting of data. projects and are wary of being identified as Jewish, may avoid indicating such an Finally, sampling errors apply only to the affiliation, or may answer certain questions long-form. Statistics based on this form are more cautiously.

36 Members of the Chassidic and Ultra- When using the table, the reader should Orthodox communities may be more consider the right column as reflective of the reluctant to participate fully in the Census average level of error expected for a given effort, due to specific Biblical injunctions cell size. Of course, some cells may reflect that prohibit Jews from “being counted.” It errors smaller or larger than the average. is unclear whether such restrictions have had About ninety percent of errors will fall an impact on their responses, but anecdotal between ± the average error specified below. evidence suggests that these communities Ten percent of errors are expected to fall respond adequately. For instance, the Tosh outside this range. Chasidic community of Montreal, which is fairly isolated geographically from the rest Cell Value Average of the Jewish population, has had significant Error representation in previous Censuses, 50 or less 15 although it is unclear as to what extent their 100 20 enumeration was complete. 200 30

500 45 Finally, since both the religion and ethnicity 1,000 65 questions are only included in the long-form 2,000 90 of the Census, sampling error arising from projections based on a 20% sampling of 5,000 140 households is a factor in all Census analyses 10,000 200 related to the Jewish community. 20,000 280 50,000 450

The level of sampling error inherent in any 100,000 630 cell of a data table can be precisely calculated. Statistics Canada provides a table Source for Appendix 2: 2001 Census Dictionary Reference Guide (pg. 275). Published by Statistics that measures these errors, and they are Canada, August 2002. Catalogue No. 92-378-XPE. summarized below. Obviously, for large cell values, the potential error due to sampling will be proportionally smaller than for smaller ones.

37 Appendix 3 The Low-Income Cut-Offs

This report uses the Statistics Canada spend on food, clothing and shelter, and measure of poverty. According to Statistics estimating that households spending about a Canada, a person is living in poverty if they half or more of their income on such reside in a household containing a certain necessities would be in “strained” number of people who earn a total yearly circumstances. income that falls under the “Low Income Cut-Off” (LICO). Hence, this criterion is The reasoning is that any household based solely on information related to spending such a high proportion of its household size and household income. income on these essentials has too little money left over for other important There are some limitations related to this expenditures. Using these assumptions, low- measure. Firstly, it does not take into income cut-off points are then set for account information regarding a person’s different sizes of households. “net worth”. An individual can own a dwelling and an automobile yet can be Another limitation of the use of the LICO as classified as poor using the LICO criterion a measure of poverty is that it takes into because their assets are not taken into account only three basic necessities (food, account. There are some elderly, for clothing and shelter). A more meaningful instance, who own a house or a measurement, critics argue, would be to condominium, but receive a low pension determine the cost of a "basket" of all income, and therefore fall under the poverty necessities, including such expenditures as cut-off. transport, personal care, household supplies, recreation, health, and insurance. The main Also, there is a measure of arbitrariness to problem with this alternative approach is the the definition employed by Statistics difficulty of determining what ought to be Canada. The low-income cut-offs are calculated taking into account how much of their total income Canadian households

38 included in the basket of basic necessities of conditions of economically disadvantaged life and what ought to be excluded.8 Jews.

Another issue regarding poverty relates to The 2000 Low-Income Cut Offs were used the cost of living “Jewishly”. The current for the 2001 Census analysis. The table definition of poverty does not take into below describes the interactions of account the cost of maintaining a Kosher household size and household income that diet, of buying various accoutrements determine these cut-offs. necessary for proper holiday observances, or paying synagogue dues. Households Low Income Cut-Offs for the year 2000 Urban areas of 500,000+ people experiencing financial strains may not be able to meet some of the basic demands of Household Household Income their traditions. This can represent a reality Size Cut-Off ($) to disadvantaged Jews that is not necessarily 1 18,371 part of the life experiences of secular Jews 2 22,964 or non-Jews. 3 28,560

4 34,572 Despite the limitations described above, 5 38,646 “The Poverty Line”, as derived from the 6 42,719 low-income cut-off specified by Statistics Canada, remains the most comprehensive 7+ 46,793 method for assessing financial disadvantage. Source for the above table: 2001 Census Dictionary Reference Guide (pg. 149). Published by Statistics In the case of the Census, it can be cross- Canada, August 2002. Catalogue No. 92-378 XPE. tabulated with other important variables (such as age, family structure, labor force activity, income source, etc.), to yield a broad profile of the characteristics and

8 For a more comprehensive analysis of the LICO as a measure of poverty, see: “Poverty: Where to Draw the Line. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, May 31, 2000.” Their Web Site can be accessed at: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/manitoba/FastFac tsMay31-00.pdf

39 Appendix 4 Additional Data Tables

Table 18 Country of Birth by Year of Immigration Winnipeg Jewish Population (Immigrants Only)

(Subtotal: Before 1960 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-2001 Country of Birth 1995-2001)

United Kingdom 30 45 10 25 10 10 France 10 15 10 0 20 0 Spain / Portugal 0 0 10 0 0 0 Belgium 0 0 0 0 0 0 Netherlands 10 15 0 0 0 0 Germany 120 10 10 0 10 10 Austria 10 0 0 0 0 0 Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 Greece 0 0 0 0 0 0 Rest of Western Europe 10 20 0 0 10 0 Czechoslovakia 0 15 0 0 0 0 Hungary 70 15 0 0 0 0 Poland 385 60 20 30 0 0 Romania 50 20 30 10 20 10 Bulgaria 0 0 0 0 0 0 Yugoslavia 10 0 0 0 10 0 Russian Federation 115 15 25 20 50 40 Ukraine 20 0 45 40 45 30 Georgia 0 0 0 0 0 0 Belarus 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kazakhstan 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rest of FSU 25 10 15 10 0 10

40

Table 18 Country of Birth by Year of Immigration Winnipeg Jewish Population (Immigrants Only) (cont’d)

(Subtotal: Country of Birth Before 1960 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-2001 1995-2001)

Morocco 0 10 10 0 10 0 Libya 0 0 0 0 0 0 Algeria 0 0 0 0 0 0 Egypt 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ethiopia 0 0 0 0 0 0 Syria 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lebanon 0 0 0 0 0 0 Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 Iran 0 0 0 0 0 0 Rest of N.Africa / Mid.East 10 10 0 0 0 0 South Africa, Republic of 0 0 10 25 75 30 Israel 30 20 10 15 45 40 Canada 0 0 0 0 0 0 United States 25 45 60 65 90 35 Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 Argentina 0 0 0 0 85 85 Chile 0 0 0 0 0 0 Brazil 0 0 10 0 0 0 Rest of South America 0 0 0 0 10 0 Rest of World 10 10 0 10 10 15

Total 940 335 275 250 500 315 Note: Non-Permanent Residents are not included in this table.

41

Table 19 Country of Birth by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population

United Rest of W. Rest of E. District France Belgium Germany Austria Czech. Hungary Poland Romania Kingdom Europe Europe

Maples 0 10 0 15 0 10 0 0 10 10 0

Garden City 10 25 0 25 0 20 0 30 250 50 0

Old North End 0 10 0 10 0 0 0 10 25 0 10

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 15 0 0 15 0 0 0 10 50 15 0

North River Heights 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

South River Heights 15 0 0 25 10 10 0 20 40 25 10

Tuxedo 15 0 0 35 0 10 0 0 60 15 0

Downtown / Wolseley 10 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10 0 0

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0

East St. Paul / Riverbend / Amber Trails 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 10 0 0

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0

Other NE, South, East 40 0 0 10 0 20 0 10 10 0 0

Other South Central 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 15 0

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Winnipeg CMA 115 55 0 155 10 70 10 80 495 130 20

42

Table 19 Country of Birth by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population (cont’d)

Rest of N. Russian Rest of South South United Rest of District Ukraine Morocco Egypt Africa / Israel Canada Fed. FSU Africa America States World Mid East

Maples 20 15 10 0 0 0 0 10 0 15 455 0

Garden City 45 0 0 0 0 10 0 15 0 45 1,990 0

Old North End 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10 565 10

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 50 0 10 0 0 0 20 0 10 60 1,500 0

North River Heights 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 15 455 0

South River Heights 45 10 10 0 0 0 10 30 50 60 2,380 0

Tuxedo 20 45 25 0 0 0 70 50 0 75 2,125 15

Downtown / Wolseley 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 0 35 410 0

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 20 245 0

East St. Paul /Riverbend /Amber Trails 10 65 0 0 0 0 0 20 10 10 420 10

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 15 10 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 15 445 0

Other NE, South, East 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 810 0

Other South Central 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 400 10

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 140 0

Total Winnipeg CMA 220 145 55 15 0 20 110 155 95 400 12,340 45

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Table 20 Home Language by Geographic Area Winnipeg Jewish Population

English Russian Spanish Hebrew Yiddish All Other District # % # % # % # % # % # %

Maples 545 3.8 15 7.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 20 19.0

Garden City 2,455 17.1 25 13.2 0 0.0 10 33.3 25 62.5 25 23.8

Old North End 670 4.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 9.5

Crescentwood / Ft. Rouge 1,745 12.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 9.5

North River Heights 490 3.4 0 0.0 25 41.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

South River Heights 2,625 18.3 55 28.9 20 33.3 10 33.3 15 37.5 20 19.0

Tuxedo 2,520 17.6 25 13.2 15 25.0 10 33.3 0 0.0 0 0.0

Downtown / Wolseley 475 3.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 9.5

Lindenwoods / Whyte Ridge 285 2.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

East St. Paul /Riverbend /Amber Trails 515 3.6 45 23.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Charleswood / St. James / Assiniboia 515 3.6 15 7.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Other NE, South, East 910 6.3 10 5.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 10 9.5

Other South Central 445 3.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Rest of Winnipeg CMA 155 1.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Total Winnipeg CMA 14,350 100.0 190 100.0 60 100.0 30 100.0 40 100.0 105 100.0

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Table 21 Jewish Population of Winnipeg CMA Historical Summary*

# Change % Change Jewish From Previous From Previous Population Census Census

2001 14,765 -415 -2.7

1991 15,180 -990 -6.1

1981 16,170 -2,790 -14.7

1971 18,960 -416 -2.1

1961 19,376 +862 +4.7

1951 18,514 +1,247 +7.2

1941 17,267 -25 -0.1

1931 17,292 +2,798 +19.3

1921 14,494 +5,485 +60.9

1911 9,009 +7,845 +674.0

1901 1,164 -- --

*Data previous to 1971 are based solely on the religion variable, whereas statistics cited for 1971 to 2001 are based on the Jewish Standard Definition described in Appendix 3. No figures are available for Census Metropolitan Areas before 1941. The researchers were able to construct equivalent geographic units for Censuses previous to that year.

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Table 22 Immigration & Migration Patterns for Jews: 1996-2001 Winnipeg CMA To Winnipeg CMA From Winnipeg Gain / Loss From the Rest of CMA To the Rest Canada of Canada (In-Migration) (Out-Migration)

480 745 -265

To Winnipeg CMA From Winnipeg Gain / Loss From Outside Canada CMA To Outside (Immigration) Canada (Emigration)

355 NA NA

46 Table 23 Ethnic Populations 1991-2001 Winnipeg CMA

1991 2001 % Change

Russian 7,415 15,350 +107.0

East Indian 7,650 11,520 +50.6

North American Indian 23,480 33,710 +43.6

Filipino 22,840 31,210 +36.6

Metis 23,630 31,545 +33.5

Icelandic 12,765 14,930 +16.7

Portuguese 9,180 10,315 +12.4

Swedish 10,900 11,500 +5.5

Italian 15,225 16,100 +5.7

Chinese 12,410 13,075 +5.4

German 111,895 109,355 -2.3

Jewish: full definition 15,180 14,765 -2.7

Irish 90,765 88,310 -2.7

Scottish 121,390 117,920 -2.9

Ukrainian 105,890 102,635 -3.1

Polish 53,035 51,355 -3.2

Dutch 29,475 25,775 -12.6

English -- 146,545 --

Canadian -- 144,800 --

French -- 90,440 --

Note: Only ethnic groups with at least 10,000 individuals in 2001 were included in this breakdown. All groups are total of single and multiple responses. Hence, some overlap between groups is possible. Responses for English, French and Canadian ethnicity were not directly comparable between 1991 and 2001.

47 Table 24 Ethnic Affiliation by Median Age Winnipeg CMA

Median Age

Aboriginal 24.2

Korean 25.0

Pakistani 25.3

Arab 26.3

Latin American 26.4

African 27.2

Caribbean 28.2

Canadian 29.3

Vietnamese 30.2

Filipino 30.4

East Indian 31.2

Chinese 32.6

Italian 32.9

Portuguese 33.4

Russian 33.5

Spanish 34.0

Greek 35.6

Ukrainian 36.5

Japanese 37.7

French 38.0

German 38.4

Polish 40.0

American 43.3

Jewish: full definition 44.5

British 45.4

Total Winnipeg CMA 37.0

48

Table 25 Level of Education for Immigrants and Non-Immigrants Winnipeg Jewish Population (15 + Years)

Recent Immigrants Total Immigrants Non-Immigrants Level of Education (1990-2001)

# % # % # %

Elementary / Secondary 110 31.0 1,010 47.3 4,415 44.4

Community College / Trades Certificate 65 18.3 365 17.1 1,335 13.4

Bachelor's Degree 70 19.7 375 17.6 2,670 26.8

Master's Degree 60 16.9 245 11.5 1,065 10.7

Medicine Degree / Doctorate 50 14.1 140 6.6 465 4.7

Total 355 100.0 2,135 100.0 9,950 100.0 Note: Non-Permanent Residents are not included in this table.

49