Examining Residential Satisfaction among Immigrant Caregivers in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada

Despite Canada’s global reputation as being receptive to immigrants, access to adequate housing remains a persistent challenge for certain classes of immigrants, particularly foreign caregivers. This class of economic immigrants plays a vital role in supporting Canada’s most vulnerable populations (children, seniors, the sick, and persons with disabilities) and the health sector; yet, their housing experiences remain understudied. As a result, this study examines residential satisfaction among caregivers after completing the 24-month Canada Caregiver Program. Drawing on survey data from 626 participants in the Greater Toronto Area, the authors conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis controlling for housing, socio-demographic, and neighbourhood characteristics. The findings show that residential satisfaction is significantly associated with indicators of core housing needs (affordability, suitability, and adequacy). However, housing affordability remains paramount, given the high rental burden in the Greater Toronto Area. Also, socio-demographic factors such as years of residency in Canada and continent of origin were linked to greater residential dissatisfaction among immigrant caregivers. Similarly, while neighbourhood factors, such as the presence of social networks, were significantly associated with residential satisfaction, dissatisfaction with noise levels and long commute times to parks from home were predictors of residential dissatisfaction among immigrant caregivers. These findings underscore the complex interplay between the indicators of core housing needs, demographics, and neighbourhood characteristics in shaping residential satisfaction among immigrant care workers, thereby stressing the urgent need for policy interventions that respond to the unique housing vulnerabilities of this understudied class of immigrants.