THE DOUBLE-NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE EARNINGS OF FOREIGN-BORN FEMALES INCANADA

This paper contributes to the debate over immigrant 'quality' by exami ning whether or not a double-negative effect on the earnings of female immigrants exists in Canada. Contrary to popular belief, this study o bserves that labour market adjustments occur at a faster rate for fema le immigrants than for male immigrants. The results indicate that immi grant women in Canada suffer from a double-negative effect mainly beca use of gender earnings discrimination rather than birthplace discrimin ation. Earnings discrimination by birthplace is more pronounced among males than females. The findings suggest that in evaluating immigrant quality, researchers should take into account the potential role of la bour market discrimination.