I’ve been on the “island” as a PEI resident for years now and I continue to be appalled by the discriminating actions that I receive based on my last name. I am Canadian, but do not have an Anglo-Saxon type name. Continually, I’m treated suspiciously. Much of it is systemic discrimination, but it is still harshly felt. If I apply for a job, I get ignored (I’m highly qualified, educated and an easy person to get along with). Yet, if I can get so-and-so to pass in my application I will get an interview/job/appointment immediately. Employment, filling out forms, and getting appointments – in all these ordinary things I have felt the stab of discrimination. I’ve tried to be extra patient, knowing that many of these PEI locals do not know much better. But, really. This is not acceptable and quite disgusting. WARNING: Don’t live here if you are off-island!! I know I’m trying to convince my partner to get out of this horrible backward place!
This article appears in May 8-14, 2008.
I understand that it may be frustrating living in a small place where you feel like everyone knows everyone. I have a last name that is not anywhere close to Anglo-Saxon and we are in fact the only family on the “island” with this last name but I have never been discriminated because of it, I have never had an issue finding a job or getting an interview on my own. I’m not sure where you currently live on in PEI but in Charlottetown I can’t believe that you can’t get an interview or a job because of your last name. The rate of people moving to PEI from the UK and other parts of the world is growing exponentially, especially in the New Media sector and there are people being hired on a daily basis that I’m sure have last names far different from the common “Island” names.
Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps you’re just not qualified for the jobs you’re applying for and it has absolutely nothing to do with your last name?Get a life.
I have no idea why anyone would move to PEI, I question the move to NS, let alone PEI. I say move outside the Maritimes all together to get a better job, or even the same job you have here but at a much better pay, I mean way much better, more like at least $8000 a year better. It’s not only PEI, it’s mainly the Maritime provinces. My girlfriend is from here originally, NS, born and raised. Graduated from DAL with honors in a program she likes. Plenty of companies in the HRM that offer the services she provides. She’s still looking; got a few interviews here and there, but i think as a whole, I’ve never seen anyone cheaper and more stingy than Maritime companies!
Maybe they should call it ‘The Gentile Province’.
I just moved back to PEI after living in Halifax for two years and I must say it is refreshing to say the least! For example, I took a cab yesterday..haven’t met the cabbie before in my life and we talked the whole way(10 min drive)….for the amount of cabs I took in Halifax I maybe had a convo with about 2 or 3 drivers..if that. Then the price was only $7.50…halifax cabs would have charged an arm and a leg!Poor comparision of Halifax and Charlottetown I know but thats just one of the differences….BUT Halifax is still a city I would heavily consider in making a career in and raising a family. Let’s face it though, here in the Maritimes it’s a better way of life…relaxed. After living in multiple different cities across Canada and the US I can assure you that as “backward” as the Maritimes seem you will find no better place to live!
Coyotex, you asshole…If NS is such a bad place, then (1) why the fuck did you come here, and (2) why dont you do us all a favour and get the fuck out…I’m getting really tired of your attitude here bud…
The OP is sort of right. I suspect it is more than your last name though, perhaps they didn’t like the cut of your jib. You can live on PEI your whole life an not be an ‘Islander’. You could have been born on the boat to PEI and still not be an ‘Islander’, in this regard they area bit snobby.I can’t wait to move back to PEI. Just another month to go. There are things I am going to miss about Halifax. But there are more things I am going to Love about PEI. Low wages on PEI is a bit of a myth. There are several jobs there that the wages are double or just about double of what I am making here in Halifax for the same work.I am just glad to be in the Maritimes 🙂