Research
Chinese Canadian Leadership Representation in Metro Vancouver
Using a research framework and methodology consistent with the 2021 GTA study, the study examines Chinese Canadian representation in senior leadership across key sectors. By applying a comparable approach, the study seeks to provide a systematic picture of Chinese Canadian representation in leadership in Metro Vancouver and facilitate broader comparisons of leadership diversity across major Canadian metropolitan areas.
This project is supported in part by funding from the GLOCAL Foundation. The study brings together youth researchers to contribute to the collection and verification of publicly available data, providing them with an opportunity to engage in meaningful research on leadership representation and civic inclusion.
By establishing a rigorous empirical evidence base, the project will advance scholarship on leadership representation, inform public policy and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, support community engagement, and establish a baseline dataset for future longitudinal monitoring and comparative research across Canadian regions.
The findings will be presented in a forthcoming report, with release anticipated in 2027.
Follow-Up Study: Chinese Canadian Leadership Representation in the Greater Toronto Area
Building on CPAC Institute’s 2021 study, Underrepresentation of Chinese Canadian Leadership in the Greater Toronto Area, this follow-up study provides an updated assessment of the representation of Chinese Canadians in senior leadership positions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The original study documented a significant gap between the representation of Chinese Canadians in the GTA population and their representation in senior leadership positions across major sectors.
The follow-up study replicates the core research framework and methodology of the 2021 study, enabling a comparison of Chinese Canadian leadership representation over time. It examines senior leadership across key sectors, including public service, education, core health care, corporate, charitable, judicial, elected office, and Agencies, Boards and Commissions.
The full report is scheduled for release in 2027, providing an important opportunity to reflect on progress since the original study and to inform future research, policy discussions, and efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in Canadian leadership.
Chinese Canadian Parent Engagement with Schools: Experiences, Barriers and Support Systems
Parental engagement is a critical driver of student academic achievement, social well-being, and long-term educational success. Although Ontario introduced Parents in Partnership: A Parent Engagement Policy for Ontario Schools in 2010, limited empirical research has examined how these provincial directives are enacted in practice for racialized and immigrant communities. This study addresses that gap by examining the experiences of Chinese Canadian families within the York Region District School Board (YRDSB)—an essential context where East Asian students comprise 40% of the student body and Mandarin and Cantonese represent 34% of primary home languages.
This study investigates the structural, linguistic, and cultural dynamics that shape family-school communication. Ultimately, it seeks to dismantle the pervasive "model minority" stereotype and offer concrete, culturally responsive recommendations for Chinese families, school leaders and policymakers.
The report will be released in 2027.
Leveraging Internationally Trained Physicians to Mitigate Doctor Shortage
Canada faces an unprecedented primary care crisis, yet thousands of qualified Internationally Trained Physicians (ITPs) remain sidelined by a complex and fragmented licensing system.
This study investigates the systemic, institutional, and regulatory mechanisms governing physician licensure, residency allocation, and practice-ready assessment pathways in Canada. Driven by the central question of how barriers can be identified, mitigated, and dismantled, the research explores how multi-sectoral governance can be modernized to better utilize international medical talent.
This study aims to provide policymakers, healthcare authorities, and academic leaders with a forward-looking roadmap to align workforce planning, enhance regulatory equity, and build a more accessible, resilient healthcare system for all Canadians.
Official Full Report Release: Late 2026
East and Southeast Asian Canadian Experiences in Ontario Education
This study examined the curriculum content, delivery and the broader educational environment related to teaching East and Southeast Asian Canadian (ESAC) historical and contemporary experiences in Ontario public schools. Based on a province-wide survey of Grade 7-12 public school educators and administrators, along with 36 in-depth interviews, the study identifies systemic barriers, biases, and operational challenges that hinder the inclusion of ESAC histories and contemporary experiences. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved curriculum content, educator training, and institutional support.
Read the full report.
Read the executive summary.
Representation of Chinese Canadian Leadership in the Greater Toronto Area
This study is the first of its kind that identifies the representation of Chinese Canadians in senior leadership positions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada’s largest metropolitan area with the most ethnically diverse population and workforce. This study also explores the observations and insights of Chinese Canadian leaders on their leadership journeys – the barriers and obstacles they have to overcome, the impact of systemic racism and personal biases on their career advancement, and possible strategies at the government and organizational levels to remove barriers and enhance workplace equity, diversity and inclusion.
Read the full report.
Read the executive summary.