Transnational Families and Remittances: A Study of Haitian and Jamaican Origin Communities in Canada Alan Simmons, Dwaine Plaza & Victor Piché.

Transnational Families and Remittances:

A Study of Haitian and Jamaican Origin Communities in Canada

Alan Simmons, Dwaine Plaza & Victor Piché

Preliminary findings!

Do not cite, quote or reproduce without permission from the authors!

Map of the Presentation:

Map of the Presentation:1. Background

2. Model of Household Remittance Flows

3. The Data

4. Main Findings

5. Policy Issues and Conclusions

Map of the Presentation:1. Background

2. Model of Household Remittance Flows

3. The Data

4. Main Findings

5. Policy Issues and Conclusions

Map of the Presentation:1. Background

2. Model of Household Remittance Flows

3. The Data

4. Main Findings

5. Policy Issues and Conclusions

Map of the Presentation:1. Background

2. Model of Household Remittance Flows

3. The Data

4. Main Findings

5. Policy Issues and Conclusions

Map of the Presentation:1. Background

2. Model of Household Remittance Flows

3. The Data

4. Main Findings

5. Policy Issues and Conclusions

Part 1. Background

Part 1. Background Immigration Trends Total Remittance Flows Goals of the Research

Part 1. Background Immigration Trends Total Remittance Flows Goals of the Research

Part 1. Background Immigration Trends Total Remittance Flows Goals of the Research

Chart 1. Immigrant Landings in Canada

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

Jamaicans

Haitians

Salvadorians

Guatemalans

Mexicans

Chart 2. Estimated Remittance Receipts(Figures in millions of U.S.$)

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

El Salvador

Guatemala

JamaicaHaiti

Honduras

Guyana

Goals of the Research:

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Goals of the Research:

Gather basic facts: How much is remitted? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Assess policy implications: For financial institutions For development programs

Part 2. The Model

Part 2. The Model

Resources & Motivations

Part 2. The Model

Resources & Motivations

Channels and Barriers

Amounts Remitted

Part 2. The Model

Resources & Motivations

Channels and Barriers

Amounts Remitted

Outcomes for Recipients

Part 2. The Model

Resources & Motivations

Channels and Barriers

Amounts Remitted

Outcomes for Recipients

Outcomes for Senders

Part 3. The Data Survey design Questionnaire content

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals:

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Survey Design

Criterion sample of individuals: Born in Haiti (Montreal) and Jamaica (Toronto) Eighteen years of age or over Living in Canada for at least one year Knowledgeable of household expenditures Both males and females, at all income and

schooling levels In different parts of each city

Questionnaire

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Questionnaire

Individual level Household level Monetary remittances Goods (via “barrel”, etc.) Collective-institutional transfers Measures of transnational links

Part 4. Findings

Part 4. Findings How much is sent? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Part 4. Findings How much is sent? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Part 4. Findings How much is sent? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Part 4. Findings How much is sent? To whom? Through what channels? With what transfer costs?

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 1. Transfers

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Percent of respondents sending money 2004 87.9   87.8

Mean - dollars sent in last transfer $269.20   $395.00

Median - dollars sent in last transfer $195.00   $200.00

Upper outlier – dollars sent in last transfer $1,830.00   $5,000.00

Mean - total household transfer in 2004 $2,255.00   $1,657.84

Median - total household transfers in 2004 $1,407.00   $1,000.00

Upper outlier - total household transfers in 2004 $20,679.00   $19,175.00

Secondary outlier - household transfers in 2004 $13,420.00   $6,000.00

Table 2. Main Recipients (percents)

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Parents 27.5   28.1

Multiple family members 18.1   18.8

Siblings 13.4   16.4

Cousins 8.1   2.3

Grandparents 5.4   4.7

Aunts and uncles 4.7   6.3

Children 2.7   8.6

Wife or husband 0.0   0.8

Others and unstated 20.1   14.0

Total 100.0   100.0

Table 2. Main Recipients (percents)

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Parents 27.5   28.1

Multiple family members 18.1   18.8

Siblings 13.4   16.4

Cousins 8.1   2.3

Grandparents 5.4   4.7

Aunts and uncles 4.7   6.3

Children 2.7   8.6

Wife or husband 0.0   0.8

Others and unstated 20.1   14.0

Total 100.0   100.0

Table 2. Main Recipients (percents)

  Haitians   Jamaicans

Parents 27.5   28.1

Multiple family members 18.1   18.8

Siblings 13.4   16.4

Cousins 8.1   2.3

Grandparents 5.4   4.7

Aunts and uncles 4.7   6.3

Children 2.7   8.6

Wife or husband 0.0   0.8

Others and unstated 20.1   14.0

Total 100.0   100.0

Table 3. Money Transfer Channels

Haitians 

Jamaicans

Percent who have ever transferred money by:       

  Agencies 85.0   83.3

  Hand transfers 42.9   60.9

  Banks 6.4   23.2

  Other 5.0   4.3

  Canada Post 3.6   19.6

  Credit Unions 1.4   17.4

Table 3. Money Transfer Channels

Haitians 

Jamaicans

Percent who have ever transferred money by:       

  Agencies 85.0   83.3

  Hand transfers 42.9   60.9

  Banks 6.4   23.2

  Other 5.0   4.3

  Canada Post 3.6   19.6

  Credit Unions 1.4   17.4

Table 3. Money Transfer Channels

Haitians 

Jamaicans

Percent who have ever transferred money by:       

  Agencies 85.0   83.3

  Hand transfers 42.9   60.9

  Banks 6.4   23.2

  Other 5.0   4.3

  Canada Post 3.6   19.6

  Credit Unions 1.4   17.4

Table 3. Money Transfer Channels

Haitians 

Jamaicans

Percent who have ever transferred money by:       

  Agencies 85.0   83.3

  Hand transfers 42.9   60.9

  Banks 6.4   23.2

  Other 5.0   4.3

  Canada Post 3.6   19.6

  Credit Unions 1.4   17.4

Table 3. Money Transfer Channels

Haitians 

Jamaicans

Percent who have ever transferred money by:       

  Agencies 85.0   83.3

  Hand transfers 42.9   60.9

  Banks 6.4   23.2

  Other 5.0   4.3

  Canada Post 3.6   19.6

  Credit Unions 1.4   17.4

Table 4. Illustrative Transfer Fees

Approximate agency transfer costs in past years*

HaitianUrban

HaitianRural

Jamaican

  For $100 $10.80 $13.20 $14.00

  For $200 $21.60 $26.40 $18.00

  For $300 $32.40 $39.60 $20.00

  For $$400 $43.20 $52.80 $26.00

Median amount sent in most recent individual transfer by those sending money  $200 $200 $200

Estimated average percent cost of transfer  10.8 13.2 9.0

Table 4. Illustrative Transfer Fees

Approximate agency transfer costs in past years*

HaitianUrban

HaitianRural

Jamaican

  For $100 $10.80 $13.20 $14.00

  For $200 $21.60 $26.40 $18.00

  For $300 $32.40 $39.60 $20.00

  For $$400 $43.20 $52.80 $26.00

Median amount sent in most recent individual transfer by those sending money  $200 $200 $200

Estimated average percent cost of transfer  10.8 13.2 9.0

Table 4. Illustrative Transfer Fees

Approximate agency transfer costs in past years*

HaitianUrban

HaitianRural

Jamaican

  For $100 $10.80 $13.20 $14.00

  For $200 $21.60 $26.40 $18.00

  For $300 $32.40 $39.60 $20.00

  For $$400 $43.20 $52.80 $26.00

Median amount sent in most recent individual transfer by those sending money  $200 $200 $200

Estimated average percent cost of transfer  10.8 13.2 9.0

Part 5. Policy Issues Who sends remittances? Are senders more “transnational”? How much is transferred through

collective/institutionalized projects? How do “generation” and income levels affect

remittance practices? Etc.

Table 5. Who sends remittances? Haitians Jamaicans

Percent of principal senders who are female  56.1 52.2

Mean remittance sent last time by respondent's age:     

  Aged 18-29 $249 $100

  Aged 30-49 $275 $402

  Aged 50 and over $309 $441

Mean total sent by household in 2004 by income:    

  Less than $5,000/year $643 $539

  $5,000 to $19,999 $610 $1,025

  $20,000 to $39,999 $971 $1,532

  $40,000 to 59,999 $1,539 $1,869

  $60, 000 and over $1,143 $1,544

Table 5. Who sends remittances? Haitians Jamaicans

Percent of principal senders who are female  56.1 52.2

Mean remittance sent last time by respondent's age:     

  Aged 18-29 $249 $100

  Aged 30-49 $275 $402

  Aged 50 and over $309 $441

Mean total sent by household in 2004 by income:    

  Less than $5,000/year $643 $539

  $5,000 to $19,999 $610 $1,025

  $20,000 to $39,999 $971 $1,532

  $40,000 to 59,999 $1,539 $1,869

  $60, 000 and over $1,143 $1,544

Table 5. Who sends remittances? Haitians Jamaicans

Percent of principal senders who are female  56.1 52.2

Mean remittance sent last time by respondent's age:     

  Aged 18-29 $249 $100

  Aged 30-49 $275 $402

  Aged 50 and over $309 $441

Mean total sent by household in 2004 by income:    

  Less than $5,000/year $643 $539

  $5,000 to $19,999 $610 $1,025

  $20,000 to $39,999 $971 $1,532

  $40,000 to 59,999 $1,539 $1,869

  $60, 000 and over $1,143 $1,544

Table 5. Who sends remittances? Haitians Jamaicans

Percent of principal senders who are female  56.1 52.2

Mean remittance sent last time by respondent's age:     

  Aged 18-29 $249 $100

  Aged 30-49 $275 $402

  Aged 50 and over $309 $441

Mean total sent by household in 2004 by income:    

  Less than $5,000/year $643 $539

  $5,000 to $19,999 $610 $1,025

  $20,000 to $39,999 $971 $1,532

  $40,000 to 59,999 $1,539 $1,869

  $60, 000 and over $1,143 $1,544

Chart 4. Total Household Remittances in 2004 by Household Income Category

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.0

1000.0

1200.0

1400.0

1600.0

1800.0

2000.0

Less than5,000

15,000-19,999

20,000-39,999

40,000-50,9999

60,000 ormore

Jamaicans

Haitians

Household Income

Table 6. Transnational Family Contacts  Haitians   Jamaicans

Mean number of visits "home" in last 5 years .89   1.4

Upper outlier - visits "home" in past 5 years 13.0   20.0

Mean phone calls "home" in past month 13.1   6.8

Upper outlier - phone calls "home" in past month 60.0   50.0

Table 6. Transnational Family Contacts  Haitians   Jamaicans

Mean number of visits "home" in last 5 years .89   1.4

Upper outlier - visits "home" in past 5 years 13.0   20.0

Mean phone calls "home" in past month 13.1   6.8

Upper outlier - phone calls "home" in past month 60.0   50.0

Table 6. Transnational Family Contacts  Haitians   Jamaicans

Mean number of visits "home" in last 5 years .89   1.4

Upper outlier - visits "home" in past 5 years 13.0   20.0

Mean phone calls "home" in past month 13.1   6.8

Upper outlier - phone calls "home" in past month 60.0   50.0

Chart 3. Mean Remittances Sent – Controlling for Telephone Contact

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

None Infrequent* Moderate** High***

Telephone calls in past month

Jamaicans

Haitians

Table 7. Involvement in Transnational “Projects”

Percent who ever contributed to a:

Haitians Jamaicans

School improvement project 7.4 13.5

Community project   7.7   16.0

Church improvement project  10.7   33.1

Table 7. Involvement in Transnational “Projects”

Percent who ever contributed to a:

Haitians Jamaicans

School improvement project 7.4 13.5

Community project   7.7   16.0

Church improvement project  10.7   33.1

Table 7. Involvement in Transnational “Projects”

Percent who ever contributed to a:

Haitians Jamaicans

School improvement project 7.4 13.5

Community project   7.7   16.0

Church improvement project  10.7   33.1

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

Preliminary Conclusions Reduce transfer fees Expand financial services Tax exemption for remitters Promote TN family links Strengthen TN community links Be sensitive to gender, age and social class

background of senders

END

Acknowledgements Canadian International Development Agency

(CIDA), for project financing Centre for Research on Latin America and the

Caribbean, York University, for institutional support.

Centre D’Études Ethniques des Universités Montréalaises (CEETUM) and the Département de démographie, Université de Montréal, for support and collaboration.

For further details: Alan Simmons, CERLAC, York University

[email protected] Dwaine Plaza, Oregon State U., Corvalis.

[email protected] Victor Piché, U. of Montreal and Action

Canada for Population and Development [email protected]

Respondents’ Characteristics

  Haitians   Jamaicans

  N = 141   N = 138

Percent male 53.2   54.3

Mean age 33.9   40.1

Percent with university studies 42.9   25.5

Percent departed home country LT age 18 39.0   35.4

Mean years lived in Canada 11.9   20.0

Percent who rent their residence 75.7   61.6

Percent household income LT $20,000/yr 27.1   15.9

Percent household income over $60,000 10.7   26.1

Table 6. Transnational Family Contacts  Haitians   Jamaicans

Mean number of visits "home" in last 5 years .89   1.4

Upper outlier - visits "home" in past 5 years 13.0   20.0

Mean phone calls "home" in past month 13.1   6.8

Upper outlier - phone calls "home" in past month 60.0   50.0

Percent likely to “return” to “home” country   62.9   50.0

Percent who feel Canadian   27.1   44.2

Percent who feel Haitian/Jamaican   90.7   83.3

Percent who feel Canada is a racist country   92.2   93.5

END END