"They had a privilege that we did not": The Intersectional Experiences of Immigrant PSWs in Ontario During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Historically, in the healthcare sector, racialized immigrants are concentrated in low-skilled and low-paying jobs like personal support workers (PSWs), with their contributions often being undervalued. They find themselves in these jobs largely because of structural factors such as the colour-coded labour market, proletarianization, and the stratification of care work. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the healthcare system, with healthcare workers (HCWs) facing several unprecedented challenges. Within the health workforce in Canada, PSWs play an integral role, notably in providing care for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and differently-abled people. This study examines the role that racialized PSWs with multiple intersectional identities (e.g. race, gender, and class) play in providing care during COVID-19 pandemic in Southwestern Ontario. Drawing data from in-depth interviews (n=25), the findings demonstrate that racialized immigrant PSWs faced challenges, which included financial concerns due to lockdown and restrictions, concern for immediate and extended family, challenges related to personal safety, and food insecurity. Overall, we conclude that racialized immigrant PSWs faced disproportionate disadvantages in times of crisis because of poor income and systemic inequalities. Therefore, there is a need for policies to better prepare racialized immigrant PSWs for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]