Notes
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: newcomers in Wood Buffalo
Key recommendations:
1) Create an online information portal about services for newcomers, paired with in-person information and orientation sessions.
2) Explore the feasibility of moving the Welcome Centre to a more accessible location.
3) Advocate for better work opportunities, labour rights and employable skills building in Wood Buffalo.
4) Develop free/low-cost and accessible language classes in Wood Buffalo, as well as increased access to interpretation services.
5) Advocate for affordable housing, affordable childcare, and subsidized pathways to getting a Canadian driver’s license.
6) Create neighbourhood social events and cultural events to build social connections both within newcomer communities and with Canadian-born Wood Buffalo residents.
7) Provide newcomers with immigrations on how they can respond to discrimination and racism, as well as their rights.
8) Expand hours of operation and availability of services to better serve newcomers, particularly those that work shifts or multiple jobs.
Location: Wood Buffalo, AB
Community organizations: Wood Buffalo Local Immigration Partnership (Wood Buffalo LIP)
Future research / gaps identified: not defined
Key findings:
1) Securing employment in Wood Buffalo is difficult due to lack of foreign credential recognition, lack of professional education and training opportunities, and lack of access to social and work connections.
2) Availability of and access to language training in the area is insufficient, and has become further limited due to the pandemic.
3) Affordable housing in Wood Buffalo is a challenge, especially after the pandemic.
4) Lack of affordable childcare is a significant barrier that also impacts ability to attend language class, finding employment, etc.
5) Limited public transportation in Wood Buffalo makes it difficult to access services.
6) Access to income support as well as low-cost/free services are limited in the area.
7) Newcomers to Wood Buffalo report numerous difficulties in building social connections in the area.
8) Navigating health systems, accessing specialists in the region and a lack of culturally appropriate care creates healthcare barriers for newcomers.
9) Discrimination, particularly Islamophobia, greatly impacted newcomers to Wood Buffalo.
10) Access to information about available services is lacking, and the Welcome Centre in and of itself is in a hard to access location.
11) Some services aren’t available in the region, and others have limited eligibility and operating hours.
12) Limited access to technology creates barriers to utilizing online services.
