Notes
Key populations
Immigrant children and youth
Key recommendations
The priority areas identified, within which strategic actions and activities are likely to promote equitable outcomes for CYIF, are:
1. Anti-discrimination: recognizing the prevalence of all forms of exclusionary behavior experienced by CYIF and the profound impact this has on the formation of a sense of belonging in the community.
2. Cultural reciprocity: recognizing Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and the fundamental, individual and social importance that CYIF be valued and included as contributing members of society.
3. Immigrant parent orientation to and inclusion in system(s) of care: recognizing the family and extended family system as the most immediate and natural support system to children and youth.
4. System preparedness for changing demographics: recognizing the profound demographic changes to Calgary and the necessity that services be accessible and respond effectively to the needs of the community.
5. Immigrant-specific poverty reduction: recognizing the systemic factors that marginalize immigrants and limit access to resources for CYIF.
Key findings
Integration is understood as a threefold process of: cultural maintenance, participation in the larger society, and public accommodation and inclusion. This means that, in accordance with multicultural policy, it is not only the newcomer who is in a process of adjustment, but the city as a whole that is learning to facilitate the civic engagement of all residents.
Immigrant families and children are more likely to live in poverty than non-immigrant families; parents must adjust to new demands in their role as a parent and to parenting in a cross-cultural context; and their children must also navigate cross-cultural expectations and values.
Integration into the school and other social systems can be challenging both for immigrant parents and their children, as they navigate different cultural expectations and often learning English for the first time.
Similarly, educators and administrators are adjusting to more diverse classrooms with a higher proportion of English language learners and often larger class sizes.
Social and civic engagement in the community can be particularly challenging for children and youth of immigrant families (CYIF), many of whom report discrimination, a lack of cultural sensitivity, and marginalization. This can limit access to services, the formation of a sense of belonging, and full participation in all aspects of social life.
A lack of inclusion can significantly challenge the formation of a healthy identity and self-concept, and the transition to adulthood.
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Community organizations
The Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary (ISCC)
