Please note, this is not an open access database or repository. We have focused on creating simple summaries of reports and articles that we have accessed through websites and academic journals, with a focus on key findings, so that even if a full report is not free to access you can reference it. When possible, we include a link to wherever the original document is hosted (which may or may not be open-access). If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it. There are also some reports that will have been submitted directly to the project. In this case, these reports are uploaded directly with permission from the author or publisher. Any original documents found on this site are stored in Canada on our secure servers
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue, where HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations. This study investigated and captured the experiences of immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV) using the social determinants of health framework. This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV
in Alberta, Canada, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n = 124) and photovoice methodology (n = 13), the findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue, where HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations. This study investigated and captured the experiences of immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV) using the social determinants of health framework. This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV
in Alberta, Canada, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n = 124) and photovoice methodology (n = 13), the findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and gender and sexual diverse (LGBTQ+) newcomers arrive in Canada, a country renowned as a “safe haven” for those escaping anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Despite Canada’s reputation, notions of safety are not guaranteed as LGBTQ+ newcomers continue to face systems of oppression as they navigate their new country of residence. Drawing from the feminist affect literature, this study sought to understand how LGBTQ+ newcomers navigate and perceive safety. This study employed an arts-based method called participatory community mapping as well as semistructured interviews to explore six participants’ experiences in Calgary, Canada. The findings of this study suggest the complex and vast experiences of LGBTQ+ newcomers upon settlement. Feeling safe is not static and inherent in various spaces, but rather, requires complex negotiations with other people and considerations for one’s LGBTQ+ identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and gender and sexual diverse (LGBTQ+) newcomers arrive in Canada, a country renowned as a “safe haven” for those escaping anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Despite Canada’s reputation, notions of safety are not guaranteed as LGBTQ+ newcomers continue to face systems of oppression as they navigate their new country of residence. Drawing from the feminist affect literature, this study sought to understand how LGBTQ+ newcomers navigate and perceive safety. This study employed an arts-based method called participatory community mapping as well as semistructured interviews to explore six participants’ experiences in Calgary, Canada. The findings of this study suggest the complex and vast experiences of LGBTQ+ newcomers upon settlement. Feeling safe is not static and inherent in various spaces, but rather, requires complex negotiations with other people and considerations for one’s LGBTQ+ identity.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) and The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) are non-profit organizations based in Calgary that support newcomers in integrating and finding belonging in Canada. Recognizing a need within Calgary’s immigrant and newcomer communities for systems navigation support and facilitated pathways into mental health supports, in 2023/2024 CCIS and TIES partnered to develop the Tapestry Project. In 2024, the Tapestry Project worked to weave together community outreach, awareness-raising, systems navigation, and capacity building to increase access to mental health supports for newcomers in Calgary. Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) and The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) are non-profit organizations based in Calgary that support newcomers in integrating and finding belonging in Canada. Recognizing a need within Calgary’s immigrant and newcomer communities for systems navigation support and facilitated pathways into mental health supports, in 2023/2024 CCIS and TIES partnered to develop the Tapestry Project. In 2024, the Tapestry Project worked to weave together community outreach, awareness-raising, systems navigation, and capacity building to increase access to mental health supports for newcomers in Calgary.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The newcomer serving sector remains pivotal in facilitating newcomers’ integration into communities, however, this sector grapples with ongoing challenges. Using a case story and immigration data from Calgary, AB, this article examines the funding and service delivery difficulties organizations encounter. It underscores a system that fosters funding competition, impedes interorganizational collaboration, complicates program outcome reporting, and entails high administrative costs. Additionally, it addresses the specific challenges faced by newcomer children, youth, and families settling in Canada. The recommendations emphasize that no single agency can resolve the settlement sector crisis alone. Urgent actions include piloting integrated networks over integrated services and adopting a new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funding model that aligns with population and cultural needs. Moreover, eliminating silos is essential to establish a cohesive and efficient service delivery network committed to public outcomes and accountability. The newcomer serving sector remains pivotal in facilitating newcomers’ integration into communities, however, this sector grapples with ongoing challenges. Using a case story and immigration data from Calgary, AB, this article examines the funding and service delivery difficulties organizations encounter. It underscores a system that fosters funding competition, impedes interorganizational collaboration, complicates program outcome reporting, and entails high administrative costs. Additionally, it addresses the specific challenges faced by newcomer children, youth, and families settling in Canada. The recommendations emphasize that no single agency can resolve the settlement sector crisis alone. Urgent actions include piloting integrated networks over integrated services and adopting a new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funding model that aligns with population and cultural needs. Moreover, eliminating silos is essential to establish a cohesive and efficient service delivery network committed to public outcomes and accountability.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The objective of this study was to examine how women who have immigrated from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region perceive breast cancer risk and screening in Canada and how they approach breast health, and to explore barriers to breast cancer screening in this population. Participants were women who were born in MENA countries (e.g., Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria) and had immigrated to Canada less than 5 years prior to study recruitment and lived in Edmonton, Alta. Six focus groups were conducted over a 6-week period in July and August 2018 with 6 participants in each group (N=36); results were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated participants have limited knowledge about breast cancer screening practices in Alberta and that multiple barriers to screening remain. This study can help inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions to overcome barriers and to motivate women from MENA countries to use breast cancer screening. The objective of this study was to examine how women who have immigrated from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region perceive breast cancer risk and screening in Canada and how they approach breast health, and to explore barriers to breast cancer screening in this population. Participants were women who were born in MENA countries (e.g., Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria) and had immigrated to Canada less than 5 years prior to study recruitment and lived in Edmonton, Alta. Six focus groups were conducted over a 6-week period in July and August 2018 with 6 participants in each group (N=36); results were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated participants have limited knowledge about breast cancer screening practices in Alberta and that multiple barriers to screening remain. This study can help inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions to overcome barriers and to motivate women from MENA countries to use breast cancer screening.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The Calgary-based Foundation for Black Communities’ (FFBC) Black Ideas Grant (BIG) Bridge and Build Program has provided funding for RaricaNow, an organization in Edmonton aiding 2SLGBTQ+ refugees. The numbers of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees continue to climb, and this grant will allow RaricaNow to provide housing and more settlement supports. The Calgary-based Foundation for Black Communities’ (FFBC) Black Ideas Grant (BIG) Bridge and Build Program has provided funding for RaricaNow, an organization in Edmonton aiding 2SLGBTQ+ refugees. The numbers of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees continue to climb, and this grant will allow RaricaNow to provide housing and more settlement supports.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent. Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The Rainbow Refuge, part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. Rainbow Refuge provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community, but with only 3 staff and limited funding, the program is struggling. Members have tripled in the past year, where the program now serves more than 600 people from over 60 countries. Stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are also shared in the article. The Rainbow Refuge, part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. Rainbow Refuge provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community, but with only 3 staff and limited funding, the program is struggling. Members have tripled in the past year, where the program now serves more than 600 people from over 60 countries. Stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are also shared in the article.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
African immigrants are moving to high-income nations such as Canada in greater numbers in search of a better life. These immigrants frequently struggle with several issues, including limited social support, shifts in gender roles/status, cultural conflicts with their children, and language barriers. We used participatory action research (PAR) to gather data about Sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a focus on their viewpoints, difficulties, and experiences of parenting children in Canada. We contextualized our study and its findings using both postcolonial feminism and transnationalism approaches. Study findings show African immigrant parents place a high priority on respect between generations. The absence of assistance, conflicts caused by culture, and language barriers are notable difficulties they encountered in parenting. An additional factor is a lack of acquaintance with and comprehension of the culture of their new home nation. Several implications stem from our findings, including the need for interventional research that explores effective, culturally relevant strategies for enhancing parenting among African immigrants. Our findings demonstrate the need for culturally sensitive policies and practices that support the transition and integration of African immigrant families into Canadian
society. It is imperative for health care providers and policy makers to develop and revise culturally appropriate policies that take into consideration the importance of African immigrants in destination countries. Adopting culturally relevant policies and practices will improve the wellbeing of this growing but underprivileged minority of Canadians. African immigrants are moving to high-income nations such as Canada in greater numbers in search of a better life. These immigrants frequently struggle with several issues, including limited social support, shifts in gender roles/status, cultural conflicts with their children, and language barriers. We used participatory action research (PAR) to gather data about Sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a focus on their viewpoints, difficulties, and experiences of parenting children in Canada. We contextualized our study and its findings using both postcolonial feminism and transnationalism approaches. Study findings show African immigrant parents place a high priority on respect between generations. The absence of assistance, conflicts caused by culture, and language barriers are notable difficulties they encountered in parenting. An additional factor is a lack of acquaintance with and comprehension of the culture of their new home nation. Several implications stem from our findings, including the need for interventional research that explores effective, culturally relevant strategies for enhancing parenting among African immigrants. Our findings demonstrate the need for culturally sensitive policies and practices that support the transition and integration of African immigrant families into Canadian
society. It is imperative for health care providers and policy makers to develop and revise culturally appropriate policies that take into consideration the importance of African immigrants in destination countries. Adopting culturally relevant policies and practices will improve the wellbeing of this growing but underprivileged minority of Canadians.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The YYC Airport Services for TFWs Program launched on October 1, 2022, to be the first point of contact for TFWs and other migrant workers arriving at Calgary’s International Airport before destining to their place of employment. The program utilized a service delivery model that focused on airport reception, client outreach, and parternship development. This report provides a summary of project activities and evaluative findings gathered from October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024. The YYC Airport Services for TFWs Program launched on October 1, 2022, to be the first point of contact for TFWs and other migrant workers arriving at Calgary’s International Airport before destining to their place of employment. The program utilized a service delivery model that focused on airport reception, client outreach, and parternship development. This report provides a summary of project activities and evaluative findings gathered from October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
