Research Library

This is an interview. Tracey Derwing and Ron Thomson reflect on the growth of Canadian second language (L2) pronunciation research from the early 1990s onward. In the early 1980s, little empirical research existed to inform pronunciation pedagogy, despite an influx of Vietnamese refugees, many of whom needed help with intelligibility. It was serendipity that linguistics students from the University of Alberta were teaching in an ESL program; their employer assigned them stand-alone pronunciation classes. Upon graduating, Tracey Derwing and Murray Munro probed L2 pronunciation issues extensively. Initially they found it difficult to publish, because journals could not identify suitable reviewers. Eventually, however, they garnered grants, hired students, and met like-minded colleagues. Graduate students from several universities have pursued pronunciation-related studies, extending our knowledge of pronunciation instruction (PI) and laying the foundation for second and third waves of researchers. Positive team dynamics and sustained scientific curiosity have established Canada as a dominant force in empirical pronunciation research. This is an interview. Tracey Derwing and Ron Thomson reflect on the growth of Canadian second language (L2) pronunciation research from the early 1990s onward. In the early 1980s, little empirical research existed to inform pronunciation pedagogy, despite an influx of Vietnamese refugees, many of whom needed help with intelligibility. It was serendipity that linguistics students from the University of Alberta were teaching in an ESL program; their employer assigned them stand-alone pronunciation classes. Upon graduating, Tracey Derwing and Murray Munro probed L2 pronunciation issues extensively. Initially they found it difficult to publish, because journals could not identify suitable reviewers. Eventually, however, they garnered grants, hired students, and met like-minded colleagues. Graduate students from several universities have pursued pronunciation-related studies, extending our knowledge of pronunciation instruction (PI) and laying the foundation for second and third waves of researchers. Positive team dynamics and sustained scientific curiosity have established Canada as a dominant force in empirical pronunciation research.
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This study investigated how refugees in Edmonton, Alberta descend into homelessness. We conducted interviews with 19 adult refugees from Afghanistan, Congo, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. All of them experienced homelessness after their arrival. We also did focus groups with housing support workers. These conversations helped us to identify several types of critical incidents that can lead refugees to become homeless after migration. These incidents are: (a) abandonment by or conflict with their sponsor(s), (b) abandonment by settlement counsellors/housing case workers, (c) sudden rent increases, (d) discrimination by landlords or neighbors, and (e) property infestations. These incidents sometimes become paired with long waiting lists for subsidized housing and a lack of knowledge of Canada’s official languages and housing system. This combination create circumstances in which refugees are most likely to become homeless. This study also highlighted critical loopholes in immigration policy implementation. We argue that these loopholes need to be addressed as soon as possible to improve refugee housing outcomes. This study investigated how refugees in Edmonton, Alberta descend into homelessness. We conducted interviews with 19 adult refugees from Afghanistan, Congo, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. All of them experienced homelessness after their arrival. We also did focus groups with housing support workers. These conversations helped us to identify several types of critical incidents that can lead refugees to become homeless after migration. These incidents are: (a) abandonment by or conflict with their sponsor(s), (b) abandonment by settlement counsellors/housing case workers, (c) sudden rent increases, (d) discrimination by landlords or neighbors, and (e) property infestations. These incidents sometimes become paired with long waiting lists for subsidized housing and a lack of knowledge of Canada’s official languages and housing system. This combination create circumstances in which refugees are most likely to become homeless. This study also highlighted critical loopholes in immigration policy implementation. We argue that these loopholes need to be addressed as soon as possible to improve refugee housing outcomes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This paper discusses the ways of increasing Alberta’s labour force. Increasing Alberta’s labour supply at the extensive margin involves increasing the population, which can be accomplished in three ways: higher birth rates, increased numbers of migrants arriving from other Canadian provinces, and increased immigration. Given these trends, immigration is becoming an increasingly important source of labour force growth throughout Canada, and Alberta is no exception. Immigrants are not a homogenous group, and there are a variety of immigration programs targeted at specific groups of potential newcomers. The economic and labour market outcomes of newcomers admitted under these programs are different, with factors such as language ability, domestic work experience, and the ability of employers to recognize credentials being important to the success of immigrants in the Canadian labour market. Two programs, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), have seen an increase in both the number and proportion of immigrants admitted in recent years, and the evidence to date shows they are performing well economically. The number of immigrants coming to Alberta through the controversial Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has dropped significantly from its peak in 2013, but Alberta still accounts for a disproportionate number of workers admitted under the program. While there are significant concerns about both the treatment of workers under the program and its effect on wage suppression in some industries, there is evidence that a limited TFWP may be beneficial. The final source of potential labour through immigration is foreign students. While there has been a tripling of foreign students across Canada over the last 20 years, Alberta has not experienced the same level of growth. Unfortunately, there is very limited room to increase the overall labour supply in Alberta at the intensive margins. Better addressing credential recognition, both in regulated occupations and the skilled trades, is another way Alberta could better utilize the talent of its current population. This paper discusses the ways of increasing Alberta’s labour force. Increasing Alberta’s labour supply at the extensive margin involves increasing the population, which can be accomplished in three ways: higher birth rates, increased numbers of migrants arriving from other Canadian provinces, and increased immigration. Given these trends, immigration is becoming an increasingly important source of labour force growth throughout Canada, and Alberta is no exception. Immigrants are not a homogenous group, and there are a variety of immigration programs targeted at specific groups of potential newcomers. The economic and labour market outcomes of newcomers admitted under these programs are different, with factors such as language ability, domestic work experience, and the ability of employers to recognize credentials being important to the success of immigrants in the Canadian labour market. Two programs, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), have seen an increase in both the number and proportion of immigrants admitted in recent years, and the evidence to date shows they are performing well economically. The number of immigrants coming to Alberta through the controversial Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has dropped significantly from its peak in 2013, but Alberta still accounts for a disproportionate number of workers admitted under the program. While there are significant concerns about both the treatment of workers under the program and its effect on wage suppression in some industries, there is evidence that a limited TFWP may be beneficial. The final source of potential labour through immigration is foreign students. While there has been a tripling of foreign students across Canada over the last 20 years, Alberta has not experienced the same level of growth. Unfortunately, there is very limited room to increase the overall labour supply in Alberta at the intensive margins. Better addressing credential recognition, both in regulated occupations and the skilled trades, is another way Alberta could better utilize the talent of its current population.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The Canadian Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire (CANRISK) is a validated, evidence-based, self-administered tool to assess the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiethnic Canadian adults. Identifying individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes allows early intervention that improves modifiable risk factors. This study examined the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in multiethnic urban youth in Edmonton, Alberta. Almost 25% of the participating multiethnic youth 11 to 23 years of age scored in the moderate or high category of CANRISK. The most prevalent risk factors were ethnicity, followed by physical inactivity, overweight or obesity and low fruit and vegetable consumption. A validated type 2 diabetes screening tool for youth as well as culturally appropriate, evidence-based and multidisciplinary diet and lifestyle interventions aiming to improve modifiable type 2 diabetes risk factors in multiethnic youth, particularly targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged and immigrant children and youth, should be developed, implemented and evaluated. The Canadian Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire (CANRISK) is a validated, evidence-based, self-administered tool to assess the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiethnic Canadian adults. Identifying individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes allows early intervention that improves modifiable risk factors. This study examined the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in multiethnic urban youth in Edmonton, Alberta. Almost 25% of the participating multiethnic youth 11 to 23 years of age scored in the moderate or high category of CANRISK. The most prevalent risk factors were ethnicity, followed by physical inactivity, overweight or obesity and low fruit and vegetable consumption. A validated type 2 diabetes screening tool for youth as well as culturally appropriate, evidence-based and multidisciplinary diet and lifestyle interventions aiming to improve modifiable type 2 diabetes risk factors in multiethnic youth, particularly targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged and immigrant children and youth, should be developed, implemented and evaluated.
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The Brooks Local Immigration Partnership (Brooks LIP) is a collaborative community effort to support the settlement and integration of newcomers in Brooks and area. After completing a literature review, needs assessment and community consultations, Brooks LIP has identified 3 priority areas to address to further support newcomers. This document presents a brief overview of the reasoning behind these priority areas. The Brooks Local Immigration Partnership (Brooks LIP) is a collaborative community effort to support the settlement and integration of newcomers in Brooks and area. After completing a literature review, needs assessment and community consultations, Brooks LIP has identified 3 priority areas to address to further support newcomers. This document presents a brief overview of the reasoning behind these priority areas.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Over the past years, more newcomers have moved to Lloydminster, particularly when the economy was strong and there were numerous opportunities for employment. The Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) was tasked with determining the experiences of newcomers in Lloydminster and their settlement needs. A survey, community engagement sessions and interviews were conducted to determine what was working well and what areas need to be enhanced to better assist newcomers in resettlement. Additionally, recommendations were created from this information to provide avenues for LLIP to move forwards and enhance the newcomer experience in Lloydminster. Over the past years, more newcomers have moved to Lloydminster, particularly when the economy was strong and there were numerous opportunities for employment. The Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) was tasked with determining the experiences of newcomers in Lloydminster and their settlement needs. A survey, community engagement sessions and interviews were conducted to determine what was working well and what areas need to be enhanced to better assist newcomers in resettlement. Additionally, recommendations were created from this information to provide avenues for LLIP to move forwards and enhance the newcomer experience in Lloydminster.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Since 2011, the armed conflict that began in the Syrian Arab Republic has displaced an estimated 12 million Syrians, forcing them to seek refuge in various countries around the world. Over half of those people are children. Education is key to integration of refugee children and is considered critical in bringing back a sense of normalcy, routine, as well as emotional and social well-being in their lives. In Canada, integration of Syrian refugee children in the public school system has, therefore, been identified as one of the vital aspects of their settlement needs. This article examines the challenges experienced by newly arrived Syrian refugee children as they struggle to integrate to the Canadian school system. Our research shows that Syrian refugee children not only find it difficult to make friends with local students but are also subjected to constant bullying and racism that affect their sense of belonging and connection. Making the views of these students explicit, we hope to provide a starting point for not only understanding their experiences in more detail, but also for developing educational strategies, resources and policies that might best meet the needs of these students and future refugee children and youth. Since 2011, the armed conflict that began in the Syrian Arab Republic has displaced an estimated 12 million Syrians, forcing them to seek refuge in various countries around the world. Over half of those people are children. Education is key to integration of refugee children and is considered critical in bringing back a sense of normalcy, routine, as well as emotional and social well-being in their lives. In Canada, integration of Syrian refugee children in the public school system has, therefore, been identified as one of the vital aspects of their settlement needs. This article examines the challenges experienced by newly arrived Syrian refugee children as they struggle to integrate to the Canadian school system. Our research shows that Syrian refugee children not only find it difficult to make friends with local students but are also subjected to constant bullying and racism that affect their sense of belonging and connection. Making the views of these students explicit, we hope to provide a starting point for not only understanding their experiences in more detail, but also for developing educational strategies, resources and policies that might best meet the needs of these students and future refugee children and youth.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

With the arrival of a large number of Syrian families to Canada, educators and other service providers are reflecting on best practices to support the psychosocial adaption of refugees from conflict settings. This article draws on a study and model that examined the psychosocial adaptation of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. The name of the model is RAISED between Cultures. The acronym stands for Reveal culture, Acknowledge pre-migration experiences, Identify post-migration systemic barriers, Support family and community strengths, Establish connections between environments, and Determine child outcomes together with families. Study focused on the role of cultural brokers in facilitating the adaptation of Syrian refugee families, our results provide evidence for the application of the model for educators and other school personnel. As key figures in refugee children and families’ adaptation to their host country, educators can draw on these findings to identify families’ and children’s’ strengths and challenges during early resettlement to ensure positive child outcomes. With the arrival of a large number of Syrian families to Canada, educators and other service providers are reflecting on best practices to support the psychosocial adaption of refugees from conflict settings. This article draws on a study and model that examined the psychosocial adaptation of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. The name of the model is RAISED between Cultures. The acronym stands for Reveal culture, Acknowledge pre-migration experiences, Identify post-migration systemic barriers, Support family and community strengths, Establish connections between environments, and Determine child outcomes together with families. Study focused on the role of cultural brokers in facilitating the adaptation of Syrian refugee families, our results provide evidence for the application of the model for educators and other school personnel. As key figures in refugee children and families’ adaptation to their host country, educators can draw on these findings to identify families’ and children’s’ strengths and challenges during early resettlement to ensure positive child outcomes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This research focused on understanding the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. The goals were to understand how communities and schools might better support integration, the unique psychosocial and academic needs of Syrian refugees, and how schools can support reciprocal learning among refugee, immigrant, and Canadian-born students. Findings revealedthatmany refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition, and again upon resettlement in Canada. Further challenges includeddifficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling, lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs, and racism and discrimination experienced by youth trying to integrate with their Canadian peers. The project reveals many gaps in programs and services and highlights the need for a coordinated approach among the different stakeholders in the refugee settlement and integration process. This research focused on understanding the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. The goals were to understand how communities and schools might better support integration, the unique psychosocial and academic needs of Syrian refugees, and how schools can support reciprocal learning among refugee, immigrant, and Canadian-born students. Findings revealedthatmany refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition, and again upon resettlement in Canada. Further challenges includeddifficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling, lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs, and racism and discrimination experienced by youth trying to integrate with their Canadian peers. The project reveals many gaps in programs and services and highlights the need for a coordinated approach among the different stakeholders in the refugee settlement and integration process.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This study examined the barriers and facilitators to community belonging for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. Participants discuss two forms of community belonging in this study: (a) belonging to an ethnocultural group; and (b) belonging within mainstream Canadian society. Barriers to mainstream community belonging for immigrants include employment barriers, language barriers, and discrimination. Recent immigrants often experience a sense of belonging to their ethnic group within the host country before feeling connected to others in their local geographic community. A major factor contributing to this trend is the lack of ethnocultural diversity in local community organizations in the areas where immigrants live. Immigrant service agencies and religious institutions compensate for this deficiency through creating avenues for social connection within and across ethnocultural groups and to mainstream Canadian society. Thus local community organizations should address issues of ethnocultural diversity and discrimination to improve the mental health of immigrants by fostering community belonging. Supporting programs in immigrant service agencies and religious institutions to increase social participation and engagement would, also, help strengthen community belonging and improve immigrant mental health. This study examined the barriers and facilitators to community belonging for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. Participants discuss two forms of community belonging in this study: (a) belonging to an ethnocultural group; and (b) belonging within mainstream Canadian society. Barriers to mainstream community belonging for immigrants include employment barriers, language barriers, and discrimination. Recent immigrants often experience a sense of belonging to their ethnic group within the host country before feeling connected to others in their local geographic community. A major factor contributing to this trend is the lack of ethnocultural diversity in local community organizations in the areas where immigrants live. Immigrant service agencies and religious institutions compensate for this deficiency through creating avenues for social connection within and across ethnocultural groups and to mainstream Canadian society. Thus local community organizations should address issues of ethnocultural diversity and discrimination to improve the mental health of immigrants by fostering community belonging. Supporting programs in immigrant service agencies and religious institutions to increase social participation and engagement would, also, help strengthen community belonging and improve immigrant mental health.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly