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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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
This qualitative inquiry delved into the healthcare needs and experiences of Afghan refugee women resettled in Edmonton, AB, Canada, addressing three primary research questions. Employing a community-based participatory research approach alongside qualitative narrative inquiry, the study explored the lived experiences of Afghan women refugees accessing healthcare services, at the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC). Through focus groups with six NCHC staff and semi-structured interviews with three Afghan women clients, a nuanced understanding of their
healthcare journeys emerged. Their insights offered valuable recommendations for culturally sensitive service provision. Ultimately, this study highlighted the imperative of culturally safe healthcare practices and underscored the transformative role of community and
empowerment in shaping the healthcare experiences of Afghan refugee women in Canada. This qualitative inquiry delved into the healthcare needs and experiences of Afghan refugee women resettled in Edmonton, AB, Canada, addressing three primary research questions. Employing a community-based participatory research approach alongside qualitative narrative inquiry, the study explored the lived experiences of Afghan women refugees accessing healthcare services, at the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC). Through focus groups with six NCHC staff and semi-structured interviews with three Afghan women clients, a nuanced understanding of their
healthcare journeys emerged. Their insights offered valuable recommendations for culturally sensitive service provision. Ultimately, this study highlighted the imperative of culturally safe healthcare practices and underscored the transformative role of community and
empowerment in shaping the healthcare experiences of Afghan refugee women in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across diferent COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n=39), and semistructured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n=6), private refugee sponsors (n=3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n=13) were conducted in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences. Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design. Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn. The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across diferent COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n=39), and semistructured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n=6), private refugee sponsors (n=3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n=13) were conducted in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences. Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design. Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Parents worldwide aspire to guide their children toward what they see as “success”. However, immigrant families in Canada, especially those from non-Western backgrounds, encounter distinct challenges. These include maintaining family cohesion and supporting their children’s psychological and emotional well-being amidst acculturation differences. This qualitative study
utilizes Bourdieu’s critical sociological theory to examine the experiences of five first generation, middle-class Chinese immigrant mothers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Despite past research suggesting that immigrant parents are resistant to changing some of their deeply held beliefs (regardless of how they diverge from predominant norms), the findings of this study point toward participants’ shared desire to abandon their cultural traditions. They rejected the high power, hierarchical parent-child relationships of their own upbringing and instead strove to respect their children as autonomous equals with the ‘right’ to self-expression, aligning with Western philosophical paradigms. However, despite these intentions, their habitus is embodied and enduring, such that their habitual ways of reacting and relating to their children reflect the very traditions they consciously reject. The findings illuminate the challenges non-Western immigrant parents face in implementing their evolving parenting goals in everyday interactions with their children Parents worldwide aspire to guide their children toward what they see as “success”. However, immigrant families in Canada, especially those from non-Western backgrounds, encounter distinct challenges. These include maintaining family cohesion and supporting their children’s psychological and emotional well-being amidst acculturation differences. This qualitative study
utilizes Bourdieu’s critical sociological theory to examine the experiences of five first generation, middle-class Chinese immigrant mothers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Despite past research suggesting that immigrant parents are resistant to changing some of their deeply held beliefs (regardless of how they diverge from predominant norms), the findings of this study point toward participants’ shared desire to abandon their cultural traditions. They rejected the high power, hierarchical parent-child relationships of their own upbringing and instead strove to respect their children as autonomous equals with the ‘right’ to self-expression, aligning with Western philosophical paradigms. However, despite these intentions, their habitus is embodied and enduring, such that their habitual ways of reacting and relating to their children reflect the very traditions they consciously reject. The findings illuminate the challenges non-Western immigrant parents face in implementing their evolving parenting goals in everyday interactions with their children
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders. Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Edmonton saw record breaking population growth in 2023 which is largely attributed to 47,100 international newcomers- a 13,700 increase from 2022 which saw a high of 33,400. Additionally, the city saw an estimated 5.2% job increase in 2023 hitting a record high of approximately 851,000- a 42,400 increase from 2022. Job increases were mainly led by the professional and technical sectors. However, Edmonton’s unemployment rate averaged 5.9% in 2023, and is expected to rise to a rate of 6.3% in 2024, suggesting that the labour force increase will be faster than employment. The unemployment rate is expected to lower in 2025 to 6.1% and stabilize in 2026-2028. Edmonton saw record breaking population growth in 2023 which is largely attributed to 47,100 international newcomers- a 13,700 increase from 2022 which saw a high of 33,400. Additionally, the city saw an estimated 5.2% job increase in 2023 hitting a record high of approximately 851,000- a 42,400 increase from 2022. Job increases were mainly led by the professional and technical sectors. However, Edmonton’s unemployment rate averaged 5.9% in 2023, and is expected to rise to a rate of 6.3% in 2024, suggesting that the labour force increase will be faster than employment. The unemployment rate is expected to lower in 2025 to 6.1% and stabilize in 2026-2028.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual methods (e.g. photography, art, filmmaking), there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change. Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual methods (e.g. photography, art, filmmaking), there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7
supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options
and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider
range of recreation, religious services and food options. Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7
supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options
and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider
range of recreation, religious services and food options.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This article revisits the radical roots of adult education for social change by developing community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research. Utilizing critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, the study incorporates principles of participatory action research (PAR) to conceptualize a model of anti-racism education in which community members and academics collaborate as equal partners throughout the process. The analysis identifies three key features of this approach: using individuals’ lived experiences as a foundation to understand contemporary forms of racism, emphasizing grassroots-level participation, and prioritizing an action-oriented aspect of community-based anti-racism education. By integrating CRT and PAR, this model aims to foster collaborative, equitable partnerships in anti-racism education across diverse communities and to position such education as a site for advocacy, emancipation, and institutional practice for social change. This article revisits the radical roots of adult education for social change by developing community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research. Utilizing critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, the study incorporates principles of participatory action research (PAR) to conceptualize a model of anti-racism education in which community members and academics collaborate as equal partners throughout the process. The analysis identifies three key features of this approach: using individuals’ lived experiences as a foundation to understand contemporary forms of racism, emphasizing grassroots-level participation, and prioritizing an action-oriented aspect of community-based anti-racism education. By integrating CRT and PAR, this model aims to foster collaborative, equitable partnerships in anti-racism education across diverse communities and to position such education as a site for advocacy, emancipation, and institutional practice for social change.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical
literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed
mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health. Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical
literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed
mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children. A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
