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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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

Mapping newcomers’ commute in Calgary

The objective of this study is to identify locations of newcomers and jobs in Calgary and analyze transit-based job accessibility from the locations of newcomers to their prospective jobs. The cumulative opportunity measure is used to compute job accessibility, which counts the number of job opportunities that can be reached from each Dissemination Area in Calgary within a given travel time. In addition, this study examines transit-based job accessibility based on various commute times and jobs in different employment sectors. This study leads to the broad conclusion that newcomers in Calgary need more efficient transit services to deliver them to their potential job opportunities. Given that transit-based job accessibility varies considerably depending on the time of day and industry, time- and industry-specific approaches in transit planning will be helpful in efforts to improve newcomers’ transit- based job accessibility and, in turn, their chances for stable employment and settlement. The objective of this study is to identify locations of newcomers and jobs in Calgary and analyze transit-based job accessibility from the locations of newcomers to their prospective jobs. The cumulative opportunity measure is used to compute job accessibility, which counts the number of job opportunities that can be reached from each Dissemination Area in Calgary within a given travel time. In addition, this study examines transit-based job accessibility based on various commute times and jobs in different employment sectors. This study leads to the broad conclusion that newcomers in Calgary need more efficient transit services to deliver them to their potential job opportunities. Given that transit-based job accessibility varies considerably depending on the time of day and industry, time- and industry-specific approaches in transit planning will be helpful in efforts to improve newcomers’ transit- based job accessibility and, in turn, their chances for stable employment and settlement.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Vulnerabilities and strengths in parent-adolescent relationships in Bangladeshi immigrant families in Alberta

This study investigated the challenges and parent-adolescent relationship factors that contribute to resilience and the successful adjustment of Bangladeshi families following immigration to Canada. The systems framework of family resilience (Walsh, 2006) was used to interpret how Bangladeshi immigrant adolescents and parents experienced and navigated immigration challenges. Using a qualitative approach, four adolescent girls and four parents of adolescents were interviewed to inquire into their experience of challenges related to adolescent development, the immigrant experiences, and parent-adolescent relationships influencing their post-immigration adjustment. Immigrant adolescents faced language and cultural barriers, bullying and discrimination in their school environment while rituals, customs and values from their culture of origin diminished. They felt pressured by their parent’s career expectations and felt they suffered gender discrimination in the family. Parents faced economic and career challenges and a difficult parenting experience. Optimism about the future, parental encouragement, mutual empathy of each other’s struggles, sharing feelings, open and clear communication, flexibility in parenting style and anchoring in cultural values and religious beliefs helped parents and adolescents become more resilient in maintaining a positive outlook with a positive view of their immigration. In some cases, the challenges of immigration pulled the families closer together in mutual support. It is hoped that findings from this study will assist in developing effective social programmes to ease adolescents’ and parents’ transitions among immigrants and to promote resiliency in immigrant families. This study investigated the challenges and parent-adolescent relationship factors that contribute to resilience and the successful adjustment of Bangladeshi families following immigration to Canada. The systems framework of family resilience (Walsh, 2006) was used to interpret how Bangladeshi immigrant adolescents and parents experienced and navigated immigration challenges. Using a qualitative approach, four adolescent girls and four parents of adolescents were interviewed to inquire into their experience of challenges related to adolescent development, the immigrant experiences, and parent-adolescent relationships influencing their post-immigration adjustment. Immigrant adolescents faced language and cultural barriers, bullying and discrimination in their school environment while rituals, customs and values from their culture of origin diminished. They felt pressured by their parent’s career expectations and felt they suffered gender discrimination in the family. Parents faced economic and career challenges and a difficult parenting experience. Optimism about the future, parental encouragement, mutual empathy of each other’s struggles, sharing feelings, open and clear communication, flexibility in parenting style and anchoring in cultural values and religious beliefs helped parents and adolescents become more resilient in maintaining a positive outlook with a positive view of their immigration. In some cases, the challenges of immigration pulled the families closer together in mutual support. It is hoped that findings from this study will assist in developing effective social programmes to ease adolescents’ and parents’ transitions among immigrants and to promote resiliency in immigrant families.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

School Resource Officers and the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Currently, there is a strong debate on whether School Resource Officers (SROs) should be removed from Edmonton schools. SROs are often not given specialized training to work in schools or with youth—they rely on basic police training. Illustrating this point, some students in Edmonton have claimed that officers at their schools view students as potential threats and criminals rather than as young students. The debate to remove SROs is part of the growing conversation around Black Lives Matter and police brutality. Many argue that SROs extend police involvement, discrimination, and brutality into the lives of BIPOC youth and children, which brings them into—and keeps them entrenched in— the criminal justice system. Currently, there is a strong debate on whether School Resource Officers (SROs) should be removed from Edmonton schools. SROs are often not given specialized training to work in schools or with youth—they rely on basic police training. Illustrating this point, some students in Edmonton have claimed that officers at their schools view students as potential threats and criminals rather than as young students. The debate to remove SROs is part of the growing conversation around Black Lives Matter and police brutality. Many argue that SROs extend police involvement, discrimination, and brutality into the lives of BIPOC youth and children, which brings them into—and keeps them entrenched in— the criminal justice system.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

UCalgary Researcher Aims to Improve Intersectional Experiences of LGBTQ2S+ Newcomers to Canada

Dr. Tonya Callaghan at the University of Calgary, in partnership with the Centre of Newcomers, is studying the challenges and gaps in settlement services for LGBTQ2S+ newcomers to Calgary. This emerging research project hopes to tangibly change policy and practice around creating and implementing trauma-informed supports for the intersectional experiences of LGBTQ2S+ newcomers. Dr. Tonya Callaghan at the University of Calgary, in partnership with the Centre of Newcomers, is studying the challenges and gaps in settlement services for LGBTQ2S+ newcomers to Calgary. This emerging research project hopes to tangibly change policy and practice around creating and implementing trauma-informed supports for the intersectional experiences of LGBTQ2S+ newcomers.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Community anti-racism action strategy: Weaving a shared path forward for an anti-racist Calgary

The Community Anti-Racism Action Strategy is a comprehensive report developed by the City of Calgary to inform its Anti-Racism Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. The report outlines recommendations for shifting the city as an overall system, including actions that focus on underlying policies, structures, and procedures. It is an invitation to create positive relationships, live in reciprocity, and take action towards a future that includes all of us. The report is committed to creating a Calgary where Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized communities feel safe, welcome, included and are treated with dignity. It incorporates Indigenous teachings and perspectives into its anti-racism framework and provides guidance for individuals and communities to actively participate in anti-racism efforts in Calgary. The Community Anti-Racism Action Strategy is a comprehensive report developed by the City of Calgary to inform its Anti-Racism Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. The report outlines recommendations for shifting the city as an overall system, including actions that focus on underlying policies, structures, and procedures. It is an invitation to create positive relationships, live in reciprocity, and take action towards a future that includes all of us. The report is committed to creating a Calgary where Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized communities feel safe, welcome, included and are treated with dignity. It incorporates Indigenous teachings and perspectives into its anti-racism framework and provides guidance for individuals and communities to actively participate in anti-racism efforts in Calgary.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Syrian refugees in Canada: A qualitative report of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial adaptation

Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived in Canada between 2015 and 2020. Upon arrival, Syrians needed to find housing, employment, healthcare, and language training. They also had to address psychosocial needs, such as cultivating social supports and establishing a sense of safety, which are critical for mitigating trauma and stress related to resettlement. In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding pre-existing and systemic health, social, and economic inequities. Refugees are identified as particularly vulnerable during the pandemic due to the precarious working, living, economic, and health conditions they often face. Only three Canadian studies to date have explored Syrian refugee experiences during COVID-19: one used quantitative methods, the other focused on postnatal women, and one explored housing stability. Therefore, there is a dearth of qualitative information regarding how Syrian refugees in Canada have been impacted by the pandemic, especially regarding their psychosocial adaptation during this period. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identified supports needed, from the perspectives of Syrian refugees themselves. This study is embedded within a broader community-based participatory research project investigating psychosocial adaptation with the Syrian refugee community and used qualitative description and thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 Syrian refugees. Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived in Canada between 2015 and 2020. Upon arrival, Syrians needed to find housing, employment, healthcare, and language training. They also had to address psychosocial needs, such as cultivating social supports and establishing a sense of safety, which are critical for mitigating trauma and stress related to resettlement. In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding pre-existing and systemic health, social, and economic inequities. Refugees are identified as particularly vulnerable during the pandemic due to the precarious working, living, economic, and health conditions they often face. Only three Canadian studies to date have explored Syrian refugee experiences during COVID-19: one used quantitative methods, the other focused on postnatal women, and one explored housing stability. Therefore, there is a dearth of qualitative information regarding how Syrian refugees in Canada have been impacted by the pandemic, especially regarding their psychosocial adaptation during this period. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identified supports needed, from the perspectives of Syrian refugees themselves. This study is embedded within a broader community-based participatory research project investigating psychosocial adaptation with the Syrian refugee community and used qualitative description and thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 Syrian refugees.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Supporting Women Newcomers in Canada: Key Considerations for Inclusive Programming

This learning note identifies provides a brief overview of the how compounding vulnerabilities and responisbilities shape the experiences of newcomer women throughout the settlement journey. It offers key considerations for designing inclusive and effective programs to support the diverse experiences of newcomer women in Canada. This learning note identifies provides a brief overview of the how compounding vulnerabilities and responisbilities shape the experiences of newcomer women throughout the settlement journey. It offers key considerations for designing inclusive and effective programs to support the diverse experiences of newcomer women in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Discrimination Experienced by Immigrants, Racialized Individuals, and Indigenous Peoples in Small- and Mid-Sized Communities in Southwestern Ontario

We investigate discrimination experiences of (1) immigrants and racialized individuals, (2) Indigenous peoples, and (3) comparison White non-immigrants in nine regions of Southwestern Ontario containing small- and mid-sized communities. For each region, representative samples of the three groups were recruited to complete online surveys. In most regions, over 80 percent of Indigenous peoples reported experiencing discrimination in the past 3 years, and in more than half of the regions, over 60 percent of immigrants and racialized individuals did so. Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals were most likely to experience discrimination in employment settings and in a variety of public settings, and were most likely to attribute this discrimination to racial and ethnocultural factors, and for Indigenous peoples also their Indigenous identity. Immigrants and racialized individuals who had experienced discrimination generally reported a lower sense of belonging and welcome in their communities. This association was weaker for Indigenous peoples. The findings provide new insight into discrimination experienced by Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals in small and mid-sized Canadian communities, and are critical to creating and implementing effective anti-racism and anti-discrimination strategies. We investigate discrimination experiences of (1) immigrants and racialized individuals, (2) Indigenous peoples, and (3) comparison White non-immigrants in nine regions of Southwestern Ontario containing small- and mid-sized communities. For each region, representative samples of the three groups were recruited to complete online surveys. In most regions, over 80 percent of Indigenous peoples reported experiencing discrimination in the past 3 years, and in more than half of the regions, over 60 percent of immigrants and racialized individuals did so. Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals were most likely to experience discrimination in employment settings and in a variety of public settings, and were most likely to attribute this discrimination to racial and ethnocultural factors, and for Indigenous peoples also their Indigenous identity. Immigrants and racialized individuals who had experienced discrimination generally reported a lower sense of belonging and welcome in their communities. This association was weaker for Indigenous peoples. The findings provide new insight into discrimination experienced by Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals in small and mid-sized Canadian communities, and are critical to creating and implementing effective anti-racism and anti-discrimination strategies.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

One city – one journey – one safe crossing: The City of Calgary Public Safety Anti-racism Action Strategy

The City of Calgary Public Safety Anti-Racism Action Strategy aims to prevent and mitigate systemic racism and racialization in public safety and City programs and services. The strategy highlights the need to examine policies, bylaws, and legislation that regulate behaviors, statements, or decisions that cause or sustain racism and racialization. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in supporting The City’s efforts to become anti-racist. This Action Strategy is instrumental in the development of The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which provides an overview of strategic actions to create equitable and fair protection, treatment, and outcomes for all Calgarians by enhancing public safety, dignity, order, and peace. The City of Calgary Public Safety Anti-Racism Action Strategy aims to prevent and mitigate systemic racism and racialization in public safety and City programs and services. The strategy highlights the need to examine policies, bylaws, and legislation that regulate behaviors, statements, or decisions that cause or sustain racism and racialization. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in supporting The City’s efforts to become anti-racist. This Action Strategy is instrumental in the development of The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which provides an overview of strategic actions to create equitable and fair protection, treatment, and outcomes for all Calgarians by enhancing public safety, dignity, order, and peace.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Ripples of change: The City of Calgary Organizational Anti-Racism Action Strategy

This strategy outlines the City of Calgary’s commitment to creating a racially-just community. It emphasizes the importance of collective anti-racism work, organizational stamina, anti-racist leadership, and intentional centering of the lived experiences of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized employees. The strategy also highlights the need for a focused approach to address the root causes of systemic racism and oppression. It emphasizes accountability as a public service organization and aims to embed it into the change process. Overall, this strategy serves as a roadmap for the City of Calgary’s efforts towards creating an inclusive and equitable community for all its residents. This strategy outlines the City of Calgary’s commitment to creating a racially-just community. It emphasizes the importance of collective anti-racism work, organizational stamina, anti-racist leadership, and intentional centering of the lived experiences of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized employees. The strategy also highlights the need for a focused approach to address the root causes of systemic racism and oppression. It emphasizes accountability as a public service organization and aims to embed it into the change process. Overall, this strategy serves as a roadmap for the City of Calgary’s efforts towards creating an inclusive and equitable community for all its residents.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly