Research Library

This study explores the relationship between residential overcrowding among immigrants and hidden homelessness in Canada. It presents mixed evidence on the link between residential overcrowding and hidden homelessness, as well as reflections on unique avoidance strategies used by immigrant communities to keep their co-ethnics off the streets and out of homeless shelters. While the research does not focus specifically on Calgary and Edmonton, it includes data on these cities as part of a larger study on hidden homelessness in Canada. This may be of interest to policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to address homelessness and housing insecurity in these cities and beyond. This study explores the relationship between residential overcrowding among immigrants and hidden homelessness in Canada. It presents mixed evidence on the link between residential overcrowding and hidden homelessness, as well as reflections on unique avoidance strategies used by immigrant communities to keep their co-ethnics off the streets and out of homeless shelters. While the research does not focus specifically on Calgary and Edmonton, it includes data on these cities as part of a larger study on hidden homelessness in Canada. This may be of interest to policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to address homelessness and housing insecurity in these cities and beyond.
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Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially constitute a major public health concern in Canada. The present study assessed the prevalence and predictors of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy of women living in Canada from 2005-2006 who had a singleton live birth and whose child remained in their care 5-9 months following birth. The analysis shows that 10.8% of women drank alcohol at some point during their pregnancies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy was significantly associated with several important factors including marital status, smoking status, reaction to the pregnancy and immigrant status. While being an immigrant to Canada appeared to confer a protective effect (immigrants were less likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy than Canadian women), women who have partners and smoked during pregnancy were significantly more likely to drink alcohol during their pregnancies. Perhaps most importantly, pregnant women who reported indifference or being unhappy/very unhappy in regards to their pregnancies exhibited an increased risk of drinking alcohol during their pregnancies. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially constitute a major public health concern in Canada. The present study assessed the prevalence and predictors of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy of women living in Canada from 2005-2006 who had a singleton live birth and whose child remained in their care 5-9 months following birth. The analysis shows that 10.8% of women drank alcohol at some point during their pregnancies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy was significantly associated with several important factors including marital status, smoking status, reaction to the pregnancy and immigrant status. While being an immigrant to Canada appeared to confer a protective effect (immigrants were less likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy than Canadian women), women who have partners and smoked during pregnancy were significantly more likely to drink alcohol during their pregnancies. Perhaps most importantly, pregnant women who reported indifference or being unhappy/very unhappy in regards to their pregnancies exhibited an increased risk of drinking alcohol during their pregnancies.
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In recent years the province of Alberta, Canada, has experienced exponential growth in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs). Although TFWs have the same worker rights as permanent residents and Canadian citizens, these rights are not always acknowledged; TFWs are subject to exploitation by recruiters and employers. TFWs with low English language skills can have limited access to information about their new communities and their rights as workers. Previous research has exposed the flaws of the temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) and the experiences of TFWs, but little is known about the ESL needs of TFWs in Alberta. This study explores the regulation of English language skills, the English language proficiency levels of TFWs and reasons for acquiring English language training (ELT), the accessibility of ELT in terms of options and barriers, and the role of the employer in facilitating or encouraging access to ELT. This study also addresses the extent to which the ESL needs of TFWs is currently being met. Ten employees of immigrant-serving agencies and Community Adult Learning Councils completed questionnaires and/or participated in interviews and one provincial government representative was interviewed. Participants worked directly with TFWs or the TFWP and were chosen to represent rural areas, small and large cities in Alberta. The data presented very diverse results, but suggest overall that the ESL needs of TFWs are not being met. Further research should be conducted to gain a greater understanding of how the ESL needs of TFWs could better be met. In recent years the province of Alberta, Canada, has experienced exponential growth in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs). Although TFWs have the same worker rights as permanent residents and Canadian citizens, these rights are not always acknowledged; TFWs are subject to exploitation by recruiters and employers. TFWs with low English language skills can have limited access to information about their new communities and their rights as workers. Previous research has exposed the flaws of the temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) and the experiences of TFWs, but little is known about the ESL needs of TFWs in Alberta. This study explores the regulation of English language skills, the English language proficiency levels of TFWs and reasons for acquiring English language training (ELT), the accessibility of ELT in terms of options and barriers, and the role of the employer in facilitating or encouraging access to ELT. This study also addresses the extent to which the ESL needs of TFWs is currently being met. Ten employees of immigrant-serving agencies and Community Adult Learning Councils completed questionnaires and/or participated in interviews and one provincial government representative was interviewed. Participants worked directly with TFWs or the TFWP and were chosen to represent rural areas, small and large cities in Alberta. The data presented very diverse results, but suggest overall that the ESL needs of TFWs are not being met. Further research should be conducted to gain a greater understanding of how the ESL needs of TFWs could better be met.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This report collates findings from a series of public consultations conducted to review and receive feedback on the impacts of the TFW program on Alberta’s workforce, its communities and its people. The review was meant to identify the role of the TFW program in Alberta’s labour force planning, what role TFWs fill in Alberta’s labour market and how to ensure that the program is best serving the needs of Albertans. This report collates findings from a series of public consultations conducted to review and receive feedback on the impacts of the TFW program on Alberta’s workforce, its communities and its people. The review was meant to identify the role of the TFW program in Alberta’s labour force planning, what role TFWs fill in Alberta’s labour market and how to ensure that the program is best serving the needs of Albertans.
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Ethno-specific organizations are often criticized for threatening national unity, diluting Canadian identity, and promoting ghettoization and separatism. Drawing from two case studies, this article examines the role of Chinese ethnic organizations in responding to changing community needs in Edmonton and Calgary. The study results suggested that ethno-specific organizations can be an effective alternative in providing accessible and equitable social services for immigrants because they are more closely connected with and responsive to ethnic community needs. The study reveals the salience of ethnicity as both an important resource and a liability. On the one hand, ethnicity was utilized by the state as a way to mobilize ethnic political support to serve an ethnic-specific community; on the other hand, the same ethnicity also became a device for the state to legitimize its political agenda in multiculturizing ethno-specific organizations with an ultimate goal of assimilation. To build an inclusive society, it is imperative to treat ethno-specific organizations as an integral part of Canadian society and to adopt minority rights that recognize and accommodate the distinctive identities and needs of ethno-cultural groups and their ethnic communities. Ethno-specific organizations are often criticized for threatening national unity, diluting Canadian identity, and promoting ghettoization and separatism. Drawing from two case studies, this article examines the role of Chinese ethnic organizations in responding to changing community needs in Edmonton and Calgary. The study results suggested that ethno-specific organizations can be an effective alternative in providing accessible and equitable social services for immigrants because they are more closely connected with and responsive to ethnic community needs. The study reveals the salience of ethnicity as both an important resource and a liability. On the one hand, ethnicity was utilized by the state as a way to mobilize ethnic political support to serve an ethnic-specific community; on the other hand, the same ethnicity also became a device for the state to legitimize its political agenda in multiculturizing ethno-specific organizations with an ultimate goal of assimilation. To build an inclusive society, it is imperative to treat ethno-specific organizations as an integral part of Canadian society and to adopt minority rights that recognize and accommodate the distinctive identities and needs of ethno-cultural groups and their ethnic communities.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This paper examines the lived experiences of Chinese-Canadian youth in Alberta in relation to two multiculturalism debates: multiculturalism as a politics of recognition and multiculturalism as a cohesive force. It focuses on three themes of their lived experiences, which include racial discrimination and stereotypes in school; biased media representation; and the relationship between ethnic language maintenance, sense of belonging and multiculturalism policy within a bilingual framework. Two findings are highlighted in this paper. First, the racism youth experienced at school and the racist discourse against Chinese-Canadian students found in Canadian media indicate that Chinese Canadians as racialized and ethnic minorities have not been recognized and treated as equal partners in social interactions with the White dominant group. The multicultural policy focus and task of addressing racism in the 1980s has yet to be finished despite current multicultural policy having a new focus. Second, multiculturalism within a bilingual framework is more an assimilating force than a divisive one. Given the separation of language rights and cultural rights as well as the strong linguistic and cultural assimilation forces in major Canadian institutions, it is less likely for Chinese-Canadian youth to maintain their ethnic language and culture. The main factor that affects their sense of belonging to Canada is the racism in Canadian society rather than the symbolic recognition of diversity that multiculturalism encourages. This paper examines the lived experiences of Chinese-Canadian youth in Alberta in relation to two multiculturalism debates: multiculturalism as a politics of recognition and multiculturalism as a cohesive force. It focuses on three themes of their lived experiences, which include racial discrimination and stereotypes in school; biased media representation; and the relationship between ethnic language maintenance, sense of belonging and multiculturalism policy within a bilingual framework. Two findings are highlighted in this paper. First, the racism youth experienced at school and the racist discourse against Chinese-Canadian students found in Canadian media indicate that Chinese Canadians as racialized and ethnic minorities have not been recognized and treated as equal partners in social interactions with the White dominant group. The multicultural policy focus and task of addressing racism in the 1980s has yet to be finished despite current multicultural policy having a new focus. Second, multiculturalism within a bilingual framework is more an assimilating force than a divisive one. Given the separation of language rights and cultural rights as well as the strong linguistic and cultural assimilation forces in major Canadian institutions, it is less likely for Chinese-Canadian youth to maintain their ethnic language and culture. The main factor that affects their sense of belonging to Canada is the racism in Canadian society rather than the symbolic recognition of diversity that multiculturalism encourages.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This paper sought to examine which pre- and post-migration factors might be associated with changes in refugees’ health status. Having spent time in a refugee camp and having held professional/managerial jobs in one’s home country were associated with a greater decline in mental health status since arrival in Canada. Having completed a university degree in one’s home country was associated with a greater decline in physical health status. Being employed was associated with greater improvements in mental health status. Perceived economic hardship was associated with greater declines in physical health status. A higher number of settlement services received during the first year in Canada was associated with greater improvements in both mental and physical health status. Longer residence in Canada was associated with greater declines in physical health status but not in mental health status. While little can be done to alter refugees’ pre-migration experiences, public policies can affect many post-migration experiences in order to mitigate the negative health consequences associated with resettlement. Results of this study point to the need for continued provision of settlement services to assist refugees with job training, labour market access, and credential recognition, as well as counseling for refugees who experienced the trauma of living in a refugee camp. This paper sought to examine which pre- and post-migration factors might be associated with changes in refugees’ health status. Having spent time in a refugee camp and having held professional/managerial jobs in one’s home country were associated with a greater decline in mental health status since arrival in Canada. Having completed a university degree in one’s home country was associated with a greater decline in physical health status. Being employed was associated with greater improvements in mental health status. Perceived economic hardship was associated with greater declines in physical health status. A higher number of settlement services received during the first year in Canada was associated with greater improvements in both mental and physical health status. Longer residence in Canada was associated with greater declines in physical health status but not in mental health status. While little can be done to alter refugees’ pre-migration experiences, public policies can affect many post-migration experiences in order to mitigate the negative health consequences associated with resettlement. Results of this study point to the need for continued provision of settlement services to assist refugees with job training, labour market access, and credential recognition, as well as counseling for refugees who experienced the trauma of living in a refugee camp.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees. This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article explores the challenges of housing security for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. It highlights the difficulties that immigrants face in finding affordable and secure housing due to discrimination, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about their rights. The report also discusses the impact of homelessness on individuals and society, including the negative effects on physical and mental health, education, and economic success. The report concludes by calling for increased government support for housing initiatives that prioritize the needs of immigrants and other vulnerable populations. Overall, this report sheds light on an important issue and provides valuable insights into the challenges of finding a place to call home. This article explores the challenges of housing security for immigrants in Alberta, Canada. It highlights the difficulties that immigrants face in finding affordable and secure housing due to discrimination, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about their rights. The report also discusses the impact of homelessness on individuals and society, including the negative effects on physical and mental health, education, and economic success. The report concludes by calling for increased government support for housing initiatives that prioritize the needs of immigrants and other vulnerable populations. Overall, this report sheds light on an important issue and provides valuable insights into the challenges of finding a place to call home.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article discusses the identity practices of the first generation of African Francophone immigrants in Alberta. It demonstrates that they develop multiple forms of belonging to many social groups, whose principal manifestation includes a collective belonging to the ethnic community of the country of origin, to the francophone community, and to Canadian society in general. The racialisation which is manifested in three forms of discrimination—i. e., linguistic discrimination towards the Francophones of Canada, racial discrimination in Canadian society in general, and racial discrimination within the Francophone community—has a major impact on the identity practices of the immigrants. The article underlines that these multiple identities materialize in order to acquire social capital which could support the social and economic integration of the immigrants. It will allow us to understand the many aspects of their migratory trajectory and to consider the politics of linguistic and racial equity, as well as possible solutions that could reinforce the feeling of belonging and the socio-economic integration of the immigrants into the Francophone and the wider Canadian society. This article discusses the identity practices of the first generation of African Francophone immigrants in Alberta. It demonstrates that they develop multiple forms of belonging to many social groups, whose principal manifestation includes a collective belonging to the ethnic community of the country of origin, to the francophone community, and to Canadian society in general. The racialisation which is manifested in three forms of discrimination—i. e., linguistic discrimination towards the Francophones of Canada, racial discrimination in Canadian society in general, and racial discrimination within the Francophone community—has a major impact on the identity practices of the immigrants. The article underlines that these multiple identities materialize in order to acquire social capital which could support the social and economic integration of the immigrants. It will allow us to understand the many aspects of their migratory trajectory and to consider the politics of linguistic and racial equity, as well as possible solutions that could reinforce the feeling of belonging and the socio-economic integration of the immigrants into the Francophone and the wider Canadian society.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly