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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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 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
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
The Rainbow Refuge Program (through the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, formerly called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers) provides settlement services, housing support, settlement support and community building for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers in Edmonton. Since the start of the program, the acceptance rate of 2SLGBTQ+ refugee claims in Edmonton has increased exponentially. The Rainbow Refuge Program (through the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, formerly called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers) provides settlement services, housing support, settlement support and community building for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers in Edmonton. Since the start of the program, the acceptance rate of 2SLGBTQ+ refugee claims in Edmonton has increased exponentially.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Canada’s National Housing Strategy (2017) identifies LGBTQ2 people and newcomers (including refugees) as vulnerable groups within Canada’s housing system. Members of each group are known to experience significant barriers to housing in Canada. However, the unique experiences of LGBTQ refugees—who fall into both groups—have yet to be investigated. This thesis asks: To what extent are LGBTQ refugees able to access safe, stable and affordable housing in Alberta, Canada? Interviews and policy analysis found that LGBTQ refugees do not have adequate access to safe, stable and affordable housing in the province. They continue to experience significant barriers related to affordability, social housing supply, and discrimination, among other factors. Policy recommendations are also included in this thesis. Canada’s National Housing Strategy (2017) identifies LGBTQ2 people and newcomers (including refugees) as vulnerable groups within Canada’s housing system. Members of each group are known to experience significant barriers to housing in Canada. However, the unique experiences of LGBTQ refugees—who fall into both groups—have yet to be investigated. This thesis asks: To what extent are LGBTQ refugees able to access safe, stable and affordable housing in Alberta, Canada? Interviews and policy analysis found that LGBTQ refugees do not have adequate access to safe, stable and affordable housing in the province. They continue to experience significant barriers related to affordability, social housing supply, and discrimination, among other factors. Policy recommendations are also included in this thesis.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
An overview of the Rainbow Refuge program at the Edmonton Newcomers Centre (previously called the Edmonton Mennonite Newcomers Centre). Rainbow Refuge was the first LGBTQ+ program in the Edmonton settlement sector, and provides support and programming in the following 4 areas: 1) immigration, 2) settlement, employment and mental health, 3) community connection, and 4) education and advocacy. An overview of the Rainbow Refuge program at the Edmonton Newcomers Centre (previously called the Edmonton Mennonite Newcomers Centre). Rainbow Refuge was the first LGBTQ+ program in the Edmonton settlement sector, and provides support and programming in the following 4 areas: 1) immigration, 2) settlement, employment and mental health, 3) community connection, and 4) education and advocacy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The entire healthcare system, including primary healthcare (PHC) services, has been disrupted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the crisis threatens all citizens significantly, further barriers to accessing care exist for those who are most vulnerable, experience marginalization, and have pre-existing challenges. We aimed to explore immigrants’ lived experiences in accessing and receiving PHC services during the pandemic. A multiphase mixed-methods study using a sequential explanatory design was employed. The first study includes a systematic review that synthesizes the evidence on the experiences that immigrant patients have receiving PHC. Study two provides insights from a recently employed “COVID-19 Experiences and Impacts Survey” data and compares the experiences of Albertans that were born in and outside Canada. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, using STATA. The third study is a qualitative inquiry that aims to gain a deeper understanding of the newcomers’ (living in Canada ≤5 years) and providers’ experiences in PHC during the pandemic. A thematic analysis was applied, using NVivo software. Immigrants reported many challenges in accessing and receiving PHC, and these challenges have been increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this thesis yielded six recommendations that can inform PHC quality improvement initiatives and PHC policy. The entire healthcare system, including primary healthcare (PHC) services, has been disrupted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the crisis threatens all citizens significantly, further barriers to accessing care exist for those who are most vulnerable, experience marginalization, and have pre-existing challenges. We aimed to explore immigrants’ lived experiences in accessing and receiving PHC services during the pandemic. A multiphase mixed-methods study using a sequential explanatory design was employed. The first study includes a systematic review that synthesizes the evidence on the experiences that immigrant patients have receiving PHC. Study two provides insights from a recently employed “COVID-19 Experiences and Impacts Survey” data and compares the experiences of Albertans that were born in and outside Canada. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, using STATA. The third study is a qualitative inquiry that aims to gain a deeper understanding of the newcomers’ (living in Canada ≤5 years) and providers’ experiences in PHC during the pandemic. A thematic analysis was applied, using NVivo software. Immigrants reported many challenges in accessing and receiving PHC, and these challenges have been increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this thesis yielded six recommendations that can inform PHC quality improvement initiatives and PHC policy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The Community Newcomer Needs Assessment is an opportunity for municipalities to
learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of local services and supports for newcomers, and challenges the communities to develop a plan to address gaps and weaknesses; help municipalities assess challenges for newcomers provide information about the immigration process.
Key strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in services and various challenges and opportunities for newcomers are identified in this report through the lens of the newcomer journey and the newcomer developing a sense of belonging. The Community Newcomer Needs Assessment is an opportunity for municipalities to
learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of local services and supports for newcomers, and challenges the communities to develop a plan to address gaps and weaknesses; help municipalities assess challenges for newcomers provide information about the immigration process.
Key strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in services and various challenges and opportunities for newcomers are identified in this report through the lens of the newcomer journey and the newcomer developing a sense of belonging.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
A list of resources and contact information for a variety of organizations that support 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers. Focuses on Edmonton-specific resources, with the addition of some national resources. A list of resources and contact information for a variety of organizations that support 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers. Focuses on Edmonton-specific resources, with the addition of some national resources.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Research is lacking on the intersection between being trans or non-binary and a newcomer in Canada. Alberta, in particular, is one of the top 4 provinces where the most trans or non-binary immigrants reside. Reasons for immigration included: persecution, humanitarian claims, to access gender-affirming healthcare, employment, and/or education. Only 1 in 5 trans or non-binary newcomers accessed a settlement service within their first year in Canada. Trans or non-binary newcomers were 2x as likely to NOT have a primary healthcare provider than trans or non-binary second generation immigrants and trans or non-binary immigrants who have been in Canada for more than 5 years. Research is lacking on the intersection between being trans or non-binary and a newcomer in Canada. Alberta, in particular, is one of the top 4 provinces where the most trans or non-binary immigrants reside. Reasons for immigration included: persecution, humanitarian claims, to access gender-affirming healthcare, employment, and/or education. Only 1 in 5 trans or non-binary newcomers accessed a settlement service within their first year in Canada. Trans or non-binary newcomers were 2x as likely to NOT have a primary healthcare provider than trans or non-binary second generation immigrants and trans or non-binary immigrants who have been in Canada for more than 5 years.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Edmonton and Calgary have gained the status of being friendly cities to LGBTQ+ newcomers. This was started by the Rainbow Refugee Program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers; followed by the Centre for Newcomers, LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre Calgary, and End of the Rainbow Foundation in Calgary. The history of sexual orientation and gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) refugees, the impact of the programs, and new barriers due to COVID-19 are discussed in this report. Edmonton and Calgary have gained the status of being friendly cities to LGBTQ+ newcomers. This was started by the Rainbow Refugee Program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers; followed by the Centre for Newcomers, LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre Calgary, and End of the Rainbow Foundation in Calgary. The history of sexual orientation and gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) refugees, the impact of the programs, and new barriers due to COVID-19 are discussed in this report.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
