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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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
We studied how the gender of a medical provider affects the experience of immigrant women with obstetrical care. We interviewed 38 immigrant women from one hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. These women came from varied educational and ethnic backgrounds (predominately North/East African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian), but most were Muslim and married. Their average age was 27 years old. All of the women stated that they preferred a female provider. They explained their preference because they placed a high value on modesty, often as part of the Muslim faith. At the same time, the women deemed provider competency and having safe childbirth more important. Many said that they would accept care from a male provider if necessary. A small minority of the women reported experiencing psychological stress as a consequence of having received care from a male provider. Overall, women who participated in our study stated that they accepted care from male providers. But for some of them this compromise came at a price, and a small minority of women perceived it as hurtful. With this in mind, we see a need to identify those women for whom gender of provider is important. It will help with providing them with optimal care. We studied how the gender of a medical provider affects the experience of immigrant women with obstetrical care. We interviewed 38 immigrant women from one hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. These women came from varied educational and ethnic backgrounds (predominately North/East African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian), but most were Muslim and married. Their average age was 27 years old. All of the women stated that they preferred a female provider. They explained their preference because they placed a high value on modesty, often as part of the Muslim faith. At the same time, the women deemed provider competency and having safe childbirth more important. Many said that they would accept care from a male provider if necessary. A small minority of the women reported experiencing psychological stress as a consequence of having received care from a male provider. Overall, women who participated in our study stated that they accepted care from male providers. But for some of them this compromise came at a price, and a small minority of women perceived it as hurtful. With this in mind, we see a need to identify those women for whom gender of provider is important. It will help with providing them with optimal care.
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This article brings perspectives of temporary foreign workers into academic and policy discussions. I focus on their experiences of different stages of immigration process. I interviewed Filipino workers because of my close relationship with the community and because Filipino nationals dominate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Ultimately, this article discusses the reasons why Filipino workers aspire to stay in Canada and discusses how they perceive their social and economic status as TFWP participants. Based on the data collected through interviews, I argue that temporary workers’ desire to stay in Canada is grounded in their unwillingness to return to the economic uncertainty facing them in the Philippines. Another reason is them viewing life abroad as indicative of success. Finally, over the course of their TFWP, Filipino workers establish the sense of belonging in Canadian society. All these factors justify temporary workers’ claims to formal citizenship. Overall, this study argues that Canadian immigration policy should be adjusted to accommodate the needs and expectations of temporary foreign workers to stay in Canada. This article brings perspectives of temporary foreign workers into academic and policy discussions. I focus on their experiences of different stages of immigration process. I interviewed Filipino workers because of my close relationship with the community and because Filipino nationals dominate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Ultimately, this article discusses the reasons why Filipino workers aspire to stay in Canada and discusses how they perceive their social and economic status as TFWP participants. Based on the data collected through interviews, I argue that temporary workers’ desire to stay in Canada is grounded in their unwillingness to return to the economic uncertainty facing them in the Philippines. Another reason is them viewing life abroad as indicative of success. Finally, over the course of their TFWP, Filipino workers establish the sense of belonging in Canadian society. All these factors justify temporary workers’ claims to formal citizenship. Overall, this study argues that Canadian immigration policy should be adjusted to accommodate the needs and expectations of temporary foreign workers to stay in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This study examines stakeholders’ perspectives on the health and well-being of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and their families in Alberta, Canada. Stakeholders involved in providing services to TFWs perceived that the workers experience (1) barriers in accessing mental health services, (2) mental health challenges, (3) family health challenges, (4) occupational health challenges, and (5) income and social status as a social determinant of health. Immigration and class status intersect to influence the health of this vulnerable population in Canada. This study examines stakeholders’ perspectives on the health and well-being of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and their families in Alberta, Canada. Stakeholders involved in providing services to TFWs perceived that the workers experience (1) barriers in accessing mental health services, (2) mental health challenges, (3) family health challenges, (4) occupational health challenges, and (5) income and social status as a social determinant of health. Immigration and class status intersect to influence the health of this vulnerable population in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Canada is a country with a complex linguistic and cultural landscape characterized by two official languages (English and French), a steady influx of immigrants, and a number of aboriginal communities. In a broader global environment bilingualism and multilingualism are increasingly recognized as a norm. In this paper, I review language background profiling practices at publicly funded Canadian elementary schools. While school boards recognize some aspects of bilingualism and multilingualism, most registration forms do not allow explicitly for the possibility of a child having more than one first/native language. Based on this paper’s analysis, I recommend (a) allowing parents to include more than one native language in registration forms, (b) include questions related to students’ dominance, primary language or most frequently used language; (c) distinguish between exposure to a language and spoken ability in a language. Canada is a country with a complex linguistic and cultural landscape characterized by two official languages (English and French), a steady influx of immigrants, and a number of aboriginal communities. In a broader global environment bilingualism and multilingualism are increasingly recognized as a norm. In this paper, I review language background profiling practices at publicly funded Canadian elementary schools. While school boards recognize some aspects of bilingualism and multilingualism, most registration forms do not allow explicitly for the possibility of a child having more than one first/native language. Based on this paper’s analysis, I recommend (a) allowing parents to include more than one native language in registration forms, (b) include questions related to students’ dominance, primary language or most frequently used language; (c) distinguish between exposure to a language and spoken ability in a language.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Uninsured maternity patients comprise a small but complex group of patients and include marginalized Canadians, undocumented immigrants, visitors, and non-Canadians seeking health care and/ or citizenship for their newborn. This study found a trend of uninsured deliveries in Calgary that is accounted for by non-Canadian patients. Midwives and physicians agree on provision of emergency care but not preventive care. Across medical specialties, fewer caregivers felt obliged to care for non-Canadian patients seeking citizenship for their newborn. Among physicians, 61% were aware of the Canadian Medical Protective Association’s guidelines on liability coverage for non-Canadian patients, and only 28% consistently protected themselves legally. There is large variation regarding whether physicians bill for services when the patient is uninsured. In Calgary, the study observed an increase in numbers of uninsured maternity patients. Differing ethical perspectives on the care of these patients may lead to conflict within health care teams because of differences on ethical perspectives of care among team members. Health care providers require education to understand the implications and challenges of obstetrical care of non-Canadians. Uninsured maternity patients comprise a small but complex group of patients and include marginalized Canadians, undocumented immigrants, visitors, and non-Canadians seeking health care and/ or citizenship for their newborn. This study found a trend of uninsured deliveries in Calgary that is accounted for by non-Canadian patients. Midwives and physicians agree on provision of emergency care but not preventive care. Across medical specialties, fewer caregivers felt obliged to care for non-Canadian patients seeking citizenship for their newborn. Among physicians, 61% were aware of the Canadian Medical Protective Association’s guidelines on liability coverage for non-Canadian patients, and only 28% consistently protected themselves legally. There is large variation regarding whether physicians bill for services when the patient is uninsured. In Calgary, the study observed an increase in numbers of uninsured maternity patients. Differing ethical perspectives on the care of these patients may lead to conflict within health care teams because of differences on ethical perspectives of care among team members. Health care providers require education to understand the implications and challenges of obstetrical care of non-Canadians.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
IN 2007, THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT and the Alberta construction industry developed a ten-year strategy to increase the participation of women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants in construction occupations. At the same time, construction employers began turning to temporary foreign workers (TFWS) as an alternative labour supply, and the number of TFWS working in Alberta construction jumped dramatically. This article examines the labour market effects of the influx of TFWS on employment rates of other marginalized groups in construction occupations. Drawing upon labour market segmentation theory, this study finds that the proportion of traditionally underrepresented workers in construction occupations was essentially unchanged over the study period. These groups of workers experienced higher-than-average employment volitility and remain a secondary source of labour supply. This study also finds that TFWS have become a new, hyperflexible source of secondary labour. The article discusses possible explanations for the findings and evaluates the effectiveness of the government’s ten-year strategy. IN 2007, THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT and the Alberta construction industry developed a ten-year strategy to increase the participation of women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants in construction occupations. At the same time, construction employers began turning to temporary foreign workers (TFWS) as an alternative labour supply, and the number of TFWS working in Alberta construction jumped dramatically. This article examines the labour market effects of the influx of TFWS on employment rates of other marginalized groups in construction occupations. Drawing upon labour market segmentation theory, this study finds that the proportion of traditionally underrepresented workers in construction occupations was essentially unchanged over the study period. These groups of workers experienced higher-than-average employment volitility and remain a secondary source of labour supply. This study also finds that TFWS have become a new, hyperflexible source of secondary labour. The article discusses possible explanations for the findings and evaluates the effectiveness of the government’s ten-year strategy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Skilled workers and their dependents are the largest group of economic immigrants in Canada. Their labour market integration is critical for immigrant well-being as well as host country economic productivity. However, immigrant professionals face significant barriers to workplace integration, including unfamiliarity with workplace norms and practices. Participants of this study described challenges related to workplace communication and interactions, adaptation to new workplace cultures, recognition of qualifications and experience, and professional outcomes. They identified general professional values, skills, and capacities, and communication and relationships perceived as essential for workplace integration. Strategies for supporting workplace integration included continuing learning and education, training on cultural diversity and workplace skills, professional field experience, and professional mentorship. These findings have implications for practice and policies facilitating the workplace integration of immigrant professionals in Canada, including training and mentorship approaches. Skilled workers and their dependents are the largest group of economic immigrants in Canada. Their labour market integration is critical for immigrant well-being as well as host country economic productivity. However, immigrant professionals face significant barriers to workplace integration, including unfamiliarity with workplace norms and practices. Participants of this study described challenges related to workplace communication and interactions, adaptation to new workplace cultures, recognition of qualifications and experience, and professional outcomes. They identified general professional values, skills, and capacities, and communication and relationships perceived as essential for workplace integration. Strategies for supporting workplace integration included continuing learning and education, training on cultural diversity and workplace skills, professional field experience, and professional mentorship. These findings have implications for practice and policies facilitating the workplace integration of immigrant professionals in Canada, including training and mentorship approaches.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Objectives: The increasing cost of clinical laboratory testing is a challenge in our health care system. This study calculates the annual clinical laboratory test costs. Results: While more women received laboratory testing (58.4%), men had slightly higher testing costs per capita. Except for Chinese, visible minority and Aboriginal populations had higher testing costs. There was an inverse correlation between testing cost and household income. Higher costs were found in those without postsecondary education and the unemployed. Furthermore, another factor that affect the costs is where patients live and access healthcare. Conclusions: Laboratory costs are different depending on social and economic background of patients. Objectives: The increasing cost of clinical laboratory testing is a challenge in our health care system. This study calculates the annual clinical laboratory test costs. Results: While more women received laboratory testing (58.4%), men had slightly higher testing costs per capita. Except for Chinese, visible minority and Aboriginal populations had higher testing costs. There was an inverse correlation between testing cost and household income. Higher costs were found in those without postsecondary education and the unemployed. Furthermore, another factor that affect the costs is where patients live and access healthcare. Conclusions: Laboratory costs are different depending on social and economic background of patients.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
In this paper, I illustrate how race and class hierarchies mark Filipino temporary foreign workers as foreign ‘others’. Because public spaces are structured in gendered and racialized ways, Filipino migrants have to carefully navigate public spaces to ensure their safety and create their own spaces of belonging that give them refuge against xenophobia. I argue further that the paradoxical discourses of multicultural inclusion and economic protectionism invoke the figure of the ‘good’ migrant and the ‘bad’ migrant. These, in turn, promote contradictory actions towards migrants, whose public acceptance hinge on wildly variable and changing notions of inclusion/ exclusion and economic acceptability. These lead to the passage of inconsistent policies where migrants are read as being ‘good’ one day, and as being ‘bad’ the next. In this paper, I illustrate how race and class hierarchies mark Filipino temporary foreign workers as foreign ‘others’. Because public spaces are structured in gendered and racialized ways, Filipino migrants have to carefully navigate public spaces to ensure their safety and create their own spaces of belonging that give them refuge against xenophobia. I argue further that the paradoxical discourses of multicultural inclusion and economic protectionism invoke the figure of the ‘good’ migrant and the ‘bad’ migrant. These, in turn, promote contradictory actions towards migrants, whose public acceptance hinge on wildly variable and changing notions of inclusion/ exclusion and economic acceptability. These lead to the passage of inconsistent policies where migrants are read as being ‘good’ one day, and as being ‘bad’ the next.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Migration is an experience of the self, a personal journey for those who leave their places of origin. The movement from one place to another carries with it material and subjective meanings. Mobility also implies change, transformation or seeming difference in its social interactions with another culture or a different social system. These changes undeniably affect one’s notion of identity and belonging. This chapter uses a feminist approach in examining selected personal case studies of Filipina immigrants in Lethbridge, a small city in southern Alberta. This chapter demonstrates how gender roles, labour migration and identity construction are interconnected. A concluding section deals with the prospect of whether these Filipina immigrants will stay or leave the city, emphasizing the best the city has to offer or not. Migration is an experience of the self, a personal journey for those who leave their places of origin. The movement from one place to another carries with it material and subjective meanings. Mobility also implies change, transformation or seeming difference in its social interactions with another culture or a different social system. These changes undeniably affect one’s notion of identity and belonging. This chapter uses a feminist approach in examining selected personal case studies of Filipina immigrants in Lethbridge, a small city in southern Alberta. This chapter demonstrates how gender roles, labour migration and identity construction are interconnected. A concluding section deals with the prospect of whether these Filipina immigrants will stay or leave the city, emphasizing the best the city has to offer or not.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
