Research Library

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.
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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.
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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.
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To meet their essential needs or those of their families, young black African immigrants from 15 to 24 years of age living in Brooks, Alberta, Canada, are trying to reconcile full-time night work with full-time school attendance. In most cases employers comply with the regulations on employment of children in Alberta, but no one can state with certainty that the age limit for this kind of employment is always observed. This pilot research examines the social impact of such work and study arrangements on young Francophone immigrants. To meet their essential needs or those of their families, young black African immigrants from 15 to 24 years of age living in Brooks, Alberta, Canada, are trying to reconcile full-time night work with full-time school attendance. In most cases employers comply with the regulations on employment of children in Alberta, but no one can state with certainty that the age limit for this kind of employment is always observed. This pilot research examines the social impact of such work and study arrangements on young Francophone immigrants.
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The Canadian population is aging and also becoming more ethnically diverse. This study examined differences in identities among South Asian seniors who immigrated at different life stages with different lengths of residency in Canada. We interviewed 161 immigrants of South Asian descent in Edmonton, Canada, aged 60 and older about their ethnic/national identity, transnational ties, cultural retention and practices, and participation in and concerns about life in Canada. Our findings show that women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than Canadian. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that older age at immigration and low English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity. These findings indicated the importance of language for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity and revealed that South Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities, while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity. Related to the notion of bicultural identity, strong transnational ties with the country of origin were associated with greater participation in Canadian society. The Canadian population is aging and also becoming more ethnically diverse. This study examined differences in identities among South Asian seniors who immigrated at different life stages with different lengths of residency in Canada. We interviewed 161 immigrants of South Asian descent in Edmonton, Canada, aged 60 and older about their ethnic/national identity, transnational ties, cultural retention and practices, and participation in and concerns about life in Canada. Our findings show that women were more likely than men to see themselves as more South Asian than Canadian. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that older age at immigration and low English-language proficiency were significant predictors of ethnic identity. These findings indicated the importance of language for ethnic and national (Canadian) identity and revealed that South Asian immigrant elders who came to Canada in later life tended to retain their ethnic identities, while immigrant elders who came to Canada earlier in life were more likely to have developed a bicultural identity that incorporated both ethnic and Canadian identity. Related to the notion of bicultural identity, strong transnational ties with the country of origin were associated with greater participation in Canadian society.
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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

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 phenomenological study explores the retrospective accounts of 11 Chinese immigrant adults (9 F, 2 M) who immigrated to Canada when they were children. Six categories and 31 themes were extracted during the analysis of the transcripts. The categories include: (a) Adjusting to a Different Culture; (b) Family; (c) Language; (d) Environment; (e) Friendships; and (f) Self and Identity. Counsellors need to be aware of the challenges faced by immigrant children in their new life in Canada, both inside as well as outside the school system. They need to learn about the cultural background of such children to understand the differences and potential conflicts and issues that these children may face in the process of adjustment. This phenomenological study explores the retrospective accounts of 11 Chinese immigrant adults (9 F, 2 M) who immigrated to Canada when they were children. Six categories and 31 themes were extracted during the analysis of the transcripts. The categories include: (a) Adjusting to a Different Culture; (b) Family; (c) Language; (d) Environment; (e) Friendships; and (f) Self and Identity. Counsellors need to be aware of the challenges faced by immigrant children in their new life in Canada, both inside as well as outside the school system. They need to learn about the cultural background of such children to understand the differences and potential conflicts and issues that these children may face in the process of adjustment.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This study describes mortality, cause of death and life expectancy among Chinese (both immigrant and Canadian-born) and other Canadians in the Province of Alberta. Of nearly 3 million Alberta residents, about 4% were Chinese in 2003. Infant mortality was lower for Chinese than non-Chinese. Life expectancy at birth was 6.3 years longer for Chinese males compared to non-Chinese males, and 5.4 years longer for Chinese females compared to non-Chinese females. Cancer, heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of death for both Chinese and non-Chinese Albertans. The Chinese ethnic population of Alberta had lower mortality and longer life expectancy than remaining Albertans, suggesting that the Chinese population has better health status than other Albertans. Reasons for the health gap between Chinese and non- Chinese populations should be further explored. This study describes mortality, cause of death and life expectancy among Chinese (both immigrant and Canadian-born) and other Canadians in the Province of Alberta. Of nearly 3 million Alberta residents, about 4% were Chinese in 2003. Infant mortality was lower for Chinese than non-Chinese. Life expectancy at birth was 6.3 years longer for Chinese males compared to non-Chinese males, and 5.4 years longer for Chinese females compared to non-Chinese females. Cancer, heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of death for both Chinese and non-Chinese Albertans. The Chinese ethnic population of Alberta had lower mortality and longer life expectancy than remaining Albertans, suggesting that the Chinese population has better health status than other Albertans. Reasons for the health gap between Chinese and non- Chinese populations should be further explored.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

In 2001, the Chinese were the largest visible minority group in Canada, with over one million individuals identifying themselves as Chinese. There is a growing concern about the extent to which the Chinese and other minority members can adjust to and become assimilated into the majority society. However, there is currently no instrument available that can be used to measure the acculturation levels of Chinese residing in Canada. This paper develops an acculturation measure specifically designed for Chinese in Canada. The measure consists of seven dimensions: social interactions, language preference, self-construal, ethnic identity, gift giving and holiday celebration, food and community preference, and filial piety. The measure demonstrates content, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as high overall reliability. Research limitations and future research needs are also discussed. In 2001, the Chinese were the largest visible minority group in Canada, with over one million individuals identifying themselves as Chinese. There is a growing concern about the extent to which the Chinese and other minority members can adjust to and become assimilated into the majority society. However, there is currently no instrument available that can be used to measure the acculturation levels of Chinese residing in Canada. This paper develops an acculturation measure specifically designed for Chinese in Canada. The measure consists of seven dimensions: social interactions, language preference, self-construal, ethnic identity, gift giving and holiday celebration, food and community preference, and filial piety. The measure demonstrates content, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as high overall reliability. Research limitations and future research needs are also discussed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly