Research Library

In 2001, Rie Fujii, a 23-year-old Japanese national living without legal status in Calgary, Alberta, Canada left her two infant children alone in her apartment for 10 days while visiting her out-of-town boyfriend. The children, Domenic and Gemini, died of dehydration and starvation. Charged with two counts of second-degree homicide, Fujii plead guilty to manslaughter and received an 8-year sentence. Through an analysis of the publicly available judicial documents relating to the crimes of Rie Fujii, this paper explores how the law’s individualization and medicalization of crime and violence may obscure the multiple forms of everyday and structural violence that racialized women in white settler states such as Canada experience and may perpetrate. I argue that the law’s conceptualization of crime and violence conceals and thus advances the violence endemic to white settler colonialism. In 2001, Rie Fujii, a 23-year-old Japanese national living without legal status in Calgary, Alberta, Canada left her two infant children alone in her apartment for 10 days while visiting her out-of-town boyfriend. The children, Domenic and Gemini, died of dehydration and starvation. Charged with two counts of second-degree homicide, Fujii plead guilty to manslaughter and received an 8-year sentence. Through an analysis of the publicly available judicial documents relating to the crimes of Rie Fujii, this paper explores how the law’s individualization and medicalization of crime and violence may obscure the multiple forms of everyday and structural violence that racialized women in white settler states such as Canada experience and may perpetrate. I argue that the law’s conceptualization of crime and violence conceals and thus advances the violence endemic to white settler colonialism.
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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.
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In Canada, tuberculosis disproportionately affects people who were born abroad. The national tuberculosis medical surveillance programme aims to prevent these cases. These people are referred (referrals) for further in-country surveillance after migration if they have a history of active tuberculosis or have features of old, healed tuberculosis on chest radiograph. Others who are not referred (non-referrals) do not undergo surveillance. In this study we looked at the risk of transmitting TB that comes from referrals and non-referrals. We also compared the transmission rates between the two groups. To make this comparison, we looked at information that Alberta Tuberculosis Registry had about foreign-born migrants (aged 15-64 years). We looked at information about people who came to Alberta between Jan 1, 2002, and Dec 31, 2013. We were interested in cases that had culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. We found that the incidence of culture-positive pulmonary disease was nine times higher in referrals than all non-referrals and five times higher in referrals than non-referrals from high-risk countries. Despite a much higher incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in referrals than non-referrals, referrals were 80% less likely to transmit tuberculosis. But we suggest that instead of focusing only on referrals, Canada could consider screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis in all migrants from high-risk countries. In Canada, tuberculosis disproportionately affects people who were born abroad. The national tuberculosis medical surveillance programme aims to prevent these cases. These people are referred (referrals) for further in-country surveillance after migration if they have a history of active tuberculosis or have features of old, healed tuberculosis on chest radiograph. Others who are not referred (non-referrals) do not undergo surveillance. In this study we looked at the risk of transmitting TB that comes from referrals and non-referrals. We also compared the transmission rates between the two groups. To make this comparison, we looked at information that Alberta Tuberculosis Registry had about foreign-born migrants (aged 15-64 years). We looked at information about people who came to Alberta between Jan 1, 2002, and Dec 31, 2013. We were interested in cases that had culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. We found that the incidence of culture-positive pulmonary disease was nine times higher in referrals than all non-referrals and five times higher in referrals than non-referrals from high-risk countries. Despite a much higher incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in referrals than non-referrals, referrals were 80% less likely to transmit tuberculosis. But we suggest that instead of focusing only on referrals, Canada could consider screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis in all migrants from high-risk countries.
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This dissertation challenges the narrative of Canada as a welcoming and inclusive nation. Critical race theory and intersectional feminism provide a framework that assesses newcomer labour market experiences from the perspectives of two different stakeholder groups, immigrant professionals and service providers within the immigration settlement sector. The experiences of immigrant professionals, particularly people of colour, demonstrate a disproportionate risk of labour market exclusion. Sixty semi-structured interviews held in two mid-sized Canadian cities (Winnipeg and Edmonton) with immigrant professionals and settlement workers provided two different positions for understanding the barriers, challenges, opportunities and advantages thatencompass the immigration journey. Upon settlement, while many immigrants do well and secure career-related employment, over half of immigrant participants in this study experienced significant labour market barriers, disappointed expectations and un- or under-employment. Additionally, settlement services provided valuable assistance, but not necessarily the type of anti-oppression advocacy or specialized supports that immigrant professionals required. This dissertation also acknowledges the inherent conflicts that result from colonial capitalism itself. I argue that while this colonial project must be disrupted, newcomers should be able to live fulfilling and socio-economically stable lives and enjoy meaningful career-related employment opportunities. This dissertation challenges the narrative of Canada as a welcoming and inclusive nation. Critical race theory and intersectional feminism provide a framework that assesses newcomer labour market experiences from the perspectives of two different stakeholder groups, immigrant professionals and service providers within the immigration settlement sector. The experiences of immigrant professionals, particularly people of colour, demonstrate a disproportionate risk of labour market exclusion. Sixty semi-structured interviews held in two mid-sized Canadian cities (Winnipeg and Edmonton) with immigrant professionals and settlement workers provided two different positions for understanding the barriers, challenges, opportunities and advantages thatencompass the immigration journey. Upon settlement, while many immigrants do well and secure career-related employment, over half of immigrant participants in this study experienced significant labour market barriers, disappointed expectations and un- or under-employment. Additionally, settlement services provided valuable assistance, but not necessarily the type of anti-oppression advocacy or specialized supports that immigrant professionals required. This dissertation also acknowledges the inherent conflicts that result from colonial capitalism itself. I argue that while this colonial project must be disrupted, newcomers should be able to live fulfilling and socio-economically stable lives and enjoy meaningful career-related employment opportunities.
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Children of newcomers to Canada are at a moderate to high risk for developing early childhood caries (ECC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral health of preschool children of refugee and immigrant families in Winnipeg. We recruited 211 children. Overall, 45.5% of the children had ECC and 31.8% had severe ECC (S-ECC). Infant dental enucleation was observed in 6 children. Things that we associate with severity of oral health conditions were increasing age, the presence of debris on teeth, parents believing their child has dental problems and the presence of enamel hypoplasia. Overall, ECC is prevalent in children of newcomer families in Manitoba. These data will inform advocacy efforts to improve access to dental care and tailor early childhood oral health promotion and ECC prevention activities for refugees and recent immigrants. Children of newcomers to Canada are at a moderate to high risk for developing early childhood caries (ECC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral health of preschool children of refugee and immigrant families in Winnipeg. We recruited 211 children. Overall, 45.5% of the children had ECC and 31.8% had severe ECC (S-ECC). Infant dental enucleation was observed in 6 children. Things that we associate with severity of oral health conditions were increasing age, the presence of debris on teeth, parents believing their child has dental problems and the presence of enamel hypoplasia. Overall, ECC is prevalent in children of newcomer families in Manitoba. These data will inform advocacy efforts to improve access to dental care and tailor early childhood oral health promotion and ECC prevention activities for refugees and recent immigrants.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine support needs of African refugee new parents in Canada. Separated from their traditional family and cultural supports, refugee new parents reported isolation and loneliness. They lacked support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and had limited interactions with people from similar cultural backgrounds. Refugees required support to access services and overcome barriers such as language, complex systems, and limited financial resources. Support preferences included emotional and information support from peers from their cultural community and culturally sensitive service providers. The purpose of this paper is to examine support needs of African refugee new parents in Canada. Separated from their traditional family and cultural supports, refugee new parents reported isolation and loneliness. They lacked support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and had limited interactions with people from similar cultural backgrounds. Refugees required support to access services and overcome barriers such as language, complex systems, and limited financial resources. Support preferences included emotional and information support from peers from their cultural community and culturally sensitive service providers.
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Religious groups and churches have always played, and continue to play, vital roles in the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada. In the 1980s, several not-for-profit agencies emerged with Catholic and Mennonite roots to respond to the arrival of thousands of refugees to the province from Southeast Asia and Central America. Today, these agencies are particularly interesting as they both challenge prevailing views on secularization and the provision of public services and play an exceptionally active role in providing services to newcomers. This paper explores the interplay between the prevalence of a liberal secular ideology in Canada and the shifting identities of faith-based organizations in Alberta. Based on archival research and interviews, this paper demonstrates that it is the shifting and, often conflicting, views of staff and volunteers that have contributed to the secularization of identities in most of these agencies. Religious groups and churches have always played, and continue to play, vital roles in the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada. In the 1980s, several not-for-profit agencies emerged with Catholic and Mennonite roots to respond to the arrival of thousands of refugees to the province from Southeast Asia and Central America. Today, these agencies are particularly interesting as they both challenge prevailing views on secularization and the provision of public services and play an exceptionally active role in providing services to newcomers. This paper explores the interplay between the prevalence of a liberal secular ideology in Canada and the shifting identities of faith-based organizations in Alberta. Based on archival research and interviews, this paper demonstrates that it is the shifting and, often conflicting, views of staff and volunteers that have contributed to the secularization of identities in most of these agencies.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly