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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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
This paper examines the relationships between self-reported loneliness and living arrangements. A questionnaire with some open-ended questions was administered face-to-face in English, Hindi or Punjabi to a sample of 161 elderly South Asian immigrants 60 or more years of age living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2003. The majority of respondents said that they never felt lonely. More than one in three (37.3%) respondents indicated that they felt lonely occasionally, frequently or all of the time. Those living alone were significantly more likely to report feeling lonely at least occasionally than were those living with others, especially those living with their spouse in an extended family. The fact that South Asian immigrant seniors typically lived with others, often in an extended family with or without their spouse, and rarely lived alone protected them to some extent from loneliness. However, our findings showed that among those living with others, it was the amount of waking time spent alone at home and the quality of family relationships rather than living arrangement per se that significantly predicted self-reported loneliness. Nevertheless, living in a larger household was associated with spending less time alone. This paper examines the relationships between self-reported loneliness and living arrangements. A questionnaire with some open-ended questions was administered face-to-face in English, Hindi or Punjabi to a sample of 161 elderly South Asian immigrants 60 or more years of age living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2003. The majority of respondents said that they never felt lonely. More than one in three (37.3%) respondents indicated that they felt lonely occasionally, frequently or all of the time. Those living alone were significantly more likely to report feeling lonely at least occasionally than were those living with others, especially those living with their spouse in an extended family. The fact that South Asian immigrant seniors typically lived with others, often in an extended family with or without their spouse, and rarely lived alone protected them to some extent from loneliness. However, our findings showed that among those living with others, it was the amount of waking time spent alone at home and the quality of family relationships rather than living arrangement per se that significantly predicted self-reported loneliness. Nevertheless, living in a larger household was associated with spending less time alone.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
In the last decade, the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta has undergone significant social changes due to the rapid growth of the oilsands industry in and around the city. In this short period of time, Fort Murray’s population has more than doubled attracting migrants from all over Canada and internationally to fill labor shortages in the city. In the process, Fort McMurray has become a twenty-first century boomtown. This article examines how young people and (adult) key informants perceived disorder, crime, risk, and boomtown living. It was found that participants drew a sharp distinction between those who contributed to the community by making Fort McMurray a home (the insiders) and those who did not (the outsiders). Blame for many of the negative aspects (i.e., disorder, crime, and risks) that came along with boomtown living was attributed to these outsiders. In the last decade, the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta has undergone significant social changes due to the rapid growth of the oilsands industry in and around the city. In this short period of time, Fort Murray’s population has more than doubled attracting migrants from all over Canada and internationally to fill labor shortages in the city. In the process, Fort McMurray has become a twenty-first century boomtown. This article examines how young people and (adult) key informants perceived disorder, crime, risk, and boomtown living. It was found that participants drew a sharp distinction between those who contributed to the community by making Fort McMurray a home (the insiders) and those who did not (the outsiders). Blame for many of the negative aspects (i.e., disorder, crime, and risks) that came along with boomtown living was attributed to these outsiders.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
In examining the economic integration of Chinese immigrants in Calgary and Edmonton, this study reveals that recent immigrants have encountered multi-faceted barriers, particularly in employment and language. Furthermore, they have experienced deskilling and devaluation of their prior learning and work experience after immigrating to Canada. As a consequence, many have suffered unemployment and underemployment, poor economic performance, and downward social mobility, which have adversely hindered their integration process. Immigrants’ negative experience can be attributed to a triple glass effect consisting of a glass gate, glass door, and glass ceiling. While a glass gate denies immigrants’ entrance to guarded professional communities, a glass door blocks immigrants’ access to professional employment at high-wage firms. It is the glass ceiling which prevents immigrants from moving up to management positions because of their ethnic and cultural differences. This study calls for the adoption of an inclusive framework that works toward recognitive justice in balancing freedom of mobility with recognition and full membership in Canada. In examining the economic integration of Chinese immigrants in Calgary and Edmonton, this study reveals that recent immigrants have encountered multi-faceted barriers, particularly in employment and language. Furthermore, they have experienced deskilling and devaluation of their prior learning and work experience after immigrating to Canada. As a consequence, many have suffered unemployment and underemployment, poor economic performance, and downward social mobility, which have adversely hindered their integration process. Immigrants’ negative experience can be attributed to a triple glass effect consisting of a glass gate, glass door, and glass ceiling. While a glass gate denies immigrants’ entrance to guarded professional communities, a glass door blocks immigrants’ access to professional employment at high-wage firms. It is the glass ceiling which prevents immigrants from moving up to management positions because of their ethnic and cultural differences. This study calls for the adoption of an inclusive framework that works toward recognitive justice in balancing freedom of mobility with recognition and full membership in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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.
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
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
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.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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.
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
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
