Research Library

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and gender and sexual diverse (LGBTQ+) newcomers arrive in Canada, a country renowned as a “safe haven” for those escaping anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Despite Canada’s reputation, notions of safety are not guaranteed as LGBTQ+ newcomers continue to face systems of oppression as they navigate their new country of residence. Drawing from the feminist affect literature, this study sought to understand how LGBTQ+ newcomers navigate and perceive safety. This study employed an arts-based method called participatory community mapping as well as semistructured interviews to explore six participants’ experiences in Calgary, Canada. The findings of this study suggest the complex and vast experiences of LGBTQ+ newcomers upon settlement. Feeling safe is not static and inherent in various spaces, but rather, requires complex negotiations with other people and considerations for one’s LGBTQ+ identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and gender and sexual diverse (LGBTQ+) newcomers arrive in Canada, a country renowned as a “safe haven” for those escaping anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Despite Canada’s reputation, notions of safety are not guaranteed as LGBTQ+ newcomers continue to face systems of oppression as they navigate their new country of residence. Drawing from the feminist affect literature, this study sought to understand how LGBTQ+ newcomers navigate and perceive safety. This study employed an arts-based method called participatory community mapping as well as semistructured interviews to explore six participants’ experiences in Calgary, Canada. The findings of this study suggest the complex and vast experiences of LGBTQ+ newcomers upon settlement. Feeling safe is not static and inherent in various spaces, but rather, requires complex negotiations with other people and considerations for one’s LGBTQ+ identity.
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The newcomer serving sector remains pivotal in facilitating newcomers’ integration into communities, however, this sector grapples with ongoing challenges. Using a case story and immigration data from Calgary, AB, this article examines the funding and service delivery difficulties organizations encounter. It underscores a system that fosters funding competition, impedes interorganizational collaboration, complicates program outcome reporting, and entails high administrative costs. Additionally, it addresses the specific challenges faced by newcomer children, youth, and families settling in Canada. The recommendations emphasize that no single agency can resolve the settlement sector crisis alone. Urgent actions include piloting integrated networks over integrated services and adopting a new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funding model that aligns with population and cultural needs. Moreover, eliminating silos is essential to establish a cohesive and efficient service delivery network committed to public outcomes and accountability. The newcomer serving sector remains pivotal in facilitating newcomers’ integration into communities, however, this sector grapples with ongoing challenges. Using a case story and immigration data from Calgary, AB, this article examines the funding and service delivery difficulties organizations encounter. It underscores a system that fosters funding competition, impedes interorganizational collaboration, complicates program outcome reporting, and entails high administrative costs. Additionally, it addresses the specific challenges faced by newcomer children, youth, and families settling in Canada. The recommendations emphasize that no single agency can resolve the settlement sector crisis alone. Urgent actions include piloting integrated networks over integrated services and adopting a new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funding model that aligns with population and cultural needs. Moreover, eliminating silos is essential to establish a cohesive and efficient service delivery network committed to public outcomes and accountability.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The objective of this study was to examine how women who have immigrated from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region perceive breast cancer risk and screening in Canada and how they approach breast health, and to explore barriers to breast cancer screening in this population. Participants were women who were born in MENA countries (e.g., Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria) and had immigrated to Canada less than 5 years prior to study recruitment and lived in Edmonton, Alta. Six focus groups were conducted over a 6-week period in July and August 2018 with 6 participants in each group (N=36); results were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated participants have limited knowledge about breast cancer screening practices in Alberta and that multiple barriers to screening remain. This study can help inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions to overcome barriers and to motivate women from MENA countries to use breast cancer screening. The objective of this study was to examine how women who have immigrated from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region perceive breast cancer risk and screening in Canada and how they approach breast health, and to explore barriers to breast cancer screening in this population. Participants were women who were born in MENA countries (e.g., Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria) and had immigrated to Canada less than 5 years prior to study recruitment and lived in Edmonton, Alta. Six focus groups were conducted over a 6-week period in July and August 2018 with 6 participants in each group (N=36); results were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated participants have limited knowledge about breast cancer screening practices in Alberta and that multiple barriers to screening remain. This study can help inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions to overcome barriers and to motivate women from MENA countries to use breast cancer screening.
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A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children’s oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2–12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child’s oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children’s dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The findings emphasize the important role of parental acculturation and PSS levels in predicting immigrant children’s oral health behaviours and dental caries. A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children’s oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2–12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child’s oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children’s dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The findings emphasize the important role of parental acculturation and PSS levels in predicting immigrant children’s oral health behaviours and dental caries.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7 supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider range of recreation, religious services and food options. Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7 supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis. Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living. Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider range of recreation, religious services and food options.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

In this study, we applied an intersectional framework to explore service providers’ perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 26 service providers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada. Findings show that service providers made sense of young men’s mental health needs and service access in the context of systems. We identified three interconnected themes: newcomer young men’s senses of self in relation to macrosystems, including racism and economic marginalization; settling well as a determinant of mental health; and systems capacities and interdependent resilience. While service providers are engaged in cross-sectoral work in support of newcomer young men’s mental health, this work is not being sufficiently supported. Further work is needed around cross-sector capacity bridging and advocacy, as well as the tailoring of services to young men without the assumption and reinforcement of gender stereotypes. In this study, we applied an intersectional framework to explore service providers’ perspectives on the mental health needs of newcomer young men. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 26 service providers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, Canada. Findings show that service providers made sense of young men’s mental health needs and service access in the context of systems. We identified three interconnected themes: newcomer young men’s senses of self in relation to macrosystems, including racism and economic marginalization; settling well as a determinant of mental health; and systems capacities and interdependent resilience. While service providers are engaged in cross-sectoral work in support of newcomer young men’s mental health, this work is not being sufficiently supported. Further work is needed around cross-sector capacity bridging and advocacy, as well as the tailoring of services to young men without the assumption and reinforcement of gender stereotypes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Canada’s National Housing Strategy acknowledges that identity factors are closely connected to housing vulnerability. Specifically, it identifies 12 groups at heightened risk of negative housing outcomes in Canada. In this research, we focus on the intersection of two of these groups: LGBTQ people and refugees. Existing studies establish that members of both groups are vulnerable to discrimination, homelessness, and housing unaffordability. However, they have largely been examined separately, and with limited insights into the factors that produce vulnerability. To develop a more nuanced and systemic account of LGBTQ refugees’ housing vulnerability, we conducted a study in Alberta, Canada. Utilizing Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, and drawing on policy documents and key-informant interviews, we identified three types of barriers to housing. We conclude that an intersectional approach provides a foundation for systemic explanations of housing vulnerability that are too often absent in policy. Canada’s National Housing Strategy acknowledges that identity factors are closely connected to housing vulnerability. Specifically, it identifies 12 groups at heightened risk of negative housing outcomes in Canada. In this research, we focus on the intersection of two of these groups: LGBTQ people and refugees. Existing studies establish that members of both groups are vulnerable to discrimination, homelessness, and housing unaffordability. However, they have largely been examined separately, and with limited insights into the factors that produce vulnerability. To develop a more nuanced and systemic account of LGBTQ refugees’ housing vulnerability, we conducted a study in Alberta, Canada. Utilizing Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, and drawing on policy documents and key-informant interviews, we identified three types of barriers to housing. We conclude that an intersectional approach provides a foundation for systemic explanations of housing vulnerability that are too often absent in policy.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Older Muslim immigrants experience multiple vulnerabilities living in Canada. This study explores the experiences of Muslim older adults in Edmonton, AB during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify ways to build community resilience. Three major themes were: 1) loneliness, 2) decreased access to resources for connection, 3) capacity limits on services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges associated with aging in the Muslim population and contributed to further marginalization, with mosques being sites of support during times of crises. Policymakers and service providers must explore ways of engaging mosque-based support systems in meeting the needs of older Muslim adults during pandemics. Older Muslim immigrants experience multiple vulnerabilities living in Canada. This study explores the experiences of Muslim older adults in Edmonton, AB during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify ways to build community resilience. Three major themes were: 1) loneliness, 2) decreased access to resources for connection, 3) capacity limits on services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges associated with aging in the Muslim population and contributed to further marginalization, with mosques being sites of support during times of crises. Policymakers and service providers must explore ways of engaging mosque-based support systems in meeting the needs of older Muslim adults during pandemics.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

To date, very little is known about intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers’ experiences serving trans and immigrant women (IPV) survivors and their barriers in reporting and/or accessing formal services. Employing constructivist grounded theory, two vignettes were constructed – one featuring a trans woman and the other an immigrant woman, both seeking IPV services. American and Canadian IPV service providers responded to open-ended survey questions about both scenarios, resulting in several emergent themes including, but not limited to: service provider biases, shelter conflicts, and distrust of systems. Policy implications and future research are also addressed. To date, very little is known about intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers’ experiences serving trans and immigrant women (IPV) survivors and their barriers in reporting and/or accessing formal services. Employing constructivist grounded theory, two vignettes were constructed – one featuring a trans woman and the other an immigrant woman, both seeking IPV services. American and Canadian IPV service providers responded to open-ended survey questions about both scenarios, resulting in several emergent themes including, but not limited to: service provider biases, shelter conflicts, and distrust of systems. Policy implications and future research are also addressed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly