PARENTING ISSUES OF NEWCOMER FAMILIES IN ONTARIO
ORGANIZERS
Joanna Ochochka, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services
Rich Janzen, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services
PRESENTERS
Joanna Ochochka, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services
Rich Janzen, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services
DESCRIPTION
In this workshop we will discuss the process and findings of a recently completed provincial study on parenting issues of newcomer families in Ontario. Funded by the Ontario Administration of Settlement and Integration Services (OASIS), the study was carried out by the Centre for Research and Education in Human Services (CREHS) and the Joint Centre for Research on Immigration and Settlement (CERIS).
The purpose of this study was to explore the issues faced by immigrant mothers and fathers across twelve language groups, and from three Ontario cities (Ottawa, Waterloo and Toronto). The research also explored the supports and resources that could assist newcomer parents in addressing their parenting issues. In total over 300 recent immigrant parents and 24 key informants were interviewed using in-depth qualitative methods and a participatory action research approach.
At the heart of the presentation will be a discussion about a framework for understanding immigrant parenting developed by the study team, and its implications for public policy. The analytical framework draws from existing parenting models found in the literature, but expands these to include recognition of the immigration process on parenting. It includes parenting orientations (the values and hopes of parents), parenting styles (how the orientations are implemented), the Canadian context (newcomer perceptions of parenting in Canada), parenting modifications (changes that immigrants make in their parenting orientation and styles as a result of living in Canada), and parenting contributions (the ways in which immigrants contribute to the understanding and practice of parenting within Canada).
Wide-ranging recommendations were generated by a multi-stakeholder steering committee that guided the study. This committee consisted of immigrant parents from each of the study's three sites, a representative of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), a representative of the funder (OASIS) and primary investigators. Our presentation will highlight three main themes relevant for government policy. These include a call for parenting supports that 1) help immigrant parents understand and settle within their new Canadian context, 2) help them through the process of parenting modifications, and 3) help encourage mutual exchange between immigrants and other Canadian parents.
REGIONAL IMMIGRATION POLICY: MUNICIPAL DIMENSIONS
ORGANIZER
Liisa Cormode, University of Saskatchewan
PRESENTERS
Jody Thompson, Government of British Columbia
Liisa Cormode, University of Saskatchewan
DESCRIPTION:
Over three-quarters of new immigrants settle in greater Toronto, greater Montreal, and greater Vancouver upon arrival. The spatial concentration of immigrant settlement in our largest cities means that the benefits and costs of immigration are distributed unequally in the settlement system. In addition, shortages of skilled and unskilled workers, and demographic concerns, have made regional immigration issues of greater importance to provincial and municipal policymakers.
This workshop seeks to explores the challenges of developing coherent municipal immigration policies in medium-sized and small cities. The aim is to examine why some municipalities have created immigration strategies, the variety of approaches, and the potential outcomes of different strategies. These issues are explored through presentations by a representative of a city which is an acknowledged leader in this area, a provincial government which is inviting greater involvement of
municipalities in immigration issues, and an academic researcher/consultant who is active on a municipal immigration strategy advisory committee.
REGIONAL IMMIGRATION POLICY: PROVINCIAL DIMENSIONS
ORGANIZER
Liisa Cormode, University of Saskatchewan
PRESENTERS
Liisa Cormode, University of Saskatchewan
Tom Jensen, Government of British Columbia
Elaine Burnett, Saskatchewan Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs (Invited)
Louis-René Gagnon, Gouvernement du Québec (Invited)
DESCRIPTION
Over three-quarters of new immigrants settle in greater Toronto, greater Montreal, and greater Vancouver upon arrival. The spatial concentration of immigrant settlement in our largest cities means that the benefits and costs of immigration are distributed unequally in the settlement system. In addition, shortages of skilled and unskilled workers, and demographic concerns have made regional immigration issues of greater importance to provincial and municipal policymakers.
This workshop seeks to explore the challenges of developing coherent regional immigration policies. It examines a range of policy measures that could potentially address regional immigration issues. They include refugee resettlement in smaller centres, facilitating international students' applications for permanent residence, Provincial Nominee Programs, and targeted provincial government policies. These policy options are presented by provincial officials and an academic researcher who are all actively involved in regional immigration issues. NGO involvement consists of the participation of an academic researcher who is self-employed as a contract researcher and consultant, and is a volunteer member of a municipal committee that seeks to attract immigrants to greater Saskatoon.
A handout outlining the spatial distribution of immigrant settlement (what percentage of immigrants settle in each province and in each Census Metropolitan Area) will be distributed at the workshop, and made available beforehand on the workshop organizers' corporate website.
THE EXPENDITURE IMPACT OF IMMIGRANTS
ORGANIZERS
Don DeVoretz, Simon Fraser University
Galina Didukh, Simon Fraser University
PRESENTERS
Don DeVoretz, Simon Fraser University
Galina Didukh, Simon Fraser University
Brian Geiger, Simon Fraser University
Louis Grignon, Human Resources Development Canada, tbc
Chona Itturalde, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, tbc
Eden Thompson, Human Resources Development Canada, tbc
Mike McCracken, Informetrica, tbc
DESCRIPTION
Questions often arise how immigrants affect the demand for housing, public transportation and citywide inflation on key product types. In short, do immigrants cause housing inflation, alter transport demand and affect the price and quantities demanded of local services? Researchers at RIIM have studied the recent expenditure patterns of foreign-born households in order to illustrate the impact of the arrival of various immigrant groups on demand in 17 major expenditure groups over the last two decades.
The aim of our research is to equip policy-makers with an analytical tool to answer the earlier posed questions with the aid of a simulation model that will predict expenditure impacts under alternative immigrant arrival scenarios. For example, what if 300,000 immigrants arrived from Asia with the characteristics of previous movers from this region? Many alternative questions can be posed, and it is the goal of the workshop to receive input from immigrant communities, NGO’S and government ministries to formulate these questions to assess with the simulation model.
Work from three illustrative sectors (housing, transportation and clothing) will be discussed in detail by a panel of RIIM researchers. Policy makers will participate as discussants. Papers to be discussed will be distributed prior to the workshop on the RIIM website. A chat page will also be created in order to obtain feedback on these issues prior to the panel discussion. Armed with this input a prototype simulation model will be produced and later distributed to participants
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND GOVERNMENT POLICY: BEST PRACTICES FROM A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE
ORGANIZERS
Jacqueline Oxman-Martinez, McGill University
Jill Hanley, Université de Montréal/McGill University
PRESENTERS
Jacqueline Oxman-Martinez, McGill University
Jill Hanley, Université de Montréal/McGill University
Cynthia Palmaria, Filipina Women's Organisation of Québec
DESCRIPTION
Human trafficking, particularly the traffic of women, is attracting increasing attention as a negative side-effect of rapid economic globalisation and growing international inequality. The current trend to tighten border controls raises the issue of international migrants’ human and labour rights. Establishing legal, human rights-based channels of migration for Third World workers might prove more effective than punitive immigration policies. As Canada considers major revisions to its immigration policies, it is pertinent to examine alternatives in the fight against exploitation via human trafficking.
In this workshop, university, NGO and government actors explore international perspectives on ‘best practices’ for combating human trafficking. Oxman-Martinez (McGill University) and Hanley (Université de Montréal) present their research on border control as an approach to human trafficking, examining policies from destination countries and efforts to stem trafficking in source countries. Palmaria (PINAY - an NGO for migrant workers) introduces the principles of the Purple Rose Campaign, then suggests changes to Canadian policies which might reduce vulnerability to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Following these presentations, the workshop will turn to open discussion of alternative international migration policies placing human and labour rights at the forefront. Workshop participants will be invited to pose questions, offer comments and share insights and experiences as they relate to best practices for anti-trafficking public policies.
THE ATLANTIC METROPOLIS: TOWARDS EXPANDING THE PARADIGMS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR TRUE PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH
ORGANIZER
Rosemary Clews, St. Thomas University
PRESENTERS
Carlos Gomes
Christine Nassrallah, Multicultural Association of Fredericton
Wanda Thomas Bernard, Dalhousie University
Alexandra McCallum, Prince Edward Island Multicultural Council
Rosemary Clews, St. Thomas University
Sandra deVink, St. Thomas University
DESCRIPTION
This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the causes and consequences of the barriers that often exist between different levels of government, universities, and grass roots organizations working in a context of diversity. The workshop leaders, who are from three different Atlantic provinces and different occupational groups, will explore how different layers of diversity become manifest as we attempt to work together. They will describe some of their experiences of developing cooperative working relationships with people from different social locations. Presenters will explore how community based research can bridge the gap and foster a horizontal approach to problem-solving that respects knowledge in both community and university contexts.
IMMIGRANTS IN THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
ORGANIZERS
Jean Lock Kunz, Human Resources Development Canada
Samuel Laryea, Human Resources Development Canada
Humera Ibrahim, Department of Canadian Heritage
PRESENTERS
Jean Lock Kunz, Human Resources Development Canada
Samuel Laryea, Human Resources Development Canada
DESCRIPTION
When it comes to the Atlantic Provinces, coastal scenery, Anne of Green Gables, fisheries and Celtic music come more readily to mind than immigration and diversity. Current research on immigration and diversity in Canada generally span from Quebec to British Columbia, although this may soon change with the anticipated establishment of the Metropolis Centre of Excellence in the Atlantic Provinces. Compared to other provinces, the Atlantic Provinces have the smallest share of immigrants.
Nevertheless, the lack of visibility may pose challenges and opportunities for immigrants and settlement services alike with regard to social and economic integration. On the one hand, the smaller percentage of newcomers may mean less funding and fewer resources for settlement services. Ethnic diversity may not be apparent to those who are in the provinces as well as those from outside the region. The value of cultural diversity may therefore be overlooked. On the other hand, the low profile of immigrants may facilitate the integration process because newcomers are less likely to be seen as a threat to the existing values and way of life of the native-born population. In addition, smaller ethnic ‘enclaves’ may necessitate contacts with those outside one’s ethnic community. Consequently newcomers may integrate more quickly to the society at large.
This workshop will centre on the following questions:
1)What are the social and economic characteristics of those who immigrated to the Atlantic Provinces?
2)How do immigrants in the Atlantic Provinces fare economically in comparison those in other provinces?
3)How do settlement agencies address the needs of newcomers?
4)What is the extent of ‘institutional completeness’ among the various ethnic communities?
5)Are there benefits in settling in places with low concentration of immigrants?
RETHINKING HATE AND BIAS ACTIVITIES IN CANADA: CHALLENGES POSED BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES
ORGANIZERS
Steven Bittle, Department of Justice Canada
Suzanne Wallace-Capretta, Department of Justice Canada
Humera Ibrahim, Department of Canadian Heritage
PRESENTERS
Steven Bittle, Department of Justice Canada
Suzanne Wallace-Capretta, Department of Justice Canada
DESCRIPTION
Since the early 1980s, there has been considerable discussion and debate about the nature and extent of hate and bias activities in Canada. In addition to spawning a considerable body of research, this growing concern with hate-related activities has propelled all levels of government, in consultation with various community groups and non-governmental organizations, to search for appropriate methods to combat hate and its deleterious effects. However, despite attempts to combat hate and bias activities, there has been little reflection on how we conceptualize, research and respond to this phenomenon. In particular, there have been few attempts to critically examine the relationship between research and policy development (both legal and extra-legal).
The purpose of this workshop, therefore, is to examine our conceptualization of hate and bias activities in Canada, and its impact on the contemporary relationship between research and policy development in this area (e.g., the current state of knowledge and how research has (or has not) informed policy). Particular focus will be awarded to the emergence of new technologies to disseminate hatred and the relationship between responding to hate and the promotion of a socially cohesive society. Three questions will guide the discussion:
- How do we currently understand hate and bias activities in Canada and how does this impact upon the research and policy development process?
- How has/should research inform(ed) legal and extra-legal responses to hate-related activities, especially in relation to concern over new technologies as a medium for promoting hate?
- Do recent research and policy developments in the area of hate promote a socially cohesive society? If so, how? If not, how can they?
THROUGH A GENDER LENS: INTERSECTIONS OF POLICY, IMMIGRATION AND HEALTH (PARTS 1 & 2)
ORGANIZERS
Joan Anderson, University of British Columbia
Lynn Meadows, University of Calgary
Denise l. Spitzer, University of Alberta
PRESENTERS
Joan Anderson, University of British Columbia
Lynn Meadows, University of Calgary
Denise L. Spitzer, University of Alberta
Sonia Bitar, Changing Together. . . A Centre for Immigrant Women
DESCRIPTION
Building on the session, The Impact of Immigration on Women’s Health and Well-Being, held at the 5th International Metropolis Conference, this workshop furthers our exploration of immigration and health policies and the lived experiences of immigrants and refugees from a gender perspective. Specifically, we will focus on policy and program development, implementation and impact. Only if we understand how policies and programs are received, responded to and/or resisted, can we develop best practices for policy formulation and program implementation and demonstrate their implications for the everyday health and experiences of migrants.
The goals of the workshop are to:
- Highlight immigration and health policies that have been effective in promoting the well-being of migrants with a focus on gender and gender relations;
- Explicate the policy-in-the-making process;
- Illuminate the gaps between immigration and health policies and programs, and the engendered lives of migrants; and
- Formulate recommendations for best practices in policy and program development with regard to immigrants and refugees.
Workshop panelists come from across Canada and include university-based affiliates, members of non-governmental organizations, community activists, and representatives from government agencies. The workshop will be organized around the following questions: How does policy impact migrants from a gender perspective? How can policy making and programs be formulated and implemented with attention to gender? How can researchers, activists, communities and government be involved in policy-making and implementation?Presentations, 10-15 minutes in length, will address one of the preceding questions. Workshop participants will then have an opportunity to discuss issues and formulate recommendations for best practices for policies and programs dedicated to enhancing the lives of Canadian migrants.
A MUNICIPAL RESEARCH AGENDA FOR METROPOLIS (PARTS 1 & 2)
ORGANIZER
Katherine Pestieau, Metropolis
PRESENTER
Katherine Pestieau, Metropolis
DESCRIPTION
The object of this workshop is to develop a series of policy-research questions which address the priorities and principal concerns of municipal administrations. It is aimed at city officials (e.g., city councillors, planners, economic and community development officers, advisory committee members) and others associated with the municipal sphere (e.g., NGOs, urban researchers) who would like to influence the type of research Metropolis undertakes at the municipal level. Although Metropolis examines issues of immigration, integration and diversity in the context of Canadian cities, this does not automatically translate into research that is relevant to local governments’ needs.
Based on a preliminary consultation with city officials, a set of policy-research questions will be available prior to the workshop (accessible via the Metropolis website) which will act as a starting point for the discussion. The session will then solicit additional research issues from participants and refine the list by encouraging a dialogue between a variety of stakeholders to identify dominant themes and assess levels of priority and feasibility.
This workshop lies within the purview of the Metropolis Cities Initiative which aims to encourage a more effective engagement in Metropolis on the part of municipalities. Cities are interested in a body of solid research which is relevant to their concerns. By clearly identifying the questions of research which are of interest to municipalities, this workshop advances this objective. Subsequently, it will be easier for municipalities to encourage the uptake of these issues by Metropolis researchers.