Pathways to Prosperity 2019 National Conference – Workshops
Thursday, October 31 | Time: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
1. Measuring Outcomes of Newcomers, Settlement Services and of LIP and RIF Activities
(In English)
Chairs and Presenters: Brian Diener and Jeslyn Thibedeau, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
In 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada embarked on a project to establish benchmarks for over 500 organizations providing settlement and language services to newcomers. This project leverages key data including newcomer surveys and other socio-economic data. As part of this work, IRCC defined over 150 indicators to describe the organizational performance story, including indicators around client, financial, management and operational outcomes, as well as key community factors unique to the cities, regions and provinces. During this workshop, participants will be provided insights into the IRCC data universe and opportunities to discuss ideas to use data to better support outcomes.
- Developing Scorecards to Assess Organizational Performance: Bridging Performance Measurement and Evaluation Lessons
- IRCC Efforts to Assess Newcomer Outcomes via Annual Surveys
- IRCC Open Data: What is Available and How to Access
- Breakout Session #1: How to Leverage Key Data to Support Improved Community Planning and Immigration Outcomes
2. Trauma and Violence Informed Care as a Response to the Yazidi Resettlement
(In English)
Chair: Valerian Marochko, London Cross Cultural Learner Centre
In 2017-18, approximately 400 Yazidi refugees were resettled to London, ON. This underscored the need to support the wellness of workers (compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, etc.) and develop innovative approaches to settlement and integration. The workshop will explore how Trauma and Violence Informed Care (TVIC) is implemented in the context of a resettlement agency and the need to have TVIC as a best practice standard in working with increasingly complex cases of traumatized refugees (complex PTSD, dissociative disorder, etc.). The workshop will include clips from the documentary by Triplex Films International/National Film Board of Canada entitled “Angel Peacock.”
- Deborah O’Grady, London Cross Cultural Learner Centre
- Jennifer Sandu, London Cross Cultural Learner Centre
- Valerian Marochko, London Cross Cultural Learner Centre
3. Trades Talent Link: Increasing Newcomer Access to Good Jobs in the Skilled Trades
(In English and French)
Chair: Laurie Beckstead, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
If there are good jobs in the skilled trades, then why aren’t more newcomers working in the trades? In an effort to better understand the gaps that exist in the skilled trades labour market, Trades Talent Link is an IRCC funded research and evaluation project aimed at improving access to skilled trades careers for immigrants, newcomers, and refugees. This workshop will provide a platform for discussion of perceived barriers and potential solutions that can increase employer awareness of newcomers as a hidden talent pool, and help clients gain access to rewarding trades careers.
- Laurie Beckstead, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
- Daniela Renderos, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
- Elina Sharkova, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
4. A Spectrum of Services for Newcomer Seniors
(In English)
Chair: Khim Tan, Options Community Services Society (OCS)
With the steady increase of our aging population in Canada, healthy aging becomes important. In partnership with the UBC Aging Research team, OCS provides activities that promote the physical/mental wellness of isolated seniors. MOSAIC Senior Club helps newcomers become volunteer community leaders to increase community connections for newcomer seniors. In response to the often under-represented theme of elder abuse in statistics, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will explore the question: ‘Is elder abuse being acknowledged in the Chinese community?’ The presentation will also introduce CORE, a Collaborative Online Resources and Education Hub on Healthy Aging, developed in British Columbia.
- Choose to Move Project for Isolated Seniors
Jenny Lam, Options Community Services Society (OCS) - Newcomer Senior Leaders
Zarghoona Wakil, MOSAIC - Elder Abuse: Does This Concept Exist for Chinese Newcomer Seniors?
Mary Kam, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
5. Family Wellness and Community Enhancement Program: Helping Newcomer Families Achieve Successful Integration and Family Reunification
(In English)
Chair: Frank Bessai, Catholic Social Services
Newcomer families often experience challenges during their integration and settlement journey which impede their chances of achieving stability in Canada. The Family Wellness and Community Enhancement Program is an innovative and specialized settlement program designed to address complex needs experienced by newcomer families. This is done through a unique combination of services including enhanced strength-based case management, intercultural conflict and dispute resolution, and educational modules based in theories of behaviour change. Funded as a pilot program for 18 months, the FWCEP has achieved positive outcomes for newcomer families, giving client families a renewed sense of home, belonging and success.
- Frank Bessai, Catholic Social Services
- Andrew Lam, Catholic Social Services
6. Innovative Responses to the Changing Needs of Newcomers and Refugees
(In English)
Chair: Beth Clarke, World Education Services
Canada resettled more refugees than any other country in the world in 2018 and continues to receive record numbers of immigrants. With this leadership role comes the need to continuously adapt support services to the needs of newcomers, and to create new partnerships that can better address their barriers to economic integration. Panelists will present approaches to support the integration of various immigrant and refugee groups, from holistic settlement services for individuals with multiple challenges, to industry- and employer-driven training programs that address labour force gaps, to ground-breaking credential evaluation policies and practices for displaced individuals.
- Moving Ahead: Stories of Coming Home
Darae Lee, MOSAIC - Building Diverse Workplaces Through Innovative Communication Training for the Trucking Industry
Kelly Henderson, Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic and Paul O’Flaherty, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Education Matters: Facilitating the Integration of Displaced Individuals Through Innovative Credential Evaluation Practices
Beatrice Kohlenberg, World Education Services
7. Multicultural Brokers: Promoting Social and Cultural Integration of Immigrants from the Bottom Up
(In English)
Chair: Sara Torres, Laurentian University and Community Health Workers Network of Canada
The Community Health Workers Network of Canada is a grassroots organization with a diverse membership, including multicultural brokers. This workshop examines how multicultural brokers in New Westminster, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Ottawa foster the social and cultural integration of immigrants. Despite multiple challenges — caseload complexity, under-resourcing, lack of recognition— this work enhances the well-being of newcomers to Canada in numerous ways, among them: supporting and coordinating primary health care; creating and facilitating health promotion programs; acting as intermediaries between immigrant families and child welfare workers; and promoting independence and participation among immigrants with disabilities. Workshop participants will gain insights into this work.
- Educating Newcomers and Service Providers to Support Families Effectively (Download Presentation)
Alejandra Ruiz, Ottawa Newcomer Centre - Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Primary Care Settings: How Building Strategic Partnerships Can Ensure Well-being
Nadjib Alamyar, WoodGreen Community Services - Cultural Brokering as a Community Inclusion Practice: Building Bridges to Understanding, Integration, and Independence for Newcomers Living with Disabilities and Their Families (Within the Community Health Worker Model) (Download Presentation)
Traicy Robertson, Society for Manitobans with Disabilities - Health Equity for Newcomers: Integrating Cultural Health Brokers in Primary Health Care Teams (Within the Community Health Worker Model) (Download Presentation)
Esther Hsieh, Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op - Challenges and Successes in Supporting Immigrants’ Integration from the Bottom Up (Download Presentation)
Sara Torres, Laurentian University and Community Health Workers Network of Canada
8. Capitalizing on the Employment Opportunities in Rural and Northern Communities for Internationally Educated Nurses – A Collaborative Model that Works
(In English)
Chair: Ruth Lee, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
In 2016, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) predicted a nation-wide shortage of 60,000 nurses by 2022, the need being most acute in rural/northern communities, non-traditional regions for internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking employment. Since 2001, the CARE Centre has supported 4,000 IENs to achieve registration, employment, and workforce integration by forming collaborative partnerships with CNA, regulators, employers, social service agencies, and academic institutions. The program features customized IEN assistance, case management support, practical employment strategies, mentor connections, and employer matching. The workshop will showcase challenges and success stories of IENs in rural areas, highlighting the
value of interagency collaboration.
- CARE Centre IENs – Supports, Training and Access to Regulated-Employment Services (STARS) Program
Ruth Wojtiuk, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses - Equipping IENs Pre-Arrival for Successful Entry into the Health Care Field
Meghan Wankel, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses - Fostering Inter-Agency Collaboration to Facilitate IEN Opportunities in Rural/Northern Areas
Michelle Gordon, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses - Bridging Internationally Trained Professionals and Northern Ontario Employers
Scott Fisher, Professions North/Nord, Laurentian University - My Personal Experience Working in a Small Community in Ontario
Angeline Peruelo, RPN
9. Making the Most of It: Balancing the Social and the Economic Needs of Newcomers
(In English)
Chair: Nabiha Atallah, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Migrants are often regarded as successful in their settlement efforts when they achieve economic self-sufficiency. As such, settlement programs typically focus on labour market readiness, with employment as their objective. That said, as a growing body of academic literature demonstrates, “getting a job” is only one aspect of successful integration, and newcomers often continue to require support after they’ve secured employment. This workshop explores the social needs of newcomers vis-à-vis economic integration, and the ways in which those in the settlement sector can effectively hold in balance the social with the economic through their programming. It also considers the role of employers in the integration process.
- Helping Newcomers Succeed in Canada: A Review of the ISANS English in the Workplace Program (Download Presentation)
Laurie Burns, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - More than Economic Integration: An Independent Evaluation of ISANS’ English in the Workplace Program (Download Presentation)
Lauren Matheson, Dalhousie University - Immigrant Youth’s Perspectives on the “Immigrant Youth Employability Program”: Preliminary Findings (Download Presentation)
Serperi Sevgur, Dalhousie University - Newcomer Social and Economic Integration: Insights from Nova Scotia (Download Presentation)
Colin Brothers, Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
Thursday, October 31 | Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
1. Predictors of Employment Success for Skilled Newcomers: Building Evidence to Inform Policy and Practice
(In English)
Chair: Joan Atlin, World Education Services
While the gap between the unemployment rates of immigrants and Canadian-born continues to shrink, challenges in obtaining skills commensurate employment persist. World Education Services (WES) examines the specific factors influencing employment outcomes for over 6400 economic stream immigrants to Canada who received an academic credential assessment from WES. The study explores factors (gender, age, sector, degree level, etc.) associated with employment levels and skills commensurate employment outcomes. Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) will provide context by exploring the intersectional factors affecting employment outcomes, reviewing evidence related to intersectionality of gender, race, and other factors in income and employment outcomes for newcomers.
- Who Is Succeeding in the Canadian Labour Market: Predictors of Success for Skilled Immigrants
Ilene Hyman, University of Toronto and Michelle Goldberg, PinPoint Research - Intersectionality in Predicting Employment and Income Outcomes for Immigrants
Yilmaz Dinc, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council
2. Pre-arrival Services in a Global Context
(In English)
Chair: Holly Skelton, Colleges and Institutes Canada
Since 2007, Planning for Canada (PfC) has offered pre-arrival orientation and needs assessment services to over 50,000 immigrants and their dependants to support their economic, social and cultural integration in Canada. PfC services include specific and targeted referrals to organizations across Canada, based on client needs, intended occupations and city of destination. The workshop session and discussion will offer an overview of Planning for Canada’s approach and services and the experience of pre-arrival to post arrival orientation in collaboration with our partner COSTI.
- Sean Corrigan, Planning for Canada
- Chanchal Sidhu, Planning for Canada
- Trudy Small, COSTI Immigrant Services
3. Bridging the Skills Gap: Innovative Approaches to Recruiting Newcomer Talent
(In English)
Chair: Mohamed Elmi, Ryerson University
The panel will present innovative approaches to employer-centred training as a pathway to social and economic inclusion. The panelists will discuss a framework to evaluate impact and discuss the Workforce Innovation and Inclusion Project (WIIP) funded by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which identifies and builds on effective practices for supporting newcomer integration in order to drive innovation, economic growth, and social development across sectors. Challenges with obtaining skilled talent pose a major concern for Canadian organizations. At the same time, there is evidence of under-employment of many newcomers, whose credentials and valuable expertise are often unrecognized by Canadian employers. This panel will highlight innovative approaches to employer-centred technology training as a pathway to economic and social inclusion. This panel will also present research results on an overall taxonomy and framework to understand the skills gap. It will discuss how partnerships and innovative tools can help bridge the skills gap by increasing the capacity of newcomers to develop a more inclusive workplace.
- Experiential Learning and Employer-Centred Training for Addressing Skills Gaps in Canada’s Labour Market (Download Presentation)
Mohamed Elmi, Ryerson University - Innovative Approaches to Workforce Innovation and Inclusion: Outcomes of First-Year Pilot Projects (Download Presentation)
Magdalena Sabat, Ryerson University - Tapping into the Immigrant Talent Pool: Addressing Underemployment and Credential Devaluation of Skilled Immigrants (Download Presentation)
Henrique Hon, Ryerson University
4. Supporting Immigrant Mental Health in Secondary/Smaller Centres
(In English)
Chair: Carmen Celina Moncayo, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Small cities have unique challenges and opportunities when responding to immigrants’ mental health needs. We share challenges such as lacking local statistics on immigrants’ mental health and lacking specialized centres aimed at specific ethno-communities and managed by the same communities. Compounded with overall difficulties in accessing publicly funded mental health services, small centres are forced to innovate and develop alternatives to traditional services. This workshop will explore different initiatives in prevention and promotion of mental health. These promising practices can contribute to more comprehensive and holistic community-based approaches to respond to mental health within the settlement sector.
- Innovative Approaches to Immigrant Mental Health (Download Presentation)
Carmen Celina Moncayo, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Bridging Barriers to Newcomer Mental Health (Download Presentation)
Zainab Awad, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre - Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project: Improving Providers’ Knowledge and Skills to Support Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health (Download Presentation)
Jewel Bailey, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
5. Evolution and Future of the Immigration Data Landscape
(In English)
Chair: Ümit Kiziltan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
This session aims to generate a rigorous discussion on what we envision as the future direction of immigration research and immigration-related data. The Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) is at the heart of immigration research in Canada, which integrates administrative immigration records and annual tax files. The IMDB has now been expanded to include all permanent and temporary residents, other IRCC administrative data (citizenship, express entry, settlement services), and it is being integrated with many other Statistics Canada databases. This workshop will provide researchers and service providers with the latest insights as to what is available and what is under consideration for the future.
- Longitudinal Immigration Database: The Past, Present, and Future (Download Presentation)
Rose Evra, Statistics Canada - Expanding the Use of Administrative Data to Better Inform Public Policy (Download Presentation)
Lorna Jantzen, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - The IMDB – A Game Changer for Immigration Research (Download Presentation)
Yoko Yoshida, Dalhousie University
6. Emerging Initiatives and Trends in Smaller, Rural, and Northern Communities
(In English)
Chair: Lynn Weaver, Cowichan Intercultural Society and Scott Fisher, Professions North/Nord, Laurentian University
There has been a concerted effort to encourage immigration to northern, rural, and remote communities of Canada. This workshop will discuss new initiatives in attracting and retaining immigrants in these communities as well as examining challenges to successful integration. Discussion will be encouraged to share best practices and learnings in addressing attraction, retention, and integration in rural and remote communities and will include information about the successful implementation of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
- Rural and Northern immigration Pilot (RNIP): Implications for Communities
Scott Fisher, Professions North/Nord, Laurentian University - Building Healthy Communities Through the Power of Belonging (Download Presentation)
Inhae Park, YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth - Community Cohesion – Multi-Stakeholder Integration Strategy and Partnerships
Janet Moser, Ignite Fredericton
7. Building a Community-Based Culture of Evaluation
(In English)
Chair: Rich Janzen, Centre for Community Based Research
In this workshop, we will discuss how a community-based approach can promote a culture of evaluation within (re)settlement organizations. By community-based we mean evaluation that is stakeholder-driven, participatory, and action-oriented. The workshop is designed for groups who wish to build their capacity to do evaluation and use evaluation results for continual program improvement. It comes at a time of increasing expectations for the measurement of newcomer outcomes. The workshop will cover the hallmarks, functions, and four phases of a community-based approach to evaluation. It will provide illustrations from the national Evaluating Refugee Programs project funded by IRCC (www.eval4refugee.ca).
- Overview of Community-Based Evaluation
Rich Janzen, Centre for Community Based Research - A National Project in Building Capacity for Community-Based Evaluation
Joanna Ochocka, Centre for Community Based Research - Building Organizational Capacity in Nova Scotia
Nabiha Atallah, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Building Organizational Capacity in Alberta
Leah Hamilton, Mount Royal University
8. The Role of Community Based Organizations in Research, Evaluation, and Outcomes
(In English)
Chair: Fariborz Birjandian, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
This discussion-based session aims to question established knowledge pathways and tackle the idea of how an individual can be supported as the authority of their own experience. Those of us working directly with individuals who are affected by intersections of research and policy can do more than just define the problem, but also leverage the collective intelligence of our communities working across agencies, sectors, systems, and institutions. This workshop will examine where we all fit in the data loop of research, evaluation, and outcomes.
- Amanda Weightman, Habitus Consulting Collective Inc. (Download Presentation)
- Amanda Koyama, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) (Download Presentation)
- Amy Casipullai, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) (Download Presntation)
Friday, November 1 | Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
1. Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities: Intersecting Views on Current and Future Challenges
(In French)
Chair: Yves Labrèche, University of Saint-Boniface
The purpose of this panel is to allow university researchers and representatives from the community sector or settlement services to discuss the main challenges and issues of immigration to Francophone minority communities. Participants are invited to answer questions previously submitted based on their academic research as well as their experience in the community. Through short but focused interventions, they will have the opportunity to discuss current research and knowledge gaps and needs, and suggest possible solutions to improve support for Francophone newcomers and contribute to their success. Three themes will be discussed: workplace access and professional integration; participatory spaces in Francophone minority communities; and
family and community pathways (reunification/blending and new social roles).
- Yves Labrèche, University of Saint-Boniface
- Nathalie Piquemal, University of Manitoba
- Faiçal Zellama, University of Saint-Boniface
- Rose Cathy Handy, Bilingual Link
2. Understanding and Fostering the Resettlement of Migrants from Africa
(In English)
Chair: Leah Hamilton, Mount Royal University
Due to ongoing conflicts in South Sudan, DR Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, and Central African Republic, the number of individuals seeking to migrate to Canada from Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing (UNHCR, 2018). Thus, better understanding the resettlement and integration experiences of migrants from Africa is important. In this workshop, presenters will showcase findings from recent projects examining the settlement and integration experiences of several different migrant groups from Africa. To conclude, the audience will be engaged in a discussion about current challenges facing migrants from Africa, and innovative practices for fostering their resettlement and integration in Canada.
- Learning from the Voices of South Sudanese Migrants in Alberta (Download Presentation)
Leah Hamilton, Mount Royal University, Scott Murray, Mount Royal University, and Monybany Dau, Mount Royal University - From Mirror to Mosaic: Negotiating a Diversifying Francophonie in Canadian Linguistic Minority Community Spaces (Download Presentation)
Luisa Veronis, University of Ottawa, Suzanne Huot, University of British Columbia, and Anne-Cécile Delaisse, University of British Columbia - Skilled Nigerian Migrants in Toronto and Structure and Value of Social Networks (Download Presentation)
Sheri Adekola, Humber College, and Margaret Walton-Roberts, Wilfrid Laurier University - The Resettlement of African Refugees in Canada: More Barriers for the Most Vulnerable Refugees? (Download Presentation)
Manolli Ekra, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
3. IRCC Recent Research Insights
(In English and French)
Chair: Cédric de Chardon, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
In the past several years, IRCC has worked to enhance our capacity to report on and analyze the outcomes and impacts of immigrants and refugees. With the increased availability of administrative data, including strategic data enhancements and linkages, research has been able to address some longstanding knowledge gaps, and produce evidence for the purpose of policy and program decision-making. This workshop will feature research on temporary foreign workers, socio-economic outcomes and impacts of immigrants and refugees, and
immigrants living in official language minority communities, and present our current research plan.
- Rebeka Lee, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Download Presentation)
- Maciej Karpinsky, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Download Presentation)
- Cédric de Chardon, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Download Presentation)
4. Employer Innovation for Newcomer Employment
(In English)
Chair: Sampada Kukade, Skills for Change
Employers are actively encouraged to hire newcomers, yet newcomers face challenges with the lack of recognition of their foreign education and work credentials. Skill mismatches continue to challenge employers across the Canadian economy.
Workshop highlights:
– Strategies for employers to play a greater role in social and economic integration of newcomers
– Identify employer interests and perspectives in bridging gaps between demand and supply of skills toaccelerate labour market absorption
– Identify the most promising policies and practices to better discern and meet future skills needs
– Compile a knowledge synthesis to inform dialogue between diverse stakeholders (government policy-makers, education and training institutions, researchers, employers)
- Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling for Newcomers’ Economic Integration
Surranna Sandy, Skills for Change - Building Capacity in Employment Services for Newcomers
Sampada Kukade, Skills for Change - Supervisor Employer Engagement and Program Marketing
Mridula Nair, Skills for Change
5. Communications with Impact
(In English)
Chair: Nabiha Atallah, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Creating communications with impact at its core helps to support settlement programs and promote positive discussion around immigration. This panel will explore how incorporating strategic thinking, positive story-telling, and knowledge mobilization within discussions of immigration can empower settlement organizations to build a community where all can belong and grow. We will also look at emerging best practices to overcome the limitations of traditional rights-based messaging in shaping public opinion.
- Strategy, Positive Storytelling, and Knowledge Mobilization (Download Presentation)
Josh Boyter, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Building Buy-In for Immigration and Inclusion (Download Presentation)
Louisa Taylor, Refugee 613
6. Perspectives of Immigrant Youth on Mental Health
(In English)
Chair: Jason Brown, University of Western Ontario
This interactive workshop focuses on the mental health effects of acculturative stress for immigrant youth aged 16-24 years. Youth will discuss their views on mental health, and how others can recognize and help prevent more serious problems from developing. Settlement services in the community and local schools provide preventive support and assistance to youth who are at risk. Agency partners will discuss their views of community-based prevention and support. The results of a recent participatory study with youth will be presented by the academic members of this longstanding community-university partnership. Findings from the research literature that intersect with youths’ experiences are offered for discussion. Implications for
community mental health practice with immigrant youth will be presented.
- Mental Health Prevention in Community Schools
Rajaa Al-Abed, South London Neighborhood Resource Centre - Participatory Research with Immigrant Youth
Charlotte Carrie, University of Western Ontario - Sustaining Community-University Research Partnerships
Mohamed Al-Adeimi, South London Neighborhood Resource Centre and Jason Brown, University of Western Ontario
7. From Research to Practice: Systemic Capacity Building for the Integration of Newcomer Families
(In English)
Chair: Christa Sato, University of Toronto
With migration an ongoing trend on a global scale, the integration of newly arrived families into their new home countries plays a significant role in shaping the future of society and humanity. Based on a long history of immigration and resettlement, Canadians have identified challenges on multiple levels for both newcomer families and receiving communities. This workshop will focus on the important role played by families and other parties in the integration process, with both researchers and practitioners from several Canadian cities highlighting challenges and successful practices.
- Strengthening the Integration of Newcomers Families in Canada: Lessons Learned from Working with Men and their Families
Christa Sato, University of Toronto - CWICE: Innovative Child Welfare Practice
Danielle Ungara, Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence, Peel CAS - Culturally Responsive Child and Family Support Services for Newcomers: A Saskatoon Case Study (Download Presentation)
Anahit Falihi, Saskatoon Open Door Society and University of Saskatchewan
8. Innovative Approaches to Settlement and Inclusion: How We Use Music, Food, Language, and Public Art to Foster Inclusion
(In English)
Chair: Patience Adamu, Ryerson University
While much of the research to date has focused on economic inclusion, cultural policies and practices can create opportunities for inclusion and exclusion. This panel will explore several disparate dimensions of culture and the potential role that they play, specifically in music, public art, food, and language. Charlie Andrews will review government music programs, focusing on how programs use art to advance inclusion. Jodi-Ann Francis-Walker will discuss how, while public art has been developed to celebrate diversity, public art in Canada has failed to foster inclusion. Patience Adamu will discuss how language facilitates access to communities, opportunities, and power.
- Public Art: A Critical Discourse of Migrant Inclusion and Exclusion Through Public Displays (Download Presentation)
Jodi-Ann Francis, Ryerson University - Music and Culture: Building Community
Charlie Andrews, Ryerson University - Language as a Vehicle for Exclusion from Opportunity (Download Presentation)
Patience Adamu, Ryerson University
9. Innovating for Visible Minority Newcomer Women’s Employment Success in the Canadian Labour Market
(In English)
Chairs: Susanna Gurr, Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) and Lindsay Alves, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Join us for a conversation about innovative approaches to employment-related programming for visible minority newcomer women. Visible minority newcomer women often face multiple barriers to employment. Indeed, in Canada, labour market outcomes of recent immigrant women in the core working age group are typically lower than both their male counterparts and Canadian-born women. IRCC and SRDC, a non-profit research organization, will discuss the Career Pathways for Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot. Three service provider organizations will also present the interventions they are currently implementing as part of the pilot. The pilot will be evaluated to learn what works, why, and for whom.
- Policy Context for the Career Pathways for Visible Minority Newcomer Women
Lindsay Alves, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - The Career Pathways for Visible Minority Newcomer Women Project
Susanna Gurr, Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) - Empowering Newcomer Women to Succeed in the Canadian Labour Market
Magdalene Cooman, World Skills Employment Centre - Developing Sector-Based Career Pathways Using a Pay for Success Approach
Maria Polovinka, Opportunities for Employment (OFE) - Aspire and Elevate – Employment-Related Interventions for Visible Minority Newcomer Women
Sigrid Tarampi, YWCA Metro Vancouver
Friday, November 1 | Time: 1:45 PM to 3:15 PM
1. Settlement in Smaller Centres: The Case of Acadia and the Atlantic Provinces
(In French)
Chair: Christophe Traisnel, University of Moncton
How can small, local and remote communities respond to the social and demographic challenge related to mobility and immigration? It is a crucial question for Acadia and the Atlantic provinces which face, at the same time, youth out-migration (to bigger centres or economically dynamic regions), an aging population, the decline of their rural regions, and the need to attract (and retain) migrants or immigrants. The issue is even more acute for Francophone minorities, who see in newcomer settlement a major opportunity in their contribution to Francophone minority communities’ vitality in the Atlantic as well as in other regions in Canada.
- Foreign-born Francophone Living in Atlantic Canada: Background, Access, Experience, Representations (Download Presentation)
Christophe Traisnel, University of Moncton and Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, University of Ottawa - Francophone Immigration in PEI: Success Stories (Download Presentation)
Angie Cormier, Coopérative d’intégration francophone PEI - Francophone Immigration to New-Brunswick: Experiences and Representations (Download Presentation)
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, University of Ottawa - Organizing Francophone Immigrant Inclusion Pathways in Atlantic Canada (Download Presentation)
Mariève Forest, Sociopol - The CAIF: Its Role to Support Francophone Immigration in Atlantic Canada (Download Presentation)
Florian Euzen, Société nationale de l’acadie (SNA)
2. Empowering Newcomer Families with Young Children
(In English)
Chair: Alison Brown, Mount St. Vincent University
Learn how we are working together, leveraging community assets to deliver meaningful support for newcomer families with young children. Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is adopting a holistic, family-centric approach to children’s services, collaborating across all teams to deliver coordinated services to families. Early childhood educators at ISANS use a trauma-informed, play-based approach, incorporating technology to deliver educational programming. Mount St. Vincent University researchers are placing cameras in the hands of newcomer families to capture how they experience early childhood supports. CMAS is working with Care for Newcomer Children programs across Canada, building programs that support parenting, resilience in childhood, and quality care for all newcomer children.
- A Cross-Team Approach (Download Presentation)
Gina Moynan, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Innovative Program Delivery (Download Presentation)
Tayitu Sebsibie, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) - Early Childhood in Focus (Download Presentation)
Alison Brown, Mount Saint Vincent University - Making a Difference Through Standards of Care
Tricia Doyle, CMAS - Empowering Newcomer Families with Children (Download Presentation)
Heather Savazzi, CMAS
3. Addressing Systemic Oppression of Vulnerable Newcomer Youth with Alternative Approaches
(In English)
Chair: Mary Kam, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
The workshop will explore innovative approaches to working with vulnerable youth experiencing 1) systemic oppression, 2) intersecting challenges between cultural/parental expectations and Canadian culture/norms, as well as 3) transition to adulthood and becoming independent. Presenters will explore the reality of systemic oppression and challenges faced by vulnerable newcomer youth and its implications. Then, innovative programs and approaches, that are proven to be successful, will be shared. Presentations with real-life examples and stories will invite the audience to explore new and innovative approaches and strategies that can be applied in their future programming and practice.
- From Systemic and Normative Oppression to Integration – Youth
Sandra Almeida, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. - Through Resiliency and Connections: Success and Challenges – Stories of Moving Ahead Program Youth
Jenny Lam, Options Community Services Society - Coming and Becoming: Building Community Through NuYu Popular Theatre
Darae Lee, MOSAIC
4. Economic Integration and Support for New Immigrants in Destinations of Growth
(In English)
Chair: Mose Malcolm, The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
Immigration fuels population and labour-force growth in Canada, mainly in major cities where most newcomers settle. To spread the benefits of immigration more evenly, government policies promote greater economic integration of newcomers and support for their businesses in smaller urban and rural communities. Through incentives and opportunities, immigrants are enticed to settle in these areas where their presence in the labour force or their new businesses could boost the economy and produce benefits for their communities. In this workshop, three community agencies share best practices spurring economic integration of newcomers in destinations of growth, including smaller cities and rural areas.
- Bridging IT Talent to Success in Calgary (Download Presentation)
Mehrzad Eftekhar, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) - Manitoba Start – City and Rural Economic Integration of Immigrants and Supporting Businesses to Ensure Success (Download Presentation)
Medina Puskar, Manitoba Start - Retaining Newcomers Through Career Bridging at Regina Open Door Society (Download Presentation)
Leah Soveran, Regina Open Door Society
5. From Practice to Research: Is Food an Impactful Ingredient of Integration?
(In English)
Chair: Joëlle Favreau, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton
Food matters. It connects us all. This realization may explain the growing interest in embracing food as a potential ingredient in innovative programming. Unsurprisingly, the refugee settlement process echoed that same pattern of interest. Since 2015, food projects have been integrated into several resettlement initiatives, particularly to support refugee women in gaining access to employment skills. What do we know about the impact of these models of intervention? So far, the knowledge is scattered and limited. This workshop is designed to launch an inventory of food-related projects, identify the goals that have shaped their purposes, and map their impacts.
- Joëlle Favreau, YWCA Peterborough Halliburton (Download Presentation)
- Yvonne Lai, New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC)
6. Pathways to Success: The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships in Supporting and Promoting Immigrant Entrepreneurship
(In English)
Chair: Wendy Cukier, Ryerson University
Our research shows that settlement agencies generally do not offer programs designed to support immigrant entrepreneurs, even though newcomers see this as a preferred pathway. This panel will highlight research projects, policy, and practice implications. Panelists will discuss how action-oriented research and harnessing technology informed the creation of the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub (NEH) and Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub (WE-Hub). Moreover, they will discuss programming, including essential wrap-around services for NEH. Finally, the importance of partnerships and collaboration to the project’s success will be discussed.
- Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Immigrant Settlement and Integration: Addressing Barriers to the Success of Immigrant-Owned Businesses (Download Presentation)
Wendy Cukier, Ryerson University - Best Practices in Immigrant Entrepreneurship Services and the Role of Multi-Sectoral Partnerships (Download Presentation)
Irene Sihvonen, ACCES Employment - Innovative Approaches to Supporting Newcomer Businesses: Outcomes from the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub (Download Presentation)
Ruby Latif, Ryerson University
7. Using Social Connections to Support Refugee Integration
(In English)
Chairs: Andrew Lusztyk, Together Project and Anna Hill, Together Project
Originally framed as a way for refugees to form friendships and gain access to social networks, Together Project’s Welcome Group Program has since evolved to engage community volunteers to help refugee households address specific integration challenges as the basis for meaningful social connection. Together Project Co-Director Andrew Lusztyk will chart the development of the program and share emergent learnings about effective community mobilization for refugee integration. His Co-Director, Anna Hill, will provide insight into how the creation of social connections is a tool that can both build refugee social capital as well as promote more welcoming communities.
- The Welcome Group Program: Lessons in Community Mobilization and Effective Volunteer Support in Refugee Integration (Download Presentation)
Andrew Lusztyk, Together Project - Building Social Bridges: How Social Connections Can Help Refugees and Volunteers Build Welcoming Communities Together (Download Presentation)
Anna Hill, Together Project
8. What Can We Learn from Racialized Immigrant Resilience in Canadian Cities?
(In English and French)
Chairs: Sonia Ben Soltane, University of Ottawa, and Fernanda Gutierrez, The Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop
Over the past two decades, the situation of racialized immigrant women in Canadian cities raised a great deal of interest among researchers, policymakers, practitioners and community groups. The latter encounter persistent barriers to integration. This panel proposes a dialogue between researchers and communities of practice around resilient practices for integrating racialized immigrant women in the National Capital Region. The purpose of these discussions is to highlight innovative practices in support of immigrant women and to present testimonials of racialized immigrant women with ascending post-immigration backgrounds.
- What Integration Means for Immigrant Women
Sonia Ben Soltane and Thamara Labossière, University of Ottawa - Reflections and Learnings on Immigrant Women’s Resilience in Order to Create More Effective Integration Programs and Policies
Bettyna Belizaire, Association des Femmes Immigrantes de l’Outaouais - Social Innovation: An Alternative for the Economic Integration of Immigrants
Fernanda Gutierrez, The Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop
9. Leveraging Technology and Data Analytics to Develop New Collaboration Strategies and Programs in the Settlement Sector
(In English)
Chair: Vivien Lok, Immigrant Services Calgary
When you think about the endless amounts of data generated each day, it may be daunting. But consider this: What valuable insights and opportunities can data analytics open for the settlement sector? Moreover, how can this knowledge enhance, or even transform, your organizational strategies? Join this forward-thinking workshop to learn about data analytics and technology, including: types of data in the settlement sector, ways to harness and analyze data for program development, and applications of technology to enhance programs and agency collaboration. Effectively leveraging data analytics and technology will equip you and your team with the roadmap to organizational transformation.
- Introduction to Data Analytics and Technologies in the Development of Collaboration Strategies and Programs
Vivien Lok, Immigrant Services Calgary - Case Study: Application of Data Analytics and Technology in Delivering Settlement Services
Daniel Wu, Immigrant Services Calgary - Case Study: Using Statistics from Past Virtual Career Fairs (VCF) to Develop and Improve Future VCF’s
Ghazi Hallab, Immigrant Services Calgary - Case Study: Development of New Video Projects as an Outcome of Data Analysis
Noel Tsang, Immigrant Services Calgary