Pathways to Prosperity: Canada

Project Description:

This study examines innovative and promising practices by settlement service provider organizations. Using a cross-Canada case study approach, it tests a methodology for identifying promising practices and analyzing the conditions that contribute to their effectiveness. In the first phase of the project, a panel of experts selected six practice areas for study. These are: civic engagement programs for immigrants; integrated needs assessment and ‘one stop shops’; building relationships with employers; the delivery of settlement services to smaller and more isolated cities and towns; professional development training for staff; and transitioning immigrants to mainstream organizations. In consultation with federal officials, provincial and regional umbrella organizations, settlement agency heads, and academic experts, three promising practices are being selected in each of the six areas, which will yield a total of 18 initiatives for in-depth analysis. These will be studied in the second phase of the project, which will include a review of existing research and evaluations, site visits, and interviews with agency heads, line staff, and immigrant service recipients. The final report will include a compendium of case studies accompanied by cross-cutting analysis for each area of practice. The report will identify the factors associated with innovation and excellence and provide recommendations on an ongoing process of analysis, knowledge dissemination, and support for the implementation of promising practices; this will aid in developing the machinery for institutionalizing innovation within the settlement sector.

Leads (Names and Cities of researchers):

• Meyer Burstein, WCI, Ottawa, ON
• Victoria Esses, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Start Date: March 2011

Deliverables:

• Report
• Paper on evaluating best practices

Funder: Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance ‐ Alliance canadienne du secteur de l’établissement des immigrants (CISSA/ACSEI)

Pilot cities/sites (if relevant): N/A