Page 7 Research Overview The goal of this project was to develop a deep understanding of the challenges experienced by racialized newcomers when accessing settlement services in the small and mid-sized communities of Southwestern Ontario, and particularly the racism and discrimination that they may experience. [...] What are the suggested strategies that these organizations can utilize to improve the experiences of racialized newcomers when accessing settlement services and to ensure that all clients are treated in a non-discriminatory manner? The ultimate goal of the project was to develop evidence-based recommendations to improve the ability of the settlement sector to address barriers that racialized newco. [...] Regionalization of Immigration Examining and addressing the experiences of racialized newcomers in the small and mid-sized communities of Southwestern Ontario is of particular importance due to Canada’s emphasis on regionalization — the attraction and retention of newcomers in smaller centres and rural areas (Esses et al., 2021). [...] The Current Study In order to ensure the benefits of immigration for communities across the country and to ensure the wellbeing of newcomers, it is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to address the barriers that racialized newcomers may face in accessing settlement services, including racism and discrimination. [...] I went to the office several times.” (Male, Arab) Respondents discussed a lack of information about settlement services and how to access them, resulting in poor knowledge of the services available to them and the physical location of the organization.
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Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements 5
- The Project Advisory Committee 5
- Executive Summary 6
- Research Overview 8
- Background 10
- The Importance of Focusing on Racialized Newcomers 10
- Regionalization of Immigration 10
- The Importance of Settlement Services 11
- Barriers to the Use of Settlement Services 12
- Racism and Discrimination Experienced by Immigrants in Small and Mid-Sized Communities 13
- The Current Study 14
- Methods 15
- Newcomer Respondents 16
- Key Informants 20
- Analyses 20
- Research Challenges 22
- Third-Party Evaluation 22
- Results from Interviews with Newcomers 23
- Discrimination Experienced by Newcomers When Accessing Settlement Services 23
- Description of the incidents and the contexts of discrimination 23
- Racialized Newcomers 24
- Basis of discrimination experienced by racialized newcomers 26
- Non-Racialized Newcomers 28
- Impact of discrimination on racialized newcomers' use of services and on their settlement experiences 28
- Newcomers’ Reports of Discrimination Experienced by Others When Accessing Settlement Services 29
- Additional Challenges that Racialized and Non-Racialized Newcomers Face When Accessing Settlement Services 31
- Difficulties with specific settlement workers and other staff 32
- Lack of knowledge about available services and long wait times 33
- Language barriers 33
- Results from Interviews with Key Informants 35
- Key Informants’ Perceptions of Discrimination in the Delivery of Settlement Services 35
- Key Informants’ Perceptions of the Challenges that Newcomers Face When Accessing Settlement Services 36
- Language barriers 36
- Transportation challenges 36
- Immigration status 37
- Lack of knowledge about available services 37
- Difficulties with specific settlement workers and other staff 38
- Insufficient funding and staff 39
- Digital and cultural communication barriers 40
- Cultural Competency and EDI Practices and Policies in Place in the Organizations 40
- Cultural competency and EDI practices 40
- Policies to promote cultural competency and anti-discrimination 42
- Suggested Strategies for Organizations to Make Sure Everyone Feels Welcome 44
- Suggestions from Newcomer Respondents 44
- Accessibility and inclusivity through language and communication 44
- Knowledge of and access to settlement services 45
- Newcomer support networks 45
- Suggestions from Key Informants 46
- Education, knowledge, and training 46
- Funding and resources 47
- Accessibility and systemic barriers 47
- Internal and external communication and reporting discrimination 47
- Recommendations 49
- Anti-Discrimination Policies and Practices 49
- Equitable and Inclusive Practices in Settlement Service Provision 51
- Enhanced Awareness of Settlement Services 52
- References 54
- Newcomer Pre-Screen Questionnaire 58
- Newcomer Demographic Survey 59
- Newcomer Interview Guide 61
- Key Informant Interview Guide 66
