Abstract

This study analyzes the role of grassroots organizations in the Greater Toronto Area who support newcomers to Canada. A qualitative thematic analysis was used, with staff from three grassroots organizations and two key informants participating. The study aims, first, to gather practical knowledge from these organizations about the actions needed to improve settlement outcomes for newcomers. Secondly, it seeks to learn what challenges grassroots organizations face in continuing and expanding their services, and how they can be supported in their work. The organizations of focus do not provide direct, government-funded settlement services, but work towards goals of long-term immigrant success and integration. Findings included the need for more responsive and culturally-relevant programming among settlement organizations, the challenges with attaining funding, and the importance of partnerships among related institutions. These actors have valuable insights on newcomers’ current settlement needs and can make important knowledge contributions to the settlement sector. Key words: immigrants; settlement and integration; public services; grassroots organizations; Canada

Highlights

  • Since the 1970s Canada has been one of the main immigrant-receiving countries and has been recognized internationally for having a strong model for immigrant settlement and integration (Shields, Drolet & Valenzuela, 2016)

  • The Settlement Program is the largest federal grant and contribution program for the support of immigrant settlement and integration, and IRCC noted an increase in demand for services over the past few years (IRCC, 2017)

  • While there is a strong body of literature which discusses the challenges faced by settlement agencies, there is less research on the work many grassroots organizations who do not operate as part of the formal settlement sector

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Summary

Introduction

Since the 1970s Canada has been one of the main immigrant-receiving countries and has been recognized internationally for having a strong model for immigrant settlement and integration (Shields, Drolet & Valenzuela, 2016). In 2016 more than 62,000 people were admitted to Canada as resettled refugees and 78,000 in the Family Class (Government of Canada, 2017a). These numbers, up from a maximum target of 265,000 immigrants in 2014 (Government of Canada, 2013), are in part a reflection of a government which sees immigration as necessary for the economic and demographic viability of Canada. Temporary work migration and international students are an enormous contribution to the Canadian economy. Those who came to Canada temporarily in 2016 contributed $32.2 billion to the economy, and Canada issued over 286,000 work permits to temporary workers (Government of Canada, 2017a)

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