Basok, Tanya, Centre for Studies in Social Justice, University of Windsor
Community partner: The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County and The South Asian Centre
Title: Immigrants with Physical and Mental Disabilities and Community Support Services
Domains: Citizenship, Religion and Culture; Health

Abstract
The proposed research will identify obstacles Windsor immigrants with physical and mental disabilities experience in their access to community services and explore both why these obstacles exist and ways of overcoming them. There is evidence that immigrants rarely use community services. Agencies delivering services point out that immigrants’ cultural views on physical and mental disabilities as well as their culturally prescribed forms of care may prevent immigrants with physical and mental disabilities from seeking help from community agencies. In addition, certain institutional obstacles may make it impossible for immigrants with physical and mental disabilities to access the required community services. The proposed research will explore both cultural and institutional obstacles.
 

Bauder, Harald, Department of Geography, University of Guelph
Community partner: The New Canadian Program, The Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre, The Guelph and Distric Multicultural Centre, The Peace Bridge Newcomer Centre
Title: Local, Regional and Transnational Networks and the Integration and Settlement Dispersal of Filipino Immigrants
Domains: Community, Neighbourhoods and Housing

Abstract
The proposed research examines how social and information networks influence the settlement decisions of Filipino immigrants in the St. Catherines and Kitchener-Waterloo areas. Of particular interest is the nature and relative strength of networks between second-tier cities and a gateway city, such as Toronto, vis-à-vis the immigrants’ places of origin in the Philippines. In addition, the proposed project investigates how institutions, such as government, NGO or faith-based organizations, shape these networks and immigrants’ decisions to settle in a second-tier city. A central question is how institutions interconnect at local, regional and transnational scales, and at the places of origin and settlement.

Heller, Monica, Department of Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, OISE, University of Toronto
Community partner: Le Counseil scolaire public de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest, Le Centre des jeunes francophones de Toronto
Title: L’école franco-ontarienne et les jeunes issus de l’immigration
Domain: Education

Abstract
Our proposed research is a qualitative ethnographic study focusing on experiences of inclusion and exclusion of Francophone immigrant youth and their families within a Toronto French-language school and community spaces. Ethno-cultural diversity is a reality for minority Francophone communities, especially in urban areas, calling into question the homogeneous linguistic and ethno-cultural foundation upon which the political legitimacy of the Canadian Francophone minority and its social institutions is conceived. We aim to identify social practices and discourses linked to the construction of social differences and categorization, in terms of access to social networks, institutions, activities or resources.

Kelly, Philip, Department of Geography, York University
Community partner: Community Alliance for Social Justice
Title: Filipino Labour Market Integration and Workplace Experiences in Toronto
Domain: Economics

Abstract
Filipino immigrants are among the most highly educated and qualified, and yet have the most segmented patterns of employment and the lowest wages of any visible minority immigrant group.  The barriers to entering regulated professions are well-known, but workplace processes that hinder upward mobility in unlicensed professions are less well understood.  This project continues a collaboration between Philip Kelly at York University and an advocacy alliance of Filipino organizations in Toronto.  It will examine how Filipino identities are constructed and performed in the workplace and the role this plays in the subordinate integration of Filipinos into the labour market.

Lessa, Iara, School of Social Work, Ryerson University
Community partner: FoodShare Toronto
Title: Women’s identities and food: Practices of settlement and resistance in immigrant Toronto
Domain: Citizenship, Religion and Culture

Abstract
The study examines how food mediates immigrant and refugee women’s experiences of settlement.  It focuses on how the women perceive the changes in their roles, responsibilities and identities that are related to food and how these have affected their settlement in Toronto. It will explore the theme of food in the ways women seek integration, respect and participation in the new society, and how the women express their resistance to cultural dominance. By looking at food as a possible resource for mobilization and organization in processes of settlement, the study aims at making a contribution to practices supporting immigrant women.
 

Lum, Lillie, School of Health Policy and Management, York University
Community partner: Centre for Equity in Health and Society
Title: Evaluating Bridge Training Projects for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
Domain: Economics

Abstract
The Ontario government has been allocating millions of dollars to bridge training projects. Despite dramatic funding increases, IEPs still experience difficulty in obtaining relevant employment and the situation is not improving. The magnitude of the resources directed towards problem resolution will be wasted unless a comprehensive evaluation of the existing bridge training strategy at the policy, education and community level is conducted. This research will examine bridge training curriculums, policies and outcomes through policy analysis and interviews to identify which factors can lead to more successful licensing and employment outcomes. The goal is to identify best practices and offer policy recommendations for the future.
 

Simich, Laura, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Community partner: Settlement Workers in Schools, Toronto Public Health
Title: Immigrant Parents’ Settlement Experiences and Contributions to Children’s Health:  Analysis, Knowledge Transfer and Exchange
Domain: Education, Health

Abstract
Immigrant children generally have better mental health, behaviour and school outcomes than children born in Canada. Few studies have explored the impact of adults’ settlement experiences on children’s overall health. We propose 1) to examine factors in family settlement experiences that contribute to immigrant children’s observed health and success, focussing on social support, family functioning, and identity, and 2) disseminate findings through knowledge transfer (KT) to community, service provider and policy stakeholders. One-quarter of all immigrants to Canada are children below the age of 15.  Information about children’s health is critical for policies and programs in public health and settlement/schools.

Tyyskä, Vappu, Department of Sociology, Ryerson University
Community partner: COSTI Immigrant Services
Title: Family Violence in Selected Immigrant Communities in Toronto
Domains: Community, Neighbourhoods and Housing; Health; Justice and Law

Abstract
This project proposes to research family violence (including wife abuse, child abuse, sibling abuse, and elder abuse) in two immigrant groups.  The main goal is to identify the extent to which family violence is culturally based and/or results from the stresses of immigration.  Family violence is a barrier of crisis proportions to the integration of immigrant women, children, youth and elders, through lost human lives, and loss of potential and actual contributions.  The main policy and practical significance includes application in government and community programs and policies in the health care and legal systems, counselling and crisis services, and emergency and permanent housing.

Wang, Lu, Department of Geography, Queen's University
Community partner: Rolia Chinese Cultural Association
Title: Ethnicity, Spatial Equity and Utilization of Primary Care Physicians -- A Case Study with Mainland Chinese Immigrants in the Toronto CMA
Domains: Economics, Health

Abstract
The research aims to explore the geographical and socio-cultural barriers facing Mainland Chinese (MLC) immigrants in Toronto with regard to accessing primary care physicians, who are often heterogeneous in their cultural background and language of practice.  The study is primarily built on the geographical work on accessibility and the socio-cultural literature on ethnicity and health.  A combination of methods -- geomatics, questionnaire survey and focus groups -- will be used to reveal MLC immigrants’ experiences in seeking primary care.  The research will provide important policy implications for addressing the varying health needs of Chinese immigrants and for enhancing primary-care delivery relevant for MLC immigrants.