Fang, Tony, Assistant Professor, School of Administrative Studies, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies, York University
Title: "Over-education" among Canadian Immigrants: Causes and Consequences
Domain: Economic and Labour Market Integration

Abstract
This study will examine the following four research questions.  First, is the extent of over-education greater among immigrants than among Canadian-born?  Second, are the consequences of such mismatches in terms of earnings and job satisfaction worse for immigrants than for natives?  Third, are immigrant over-education issues deteriorating or improving over time? And finally, are there specific workplace characteristics and practices that are more correlated with skill mismatches? Research findings will shed light on such policy and practical issues as immigrant selection and retention, training and re-training of recent immigrants, foreign credential assessment and recognition, and improvement of labour market information.


Hennebry, Jenna, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Communication Studies, Dept. of Sociology, Wilfrid Laurier University
Community partners: United Food and Commercial Workers; Enlace Community Link, Inc.
Title: Health Across Borders: Health Status, Risks and Care among Transnational Migrant Farm Workers in Ontario
Domains: Health and Well-Being; Welcoming Communities

Abstract
The employment of Mexican and Caribbean migrant agricultural workers in Canada is increasing annually, as Canada’s agricultural industry continues to undergo significant changes in response to globalization and demographic change. It is vital that policy and practice in the agricultural and health sectors respond to these changes and consider the health issues and implications for both migrant workers and larger communities in which they live. Combining researchers and community partners, this research will assess the health risks, status and care for this vulnerable population in Ontario and recommend possibilities for improvement in these areas.


Kim, Ann, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, York University
Community partner: Korean Canadian Women’s Association Family and Social Services
Title: The Economic Integration of Korean Immigrants and Consequences for Social Engagement
Domain: Economic and Labour Market Integration

Abstract
The unique experience of Korean integration, particularly in regards to economic integration, argues for increasing our research attention on this group. With almost one third of the community in self-employment, understanding the social, cultural and political factors associated with various economic outcomes, and in turn, how these economic outcomes impact on social engagement and well-being, will prove instrumental for researchers, and community and governmental organizations. Results from this study are expected to enhance the knowledge base that informs social programs and services, and broader policy debates on how our social and economic policies affect the livelihoods of immigrants to Canada.


McDonald, Lynn, Director, Institute for Life Course and Aging, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Title: Sex Trafficking of Women to Canada: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Empirical Research
Domain: Justice, Policing and Security

Abstract
The objective of the proposed study is to conduct a qualitative metasynthesis of empirical research on sex trafficking of women to Canada. The first study of its kind, it strives to develop a transparent and transferable protocol for combining findings of qualitative studies on trafficking in persons. The study should facilitate knowledge translation and inform progressive policy development in the area of human trafficking. This project builds on the previous works by the research team.


Sacco, Vincent, Professor, Department of Sociology, Queen's University
Title: The Fear of Crime Among Members of Immigrant Populations: A Review and Synthesis of Relevant Literature
Domains: Justice, Policing and Security

Abstract
The proposed analysis will involve a synthesis of relevant research relevant to the problem of fear of crime among immigrant groups in urban settings. The central question concerns the ways in which the members of such groups experience their vulnerability to criminal danger and the consequences which these feelings of vulnerability have for processes of adjustment and for overall quality of life.  Fear and its associated coping strategies have significant implications for a wide range of policing and justice issues relating to community policing, gang membership and hate crime.


Schneider, Barry, Professor, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa
Title: Bullying and Victimization in Immigrant Youth
Domain: Family, Children and Youth

Abstract
Bullying of immigrant youth is a serious problem in Canadian schools, which enroll large numbers of newcomers from around the world. The aim of the proposed research synthesis is to review the findings from academic and community-based sources on the bullying of immigrant youth and the risk factors associated with their victimization. The methodologies used in research to date with immigrant youth will be critically evaluated. Implications for researchers, clinicians and policy-makers in Canada will be formulated. These findings about the bullying of immigrant youth will have important implications for policy formation and for the development of interventions that should enhance their psychosocial functioning and adjustment.


Sin, Rick, Lecturer, School of Social Work, McMaster University
Community partners: Council of Agencies Serving South Asians; Chinese Canadian National Council (Toronto Chapter); African Canadian Social Development Council; Hispanic Development Council
Title: Social Capital and the Labour Market Process among 2nd Generation Immigrant Youth in Toronto

Domains: Economic and Labour Market Integration; Family, Children and Youth

Abstract
This research is to examine the role of social capital in access to the labour market by second generation immigrant youth. Labour market participation is arguably the most significant aspect of social inclusion. Unemployment among youth from immigrant communities has become a global phenomenon garnering increasing public attention. Through a series of focus group interviews, we explore community characteristics of social capital utilization in the job search process. It involves the four largest immigrant populations in Toronto - namely Chinese, South Asian, Black and Hispanic communities. The findings will be compared to parallel studies already conducted in Winnipeg and Vancouver.


Springer, Joseph, Professor, School of Urban Planning, Ryerson University
Community partners: Jiamini Community Consultants; Pathways to Education; Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community
Title: The Immigrant Working Poor: Transitions from Housing Insecurity
Domains: Family, Children and Youth; Welcoming Communities

Abstract
This study focuses on the working poor among immigrants arguing that housing insecurity not only perpetuates a cycle of poverty and health precariousness at the individual level but also results in system level costs as evidenced by decreased emergent community capacity, higher incidences of homelessness and higher health and settlement costs. It aims to inform housing policy decisions by applying a new theoretical framework to findings. It seeks to answer them and provide policy recommendations by applying a transitions framework to data gathered from a literature review, census and SLID data analysis, and Key Informant interview data.