For further information please contact: 
Dr. Joanna (Anneke) Rummens, Academic Coordinator 
tel. (416) 946-3113; e-mail <anneke.rummens@utoronto.ca>    

 
ECONOMIC DOMAIN PROJECTS  

Changing Patterns of Immigrants' Socioeconomic Integration (1986-1995) 
and their Policy and Program Implications  

This study examines, for the period 1986 to 1995, the changing patterns of immigrants' socioeconomic integration.  Over 46 ethno-cultural groups are compared to one another and the national average (for Canada and the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area) on a number of dimensions including employment income, the unemployment and labour force participation rates, and the proportion of persons in each group falling below Statistics Canada's low income cut-off measure.  These patterns are further analysed using such variables as sex, education, language and period of immigration.   The program and policy implications of the results are also examined.  
 

Research Partners:   

• Academic: Department of Sociology and Equity Studies, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)/University of Toronto       
• Community:   COSTI Immigrant Services, Toronto 

Research Team:  

• Dr. Edward Harvey, Professor, Department of Sociology and Equity Studies, OISE/University of Toronto (lead researcher) 
• Dr. Bobby Siu, COSTI Immigrant Services (community-based researcher) 
• Ms. Kathleen D.V. Reil, doctoral student  in Sociology, University of Toronto (research assistant) 

Amount Funded: $15,000

. 

 EDUCATION DOMAIN   
 
Parent Participation in Elementary Schools:  The Experience of Hispanic Immigrants  

A major shift in the Ontario public education system is the mandating of School Advisory Councils, ostensibly to make the system more accountable to parents and communities.  The councils' effectiveness will depend partly on whether they can involve diverse elements of the community in schools.  Thus, understanding the challenges of parent involvement among immigrant, visible minority, and economically disadvantaged parents in the greater Toronto region is crucial.  The proposed research focuses on these challenges among Hispanic parents, by collecting data on their experiences with schools and their attitudes towards the goals of school, the role of parents in school, and in governance. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic:  Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology and the Institute of Child Study, OISE/University of Toronto 
• Community: Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children  

Research Team:  

• Dr. Carl Corter, Director and Professor,  Institute of Child Study, OISE/University of Toronto  (lead researcher) 
• Dr. Maria Barrera, Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children (co-lead researcher) 
• Two graduate students and two undergraduate students (research assistants) 
• Two community-based researchers (research assistants) 

Collaborative Partners:  

• Mrs. Mireya Cunningham, Counsellor, Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School 
• Mrs. Lita Gonzalez Dickay, Educator and Community Liaison Worker for the Hispanic        Community for the Metro Separate School Board (MSSB) 
• Mr. Antonio Garzon, past President of the Asociacion de Padres de Familia de Habla Hispana 
• Dr. Paul Favaro, Chief of Research and Evaluation, Peel Board of Education 
• Mr. David Morley, Executive Director of Pueblito Canada, Toronto 

Amount Funded: $15,000

 Early Differences Experienced by Visible Minority Children  

This study will examine "positive" teacher-child interactions in 80 early child care centres in the Greater Toronto Area, to determine whether, as a students' pilot study showed, there are significant differences in the treatment of young children who are perceived by their teachers to be members of visible minority groups.  Their sex and the socio-economic status of the group of families using the centre, as perceived by staff and reported by the supervisor, will also be included in the analysis for policy implications for pre-service and in-service teacher training. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic:
• School of Early Childhood Education, Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• Childcare Resource and Research Unit, Centre for Urban and Community Studies, University of Toronto 
• Community: Bias-Free Early Childhood Services, Toronto 

Research Team:  

• Dr. Kenise Murphy Kilbride, Professor, School of Early Childhood Education, Ryerson Polytechnic University (lead researcher) 
• Prof. June Pollard, Director, School of Early Childhood Education, Ryerson Polytechnic        University (researcher) 
• Ms. Martha Friendly, Coordinator, Childcare Resource and Research Unit, Centre for Urban  and Community Studies, University of Toronto (researcher) 
• Ms. Julie Dotsch, Coordinator, Bias-Free Early Childhood Services, Scarborough (community-based researcher) 
• 1 graduate student (research assistant: project manager) 
• 8 undergraduate students (research assistants) 

Amount Funded: $14,871

School Experiences of Immigrant and Ethnic Minority Youth:  
Risk and Protective Factors in Coping with Bullying and Harassment  

The goal of this project is to evaluate the vulnerability of ethnic minority and immigrant youth to bullying and harassment in school.  Bullying and harassment are highly aversive experiences which have negative consequences for mental health and school adjustment.  To the extent that ethnicity and immigrant status are targets of bullying, such youth are especially at risk.  In this project, using both longitudinal and cross-sectional methods, we will study bullying and harassment among immigrant, ethnic minority, and majority status youth in grades 7 to 12.  We link their risk for bullying and victimization to salient bio-psycho-social factors to identify circumstances which protect youth from bullying and harassment.   

Research Partners:  

• Academic: 
• LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict, and the Department of Psychology, York University 
• Department of Psychology, Queens' University 
• Community: Conflict Resolution Advisory Team, Kent Public School, Toronto 

Research Team:   

• Dr. Debra J. Pepler, Professor of Psychology and Director of the LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution, York University (lead researcher) 
• Dr. Jennifer Connolly, Associate Professor of Psychology, York University (researcher) 
• Dr. Wendy Craig, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Queens' University (researcher) 
• Two doctoral students (research assistants) 
• 4 undergraduate students (research assistants) 

Collaborative Partners:  

• Mr. Timothy Kearns, Conflict Resolution Advisory Team, Kent Public School, Toronto 

Amount Funded: $15,000

COMMUNITY  DOMAIN (Social Services; Other)  
 

Research Toward Equity in the Professional Life of Immigrants: A Study of Nursing in the Metropolis   

This qualitative study will examine immigrant nurses' experience of racism and interrogate the grievance proceedings they have navigated.  Theory and methods developed by Essed (1991), van Kijk (1993), and D.E.Smith (1990), will guide data collection and analysis.  A network sample of 20 nurses who have filed formal complaints will reflect diversity of ethno-racial origin and immigration histories.  As well, selected case documents and proceedings will be subjected to legal analysis.  The evidence will be published in collaborative efforts to generate policy support for equity in professional life.  Data will be collected during face-to-face interviews and focus group sessions with the participating nurses.  In addition secondary data will be generated through interviews with informants of unions and representatives of ethno-racial communities. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic:
• School of Nursing, Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• School of Nursing, University of Toronto 
• School of Nursing, Seneca College 
• Osgoode Hall Law School, York University 
• Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology, St. Francis Xavier University 

Research Team:   

• Prof. Enid Collins, Professor, School of Nursing, Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• Dr. Rebecca Hagey, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Toronto 
• Dr. Judy Fudge, Associate Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University 
• Dr. Ushi Choudhry, Professor, School of Nursing, Seneca College 
• Dr. Agnes Calliste, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, St. Frances Xavier University 
• Ruth Lee, doctoral candidate, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto (research assistant: coordinator) 
• Two doctoral students (research assistants) 

 
Collaborative Partners:  

• Kathy Wong, Chair, Culture Care Nursing Interest Group (CCNIG) 
• Collean Motley, President, The Barbados Nurses’ Association, Toronto Chapter 
• Sheila Buckmire, President, The Grenada Healthcare Resource Group (GHRG) 
• Anna Mathai, President, South Asian Nurses Association of Canada 

Amount Funded: $14,714

 The Impact of Sponsorship on the Equality Rights of Francophone Immigrant Women   

A majority of immigrant women living in Canada have been sponsored by a family member, most often their spouse, who has undertaken the legal obligation to provide for their essential needs and facilitate their integration in society, for a minimum of 10 years.  Preliminary research and consultation indicates that the Immigration Act and its regulations contribute to female dependency and increased vulnerability to spousal violence,  thereby compounding existing sexual and social inequality based on gender, colour and ethnic origin.  

This project aims to document the impact of family class sponsorship on Francophone immigrant women living in Ontario, analyze its impact in light of the government's constitutional obligation to respect and promote women's equality and develop recommendations for legislative and administrative reform, taking into consideration those that have been achieved in Quebec, where the sponsorship undertaking for a spouse has been reduced to 3 years. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic: Centre for Feminist Research, York University   
• Community: La Table feministe francophone de concertation provinciale de l’Ontario 

Research Team:  

• Ms. Andree Cote LL.B., LL.M., Research Associate, Centre for Feminist Research, York University       (lead researcher) 
• 3 graduate students (research assistant) 
• 1 community coordinator (community-based research assistant) 

Amount Funded: $12,500

The Civic Engagement of Immigrants and Refugees:   
Towards a Comparative Study of Women's and Men's Participation in Schooling Issues in the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver   

Civic engagement, or participation in public institutions and community organizations, is an important indicator of the adaptation and participation of newcomers in Canadian society.  This project analyzes civic engagement in schools and related institutions within the Greater Toronto Area.  These institutions represent an important domain of involvement for immigrant/refugee parents, especially women.  The project will examine key pre-migration and post-migration characteristics of selected immigrant and refugee groups in the first phase of a long-term comparative (Toronto, Vancouver) analysis of factors that facilitate or inhibit civic engagement among immigrants.  Collaborators include school board members from Etobicoke and Metro Toronto, and a York/Ryerson team analyzing immigrants' participation in municipal politic. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic: Department of Sociology, York University 
• Department of Geography, University of British Columbia 

Research Team:  

• Dr. Luin Goldring, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sociology, York University (lead researcher)  
• Dr. Jennifer Hyndman, Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Geography, University of British Columbia (co-lead researcher) 
• 2 graduate students (research assistants) 
• 1 community-based researcher (research assistant) 

Collaborative Partners:  

• Dr. Anne Berens, Research Director, Etobicoke Board of Education 
• Ms. Luz Bascunan, Trustee, Toronto Board of Education 

Collaboration with other CERIS-funded Research Projects:  

• Immigration, Urban Citizenship and Municipal Governance in the Greater Toronto Area (1996 RFP Research Project) 
• Dr. Myer Siemiatycki, Dept. of Politics and School of Public Administration, Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• Dr. Engin Isin, Urban Studies, York University 

Amount Funded: $11,000

Satellite Children: An Exploratory Study of Their Experience and Perception  

The proposed study addresses the research gap about Asian "astronaut" families, where one spouse leaves the family in the foreign country to which the family emigrated, while s/he returns to the home country to continue with his/her business.  The focus will be on their adolescent children, called “satellite kids.”  Research data will be obtained through a qualitative methods research design.  Analyses will cover their acculturation and adjustment and especially parental absence.  The findings will provide valuable information for frontline workers, social service agencies, school officials, and immigration and settlement policy makers. 

Research Partners:  

• Academic:
• Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto 
• Dept. of Family Science, University of Guelph 
• Community: Chinese Family Life Services of Metro Toronto (CFLSMT) 

Research Team:  

• Dr. Howard H. Irving, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto (lead researcher) 
• Dr. A.K.T. Tsang, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto (researcher) 
• Dr. Michael Benjamin, Research Coordinator, Student Environmental Group, University of Guelph 
• Ms. Shirley Chau, B.A., MSW., (researcher) 
• Graduate student (research assistant) 

Collaborative Partners:  

• Mr. Patrick Au, Executive Director, Chinese Family Life Services of Metro Toronto (CFLSMT) 

Amount Funded: $14,950

Voices of Immigrant Women:  
The Effect of Cutbacks on Their Settlement Experiences  

This study explores, through qualitative research strategies, the perspectives of recent immigrant and refugee women regarding the impact of policy changes and budget cutbacks on their settlement experience.  The primary research activity will be ethno-specific focus group interviews with Hispanic and Somali women.  The study will be conducted in the City of York.  The main collaborative partner will be York Community and Agency Social Planning Council.  Community-based research assistants will facilitate the focus groups in the women's native language.  One graduate student will coordinate the project; another will assist in aspects of data collection and analysis. 

Research partners:  

• Academic: Faculty of Education, York University 
• Community: City of York Community and Agency Social Planning Council (Y-CASP) 

Research team:  

• Dr. Neita Kay Israelite, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, York (lead researcher) 
• Arlene Herman, doctoral student, Women’s Studies, York University (research assistant: research coordinator) 
• 1 other graduate student (research assistant) 
• 2 community-based research assistants 

Collaborative Partners:  

• Ms. Yasmin Khan, Executive Director, City of York Community & Agency Social Planning Council 
• Ms. Joan Milling, Executive Director, York Community Services, Legal Health and Social Services 
• Ms. Rosamaria Andino, President of the board of Directors, York Hispanic Centre 
• Mr. Mahad Yusuf, Chair, Somali Immigrant Aid Organization (SIAO) 

Amount Funded: $5,000

 COMMUNITY  DOMAIN (Health)  
 

Food Security, Health and the Immigrant Experience  

This research project on food security, health and immigration, is proposed by a team of researchers from Ryerson's Centre for Studies in Food Security, the Centre for Health Studies at York University, the Centre Medico-Social Communautaire and the Regent Park Community Health Centre.  Food security is a long standing problem for vulnerable groups in our communities.  Some new immigrants experience difficulties meeting their food needs.  The goal of this research project is to identify and support ethnically appropriate food related programs, community action strategies and policies to enhance the health and well being of immigrants.  Key informant and semi-structured interviews with community service organizations and participatory action research with immigrant groups will be used to explore immigrant food security issues and to identify appropriate action, service and policy responses.   

Research Partners:  

• Academic:
• School of Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies,  Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• Dept. of Sociology and Centre for Studies in Food Security, Ryerson Polytechnic University 
• Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University 
• Dept. of Anthropology and Centre for Health Studies, York University 
• Community:
• Centre Medico-Social Communautaire, Toronto 
• Regent Park Community Health Centre, Toronto 

Research Team:   

• Jennifer Welsh, Professor, School of Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies, Ryerson Polytechnic University (lead researcher) 
• Dr. Mustafa Koc, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sociology and Centre for Studies in Food Security, Ryerson Polytechnic University (researcher) 
• Dr. Alex Murray, Professor, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University (researcher) 
• Dr. Penny Van Esterik, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology and Centre for Health Studies, York University (researcher) 
• Ms. Francoise Paris, Community Dietician, Centre Medico-Social Communautaire, Toronto  
• Ms. Patty Wai Ling Wong, Community Dietician, Regent Park Community Health Centre 
• 4 undergraduate and graduate students, Ryerson and York Universities (research assistants) 
• 4 cultural interpreters (community-based research assistants) 

Other Collaborative Partners:  

• Ms. Carolyn Barber, Manager, Nutrition Services, Toronto Department of Public Health 

Amount Funded: $14,616

The Study of the Health Status and Health Care Access for the Arab Community in Toronto: A Pilot Study to Assess Health Needs  

This pilot study aims to collect socio-economic, demographic, health and other data regarding the Arab community in Toronto area and to determine their health needs.  Two methods will be used:  1) compiling and analysing data from Statistics Canada and other sources;  and 2) community-based research using focus groups.  The results of this study will lay the ground for further research to investigate the health status of the Arab community and their access to health care services in Toronto area.  

Research Partners:  

• Academic:
• Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto  
• The Centre for Health Promotion, Banting Institute, University of Toronto 
• Community:
• Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) 
• Arab Community Centre of Toronto 

Research Team:  

• Prof. Lillian Yuan M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto (lead researcher) 
• Dr. Irving Rootman, Professor, Centre for Health Promotion, Banting Institute, University of Toronto (researcher) 
• Dr. Ahmed Tayeh, (research coordinator) 
• 2 graduate students (research assistants) 
• 2 community-based researchers (research assistants) 

Research Collaborators:  

• Mr. Jehad Y. Al-Iwiewi, Executive Director, Canadian Arab Federation 
• Ms. Laila Bondugjie, Executive Director, The Arab Community Centre of Toronto 

Amount Funded: $15,000