Canadian Perspectives on Immigration in Small Cities PDF
Preview Canadian Perspectives on Immigration in Small Cities
International Perspectives on Migration 12 Glenda Tibe Bonifacio Julie L. Drolet Editors Canadian Perspectives on Immigration in Small Cities International Perspectives on Migration Volume 12 Series Editors Peter Li and Baha Abu-Laban The series publishes original scholarly books that advance our understanding of international migration and immigrant integration. Written by academic experts and policy specialists, each volume addresses a clearly defi ned research question or theme, employs critical analysis, and develops evidence-based scholarship. The series includes single- or multi authored monographs, volumes, and edited collections. The scope of the series is international migration and integration research. Topics include but are not limited to thematic and current issues and debates; comparative research of a regional, national, or international nature; the changing character of urban areas in which migrants or refugees settle; the reciprocal infl uence of migrants/ refugees and host communities; and issues of integration and social inequality as well as policy analysis in migration research. More information about this series at h ttp://www.springer.com/series/8811 Glenda Tibe Bonifacio • Julie L. Drolet Editors Canadian Perspectives on Immigration in Small Cities Editors Glenda Tibe Bonifacio Julie L. Drolet Department of Women and Gender Studies Faculty of Social Work University of Lethbridge University of Calgary Lethbridge , AB , Canada Edmonton , AB , Canada ISSN 2214-9805 ISSN 2214-9813 (electronic) International Perspectives on Migration ISBN 978-3-319-40423-3 ISBN 978-3-319-40424-0 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-40424-0 Library of Congress Control Number: 2016955048 © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017 T his work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifi cally the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfi lms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. T he use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specifi c statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. T he publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paper This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Springer International Publishing AG Switzerland This book is dedicated to Ottilia Chareka (1968–2011) and her fi ve daughters—Missy, Patience, Patricia, Primrose, and Prisca. All royalties from this book will go to the memorial fund for the children of Ottilia Chareka. Dr. Ottilia Chareka (photo courtesy of St. Francis Xavier University) Foreword Research on migration to Canada has focused primarily on the large metropolises of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, with far less attention paid to what the authors of this volume term “small cities.” In recent years, a greater number of immigrants have been drawn to small cities, and this regionalization presents both opportunities and challenges. From the perspective of the host community, oppor- tunities may be presented in terms of reducing population decline, promoting eco- nomic growth, and supporting the sustainability of Francophone minority communities. Yet such regionalization also poses challenges for communities, where resources, knowledge, and experience may be lacking. Small cities may also offer opportunities for immigrants, including at times better employment prospects and a higher quality of life. At the same time, they may present challenges for new- comers in terms of a potential lack of specialized services to support settlement and a host population less familiar with diversity. This volume makes an important contribution in this regard, documenting and analyzing these challenges and oppor- tunities through a case study approach, while drawing out the theoretical and prac- tical implications. One of the strengths of this volume is the extent to which interdisciplinary per- spectives are seamlessly incorporated into the analyses and the variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives brought to bear in addressing the experiences of immigrants in small Canadian cities. An additional strength is the range of small cities examined and the somewhat recurring themes that emerge. While this is not the fi rst collection of work on small cities, it is likely one of the most wide ranging to date. A breadth of topics are covered—including the role of collaborative partner- ships in small cities, social networks, sense of place, identity, belonging, health and well-being, racism and discrimination, political participation, and the specifi c issues faced by Francophone minority communities—yet the volume manages to retain its coherence. This is important work if the government of Canada’s goal of regional- ization is to be successfully realized. New immigration challenges and opportunities are constantly arising. At this time, the Syrian refugee crisis has drawn Canadians’ attention, and many everyday Canadians have stepped forward to privately sponsor Syrian refugees to Canada. vii viii Foreword How large and small cities will work to integrate these newcomers and their effects on these communities pose new and important questions for future research. Many of the authors of this volume began to work together as members of Metropolis, a research network designed to bring together researchers, policymak- ers, and practitioners with interest in immigration and diversity. When Metropolis Canada was decommissioned in 2012, we were fortunate to receive funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) to form the Pathways to Prosperity Research Partnership (www.p2pcanada.ca), an alliance of university, community, and government partners dedicated to fostering welcom- ing communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada. This support from SSHRC, and the success of the P2P Partnership, attests to the importance of policy- and practice-relevant research in this area, of which research on “small cities” forms an important part. Pathways to Prosperity Research Partnership Victoria Esses London, ON, Canada Preface The idea for this collection began at the 11th National Metropolis Conference, “Frontiers of Canadian Migration,” held on March 19–22, 2009, in Calgary, Alberta. A workshop session on “Beyond the Metropolis: Small-Town Migration in Canada” was organized by Glenda Tibe Bonifacio and brought together academics like Julie Drolet, policymakers, government offi cials, and immigrant-serving agency staff and directors to discuss the settlement experiences in small cities in Western Canada. The discussion focused on the unique challenges faced by small cities but also the promising practices that have emerged over time. Many of the participants in this session agreed that there was a need to further document, share, and learn from these experiences. Following the conference, a national call for papers was launched by the editors to approach immigration in small cities through both empirical and qualitative studies, thoughtful policy analysis and discussion, and practical exam- ples of programs and initiatives under way in small cities in Canada. Many of the contributors in this book met through Metropolis, an international network for research and public policy development on migration, diversity, and immigrant integration in cities in Canada and internationally. The Metropolis Project was a partnership of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners that devel- oped an extensive local network, with signifi cant linkages across the country and beyond. Metropolis aimed to enhance policy through research by sponsoring activi- ties such as research, seminars, conferences, publications, and other knowledge transfer or mobilization activities in six priority areas: citizenship and social, cul- tural, and civic integration; family, children, and youth; justice, policing, and secu- rity; welcoming communities; economic and labour market integration; and housing and neighborhoods. The Metropolis university-based Centres of Excellence (located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax/Moncton) facilitated local networks of researchers, policymakers from different levels of government, and practitioners through various events and activities. Metropolis Phase 3 ended in 2012, and we remain hopeful that the partnerships created through the network will continue through the years, as research on immigration and diversity will be needed more than ever in a globalizing world. As members of the Pathways to Prosperity Research Partnership (www.p2pcanada.ca), an alliance of university, community, ix
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