Banerji, Anna, International Health and Infectious Disease Clinic, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto
Domain(s): Family, Children and Youth; Health and Well-Being
Type of Project: Original research (Quantitative)
Community partner(s): Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Social Services
Title: The nutritional status of new refugee and uninsured children in Toronto, Canada
Amount granted: $12,293.80

Abstract
This is a retrospective and prospective observational study to determine the nutritional status of foreign-born refugee and non-status children less than 14 years old seen at the Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Social Services clinic in Toronto. Specifically, we will determine anthropometric measures and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and gastrointestinal parasitic infections. There exists little research on the health status of these children who are at high risk for malnutrition. Our results may advise healthcare providers and relevant policy makers on the appropriate screening and intervention practices that will optimize nutrition and decrease morbidity in newly-arrived children.


Bhuyan, Rupaleem, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Domain(s): Citizenship and Social, Cultural & Civic Integration
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence against Women & Children; Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses; Nellie's; Sistering; YWCA’s Beatrice House; Women’s Health in Women’s Hands; Women’s Abuse Council of Toronto
Title: Negotiating Citizenship and Social Rights on the Frontlines of Social Service Delivery
Amount granted: $ 12,373.00

Abstract
This Proposed research will examine how discourses of citizenship and illegality are constructed through social service delivery to immigrants with precarious status. The foci of the proposed research are: 1) how immigrant status and citizenship influence everyday encounters with social services providers; 2) how service providers manage the sensitive identity information for service users, and 3) how documentation requirements as proscribed by funders potentially impact an organization ability to provide comprehensive services to those in need. This study will focus on domestic violence services as means to examine access to social and health services for immigrants in times of crisis at which time such services are particularly needed for safety and recovery from abuse.


Bohr, Yvonne, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University
Domain(s): Family, Children and Youth
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): Aisling Discoveries, Child and Family Centre in Scarborough.
Title: Parent-Infant Separation in Trans-national Families: Risk, Resilience, and the Needs of Young Immigrant Parents
Amount granted: $ 11,649.50

Abstract
The mental health needs of transnational immigrant families with young children are poorly understood and under-studied. As such, mental health and social service agencies in Canadian urban centres can be challenged by a lack of knowledge and resources, and often fail to meet the complex needs of newcomers. Using a community-based participatory research approach, this project will examine risk and resilience in transnational immigrant families who have experienced prolonged parent-child separations. The families’ needs will be documented from the perspective of participants and the community agencies that serve them, and recommendations made for intervention and policy.


Daswani, Girish, Anthropology, University of Toronto
Domain(s): Citizenship and Social, Cultural and Civic Integration; Welcoming Communities: Building Capacity in Regions, Cities and Neighbourhoods
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): East Scarborough Storefront; Action for Neighbourhood Change Community Office.
Title: Citizenship and Urban Space: Intersections of Housing Services, Identity and Belonging for Newcomers in Kingston/Galloway/Orton Park, Scarborough
Amount granted: $12,500.00

Abstract
Our research will examine the spatial distribution, housing contexts, and everyday citizenship practices of newcomers to the Kingston/Galloway/Orton Park (KGOP) neighbourhood who have arrived since 2004. Our multidisciplinary team of urban geographers and planners, anthropologist and local research collaborators will address the spatialization needs and practices of newcomers to KGOP, namely how the physical infrastructure/ physical space and ideas of belonging and citizenship are interconnected and in dialogue with each other. Methods will include the collection of information related to housing and planning as well as an ethnographic study of how residents of this community experience citizenship and belonging.

Hynie, Michaela, York Institute for Health Research, Department of Psychology, York University
Domain(s): Health and Well-being
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative); Secondary Data Analysis
Community partner(s): Central West Local Health Integration Network; Friend & Advocates Peel Mission; Supportive Housing In Peel; Reconnect Mental Health Services; Punjabi Community Health Services.
Title: Identifying Unmet Mental Health Needs in Immigrant and Refugee Communities in the Central West LHIN
Amount granted: $ 11,971.90

Abstract
The proposed project involves an exploration of the availability and accessibility of existing mental health and addiction services in light of the diversity of needs experienced by different newcomers populations within the Central West-LHIN boundaries and an investigation of newcomers ' unmet mental health care needs. A synthesis of existing information will be combined with qualitative interviews with local community members and service providers. This project can further understanding of the diverse mental health needs of various immigrant and refugee populations, the gaps in service delivery and barriers to accessing care, and the potential for integrated policy development and service provision.


Landolt, Patricia, Cities Centre, University of Toronto
Domain(s): Citizenship and Social, Cultural and Civic Integration; Welcoming Communities: Building Capacity in Regions, Cities and Neighbourhoods
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services.
Title: Social Citizenship, Politics and Policy in the Global City: Negotiating Access to Public Goods for Toronto Immigrants with Precarious Status
Amount granted: $ 12,500.00

Abstract
The objective of this project is to contribute to knowledge and policies concerning the process of agenda setting and social policy production for socially excluded immigrant populations. We will study a complex set of multi-sectoral negotiations that have produced changes in the policies and social service delivery procedures that determine access to public goods for Toronto immigrants with precarious status.  The specific foci are the Toronto District School Board and Community Health Clinics.  Data collection will map institutional decision-making processes through (1) focus groups with community activists, frontline workers, CHC directors and school trustees; and (2) interviews with public officials and bureaucrats.  The project will contribute to scholarship on social citizenship and the dynamics that draw and re-draw the de facto and de jure boundaries of membership in the political community.  It will offer a nuanced understanding of the politics of policy production that may serve as a valuable advocacy tool for the social service sector.


Lindgren, April, Journalism , Ryerson University
Domain(s): Citizenship and Social, Cultural and Civic Integration; Welcoming Communities: Building Capacity in Regions, Cities and Neighbourhoods
Type of Project: Original research (Qual/Quan)
Community partner(s): None
Title: Media Portrait of the Greater Toronto Area: The role of an ethnic newspaper (Ming Pao)
Amount granted: $12,500

Abstract
This project will examine local news coverage in the Toronto-area Chinese daily newspaper Ming Pao to gain a better understanding of immigrant community identity formation, sense of belonging and civic engagement. The Ming Pao project is one part of a six-part study of local news coverage that aims to paint a comprehensive media portrait of the GTA by combining computer-based mapping, news content analysis and surveys of newsroom personnel. Data will be analyzed with a view to better understanding the role and determinants of media coverage, including ethnic media coverage, in the life of a complex, multicultural metropolis.


Skuterud, Mikal, Department of Economics, University of Waterloo
Domain(s): Economic and Labour Market Integration
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA Employment Centre
Title: Identifying and Understanding the Relative Labour Market Dynamics of Immigrants in Canada
Amount granted: $12,500

Abstract
Beginning in January 2006, Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) began to identify the country of birth of respondents. We propose to exploit the sampling structure of the LFS, which allows individuals to be followed over 6-month periods, to examine the relative labour market dynamics of immigrants in Canada. This longitudinal analysis will offer policymakers insights into whether differences in employment, unemployment or nonparticipation rates for immigrants primarily reflect differences in flows into or out of these states, thereby  informing whether, for example, greater emphasis should be put on programmes to aid immigrants in job search or job retention.


Türegün, Adnan, Research Resource Division for Refugees (RRDR), Carleton University
Domain(s): Economic and Labour Market Integration
Type of Project: Original research (Qualitative)
Community partner(s): Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants;
Title: Rebuilding Professional Lives: Immigrant Professionals Working in the Ontario Settlement Sector
Amount granted: $ 9,500.00

Abstract
This research will focus on an under-studied area of employment for immigrants and refugees who do not get to practice their professions in Ontario. Many such professionals have taken refuge in the settlement sector as an employer. It is not uncommon to see the foreign-trained, regardless of what they are trained for, working at settlement service agencies. The research will inquire the extent and experience of immigrant and refugee employment in this sector. The findings will be relevant for policy considerations on access to professions and trades by foreign-trained individuals and for building capacity in the settlement sector.