Naomi Adelson, Department of Anthropology, York University
Community Partner: Canadian Cambodian Association of Ontario
Title: Toward Equitable Reproductive Health & Health Services for Cambodian Refugee Women: An Ethnographic Analysis
Domain: Health
Amount: 14,000.00

Abstract
This research project explores Cambodian-Canadian women’s health experiences through narratives of reproductive health. We argue that health narratives may provide insight into this ethno-cultural group’s health literacy, health seeking behaviour, and the barriers to accessing health care services. This research will support the women’s health initiative of the Canadian Cambodian Association of Ontario, recognizing that Cambodian women are the most marginalized, isolated and under-serviced members of the Cambodian community, thus facing many social and cultural barriers. This project will use these reproductive health narratives, along with theoretical approaches to embodiment, to explore women’s conceptions of themselves, their health needs, and ultimately appropriate health promotion strategies and policies for Cambodian-Canadian women. Our findings will be presented back to the community participants and stakeholders, and may be used as evidence for procuring additional funds for women’s health initiatives in the community.

Ranu Basu, Department of Geography, York University
Community Partner: People for Education
Title: Maintaining "Spaces of Integration" in an Era of Devolution: Exploring the Geographies of Language and Education Policy in Toronto’s Elementary Schools
Domain: Education, Housing and Neighbourhoods, Community
Amount: 7,700.00

Abstract
In an ideal multicultural society, publicly funded schools serve many purposes. Aside from its educational mandate, schools are places for neighbourhood integration, social capital formation and the fostering of civil society. During the past near decade, however, rapid restructuring of the public education system in Ontario has led to many changes in these ideals. Within the landscape of this wider transformation the overall aim of this project is to explore how schools are maintaining their roles as ‘sites of integration.’ More specifically, through the lens of educational and language programs this project will examine how the geographies of these services are constructed, fostered and transformed in an era of devolution in Toronto’s elementary schools.

This research will reveal how different geographical contexts lead to correspondingly different experiences in the meaning of integration in schools. This study will also make a significant contribution to our own understandings of civil society in an era of rapid restructuring and devolutionary changes.

Karen Bird, Department of Political Science, McMaster University
Community Partner: Canadian Arab Federation, Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter
Title: Defining lines: Redistricting, Redistribution and Minority Representation
Domain: Community
Amount: 13,202.96

Abstract
At the heart of this research lies the question of why visible minorities remain politically underrepresented, and what are effective strategies for improving their representation. One promising answer – and the focus of this study – lies in the adjustment of electoral boundaries to better reflect the spatial distribution and political interests of visible minority communities. The proposal research will examine, and suggest strategies for minority communities within the GTA to influence the boundary adjustment process. The study includes a substantive focus on two communities – Chinese Canadians and Arab Canadians – that have identified political participation and representation as key concerns.

Nadia Caidi, Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto
Community partner: Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, Toronto Chinese Community Services Association, South Asian Women’s Centre
Title: Information Practices of Ethno-Cultural Communities
Domain: Community
Amount: 14,000.00

Abstract
The quality of information and one’s efficiency in acquiring and processing it is critical for new immigrants’ adjustments to their adopted country. The aim of this research is to study how immigrant communities in the GTA find the information they need to deal with situations they encounter in their everyday lives (types of information needs, choice of information sources, and successful outcomes). The findings will provide insights to frontline information providers about patterns of information seeking of various immigrant groups, and influence government programs and funding priorities concerning information provision and access strategies for a better social inclusion of these communities.

Hayley Hamilton, CAMH, University of Toronto
Co-Investigator: Joanna Anneke Rummens, Community Health and Knowledge Transfer, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Title: Immigrant Children in Treatment: Pathways and Adherence to Care
Domain: Health
Amount: 13,612.00

Abstract
The main objectives of this study are to examine differences in the pathways through which immigrants and non-immigrants access care for their children and the level of general compliance with treatment recommendations. Data will be obtained through a pilot study of 25 immigrant and 25 non-immigrant children ages 4-12 who are currently in treatment at a community-based treatment centre. Information will be gathered through personal interviews with parents. A small number of key informant interviews will also be conducted with clinicians. Pathways and adherence to care are important to the larger issue of effective service to immigrant children and their families.

Sandeep Kumar, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University
Co-Investigator: Mohammad A Qadeer, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University
Community Partner: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada, Hindu Sabha
Title: Faith Based Ethnic Communities: Process of Integration or Exclusion
Domain: Housing and Neighbourhoods, Community
Amount: 13,856.25

Abstract
Faith-based ethnic communities are sprouting up across the Greater Toronto Area. Such communities develop near places of worship and are inhabited predominantly by congregants of one faith but may or may not be of a single ethnic origin. Literature on how faith-based ethnic communities evolve and how they integrate or segregate their members is sparse. Some studies do exist, but these deal mostly with the development of places of worship within the planning policy framework. In the absence of any systematic studies, this research investigates a number of questions. What social and personal considerations draw people together to faith-based communities? What are the processes of the formation of faith communities as local concentrations? Are these communities sites of spatial and social segregation? In addition, it explores how local municipalities are dealing with the growth of such communities, which is often contrary to the usual municipal planning practice. The study focuses on four ethnic communities of different faiths: Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Catholic. The data will be collected from municipal property records, the 2001 census, and individual and focus group interviews with residents and key informants like ethno-religious leaders and municipal and elected officials.

Agnes, Meinhard, Centre for Voluntary Sector Studies, Ryerson University
Community Partner:
Title: Multiculturalism and Successful Integration: The Role of Ethnocultural/Immigrant organizations
Domain: Community
Amount: 14,000.00

Abstract
Multiculturalism has been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy since the 1960s. Recently, some scholars have been questioning the effectiveness of this policy with respect to the integration of immigrants. This research will: a) investigate the implications of Canada’s policy of multiculturalism on the social acculturation and economic success of immigrant groups, and b) examine the role of immigrant associations in creating connections to Canadian society (bridging), or strengthening within-group ties (bonding), and how this affects successful integration. Thus the study will provide policy makers with information about the alignment of the mandates of these organizations with government policy integration.

Bruce Newbold, Department of Geography, McMaster University
Community Partner:
Title: Building a Profile of Health Related Services: Hamilton’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Domain: Health
Amount: 13,897.00

Abstract
While multiple factors influence health, health care facilities and social services and knowledge of these facilities (i.e., hours, contacts, and location), reinforces good health. Consultations with community groups highlighted issues regarding the availability and awareness of health and social services in Hamilton, creating potential barriers to health. The research will: a) using GIS, map the distribution of health and related services relative to the immigrant population within Hamilton; and b) evaluate potential spatial mismatch between immigrants and service location. Results will be made available via a public web interface, enabling policy relevant responses aimed at improving health from public and private agencies.

Roxana Ng, Department of Education (OISE), University of Toronto
Co-Investigator: Guida Man, School of Social Sciences, Atkinson, York University
Community Partner: Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter
Title: Learning to be Good Citizens: Informal Learning and the Labour market Experiences of Professional Chinese Immigrant Women
Domain: Education, Economic, Community
Amount: 14,000.00

Abstract
This study asks: How do highly skilled professional immigrant women learn to refashion themselves to fit into feminized sectors of the Canadian labour market in spite of their qualifications and non-traditional work experiences? It traces the informal learning processes of twenty professional Chinese immigrant women in Toronto in their job search efforts. Focusing on women’s experiences, the study aims to discover the complex interplay of personal, familial and social processes involved in women’s employment choices. The findings will have implications for settlement and training policies and programs, and for capacity building and advocacy for this constituency.

Peter Nyers, Department of Political Science, McMaster University
Co-Investigator: Cynthia Wright, Institute for Women’s Studies & Gender Studies, New College, University of Toronto
Community Partner: Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Campaign, Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre, Central Neighbourhood House, Community Social Planning Council of Toronto
Title: Access Not Fear: Non-Status Immigrants & City Services
Domain: Community, Education, Health, Housing and Neighbourhoods, Justice and Law
Amount: 14,000.00

Abstract
This proposed study will focus on discussions with non-status immigrants from different communities in Toronto about their experiences and difficulties in accessing city services, such as social housing, and shelters, emergency services, health care, schools, social assistance, and food banks. The aim of the study is to determine the barriers to social inclusion faced by non-status immigrants when they attempt to access these services. In considering this matter, this study will examine whether or not non-status immigrants can officially use these services, what kinds of identification and information are necessary to access them, and whether or not the City provides information on access that is readily available and effectively promoted.

Margaret Walton-Roberts, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
Community Partner:
Title: Immigrant settlement and retention in second tier urban regions: A case study of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Domain: Economics, Community
Amount: 7,700.00

Abstract
Government officials have voiced concern over the sustainability of immigrant concentration in Canada's three largest cities. Geographic dispersal provides a policy alternative to metropolitan concentration. This research is designed to examine the factors that contribute to immigrant settlement and integration in Kitchener-Waterloo a second-tier and small urban regions in Ontario. Using qualitative methods the study will evaluate the types of services that are provided in the region and the urban policies and practices employed by municipal governments to attract, retain and integrate immigrants. The research builds on similar work conducted in British Columbia.