Get documents about "REPORT 1 NEWCOMERS
Document Sample
Welcoming, integrating, and supporting all cultural groups and newcomers to Chatham-Kent
Welcoming Communities; Winning Communities
Video Series Project
Report on the
Newcomers Focus Group Session
Chatham, Ontario
Newcomers Focus Group Report 1
Discovering the Difference
We go looking for culture and cultural meanings
Only to find issues of equity and power
Our hidden expressions and lack of compliance
Are really a reflection of limitations
Imposed on us by a system, a society
That says it values difference and diversity
But what it really wants is conformity
The issue is racism, the challenge discrimination
The patterns are lost in processes of racialization
Being an “other” is to be inferior
Why can’t it be equal or even superior
I do what I do because of who I am
But also what you have made me to be
“Different” can be strong or it can be weak
The answer, the choice is ours to seek
It’s only when we embrace the difference
And deal with forces that impose conformity
That we will discover cultures
And the true value of diversity
Rani Srivastava
Newcomers Focus Group Report 2
Executive Summary
The Welcoming Communities Initiative is a Citizenship and Immigration Canada
funded project, which aims to bring together multiple stakeholders to address the
needs of access, equity and inclusion as it relates to newcomers and immigrants.
The long term goal of this project is to engage immigrants as partners in the
community building process, through a more equitable, accessible and inclusive
approach.
In 2009, the Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent, an immigrant servicing agency
received funds to develop the Welcoming Communities; Winning Communities
diversity training video series, to support the objectives of Citizenship and
Immigration Canada. The series will educate and build cultural competency of
staff members from businesses, healthcare providers and the voluntary sector, to
provide access to training tools to successfully support and integrate newcomers.
The three videos created will be covering the following topics:
Welcoming and Hiring Newcomers in your Business
Welcoming Newcomers as Volunteers
Creating Welcoming and Culturally Sensitive Healthcare Services
The videos and resource booklets will be available online as download and in hard
copy. Each video will highlight our community and services within. Subsequently,
the videos will be distributed to 100 rural communities outside of Chatham-Kent
with population less than 150,000, in order to help rural communities attract and
retain newcomers. Video Renegade Productions, by Tom Faber and Lisa Franks,
will film the training videos locally.
In April 2010, the Cultural Coalition conducted and hosted four focus group
sessions for Newcomers/New Canadians, Employers, the Voluntary Sector and
Healthcare Practitioners.
This report specifically captures the perspectives and insights of the newcomer
participants. Participants viewed the following issues and challenges as a two-way
street where all parties involved should actively promote cross cultural
understanding.
Qualification/Accreditation
Employment
Healthcare Services
Newcomers Focus Group Report 3
Introduction
In April 2010, the Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent (CCC-K) organized and
assembled four focus groups from the Chatham-Kent community, to obtain
comprehensive input from community members and professionals.
The targeted audience included:
Newcomers and New Canadians to Chatham-Kent and/or Canada
Employers and Business Owners
Voluntary Sector Organizations
Healthcare Practitioners
The series of focus group sessions conducted in Chatham, sought out participants’
insights and personal experiences to assist with the direction, and with the issues to
be developed and illustrated in the project’s diversity training videos.
The Newcomers/New Canadians focus group examined and discussed issues
pertaining to experiences on finding a job, accessing healthcare services or
becoming a volunteer, upon arrival in Canada and specifically to Chatham-Kent.
The ultimate goal of our video series project is to pave the pathway to reducing
discriminatory barriers and strengthen social cohesion and economic inclusion of
newcomers in any community, within Ontario. By providing free video based
diversity training tools, we will increase the cultural competency within businesses
and community service and healthcare providers locally, regionally and
provincially.
The present report describes the overall process to obtain input and highlights key
thematic observations and findings.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 4
Methodology
The implementation process for the focus group sessions included two approaches:
internal, the research strategy within the Cultural Coalition; and external, seeking
involvement and input from community members across Chatham-Kent.
Internally, the Cultural Coalition examined, selected and contacted over twenty
cultural communities and their members, within Chatham-Kent.
Externally, the Cultural Coalition conducted the Newcomers/New Canadians focus
group session. The session was held on April 9, 2010, to seek input and
experiences from Newcomers and New Canadians to Canada and to the Chatham-
Kent community. (OHCC) Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition Consultant,
D’Arcy Farlow facilitated the focus group session.
The session included representatives from The Chatham-Kent Black Historical
Society, The Filipino Canadian Community of Chatham-Kent, The Spiritual
Assembly of the Baha’is of Chatham-Kent, The Migrant Workers Ministry and
Chatham Kent’s Police Service.
The focus group session was located in Chatham’s Smitty’s Aristo’s Banquet
Room, to which participants were invited. A total of sixteen participants attended
the session and the session concluded after four hours.
The Newcomers/New Canadians focus group session began with an overview of
the Cultural Coalition and the Welcoming Communities; Winning Communities
video series project, by Executive Director, Teresa Fysh. An interactive
presentation then followed by keynote speaker and President of Cangram
International, Maureen Geddes, on ‘Creating a Welcoming Community’.
After a served lunch, participants were invited to provide feedback on a series of
questions designed to promote discussion and obtain input from a newcomer’s
perspective, on issues like finding employment, accessing healthcare services and
becoming a volunteer, upon arrival in Canada. Facilitator D’Arcy Farlow created
an engaging and open discourse between the participants.
The goal of the session was to bring together newcomers and to lend an authentic
and open environment for communication, so that participants would have the
opportunity to have their voice heard. In doing so, participants were eagerly
Newcomers Focus Group Report 5
willing to share their personal experiences of both struggle and success upon
immigrating to Canada.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 6
Statement of Limitations
Focus groups seek to develop insight and direction, rather than quantitative precise
measures. The reader is reminded that this report in intended to clarify issues and
point out the direction for future steps.
The value of focus groups is in their ability to provide observers (the CCC-K) with
unfiltered comments from a segment of the targeted population, and for decision
makers to gain insight into the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of the target
audience.
The following section presents a thematic arrangement of the key observations and
suggestions made by participants.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 7
Key Observations
In this focus group session, participants were supportive in promoting the idea of
assisting communities to create an inclusive society, to better attract, retain and
employ immigrants in rural communities in Canada.
All acknowledged the need to promote cross-cultural understanding in all
communities.
The key observations include:
1. What are some of the challenges New Canadians face when looking for
employment?
Participants were pleased to see that the questions were realistic and
authentic, relating to many of their personal experiences and observations.
The questions discussed in the session were perceived as enriching the
lives of all citizens by helping to promote newcomers and cultural diversity,
and exposing community members to new customs and ideas. Many
participants expressed excitement towards the diversity training video tools,
due to the building of cultural competency within businesses and community
service and healthcare providers locally, regionally and provincially.
While some participants viewed volunteering in your field of expertise in
Canada to gain ‘Canadian experience’ as abusive or as form of
discrimination, other participants noted that volunteering in Canada is
essential and highly recommended to increase a newcomer’s chance of
finding employment.
A number of participants focused on qualifications and certification
challenges. As a group, participants spoke of the difficulties associated with
the assessment of foreign credentials in Canada, and the cost and time spent
on this process, often resulting in newcomers unable to afford the process of
accreditation or certification.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 8
Suggestions for Action:
Promote awareness of cultural diversity and its benefits for a community to
create an inclusive society.
Ensure that communities be open to dialogue, understanding and healthy
communication.
Address the need for cultural sensitivity in the workplace, and promote
respect and an open mind towards all cultures.
2. What are some of the language barriers [communication barriers] experienced
by New Canadians during a job interview?
All participants addressed the problem of verbal and non verbal
communication, and the misunderstandings that can often occur. Or the
difficulty of expressing one’s self as intended.
Some participants mentioned the ‘like me’ mentality and how this mindset
creates barriers. It was noted that interviews can go well when you can
identify with the employer/employee, so this ‘like me’ attitude must be
overcome.
The significance of taking the time to ask a person to repeat their self, if a
misunderstanding occurs, or the message is unclear, was strongly proposed.
Even making the concerted effort to slow down speech, without a
condescending tone.
Suggestions for Action:
Ensure that Canadian employers are aware of language barriers, and that a
respectful and honest approach can be exercised, so that communication and
dialogue can be understood on both sides of the table.
Learning to understand and to demonstrate understanding towards diverse
cultures and their customs, and that it helps both parties to find a space
where ideas can be shared.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 9
Encourage an open mind in the workplace, through the sharing of food,
music and the arts as a key approach to creatively promoting cross-cultural
appreciation, highlighting diverse cultures, making friends and promoting
community connections.
3. What are some of the challenges New Canadians face in a workplace, in terms
of cultural differences?
There was a general consensus towards cliques in the workplace, and how
their unwelcoming nature can impact a new Canadian. Cliques can be
powerful, exclusive and dangerous and it can take a lot of time for
newcomer to feel welcome, or as though they ‘fit in’, at the workplace.
Participants addressed the notion of the workplace dress code and
understanding different dress codes in diverse cultures. For example, a Sikh
wearing a turban in the workplace.
Participants pointed out the use of stereotyping in the workplace, and how
immigrants can be perceived as ‘cheap labour’. Stereotyping can result in
unnecessary challenges and stress for new Canadians in the workplace.
Suggestions for Action:
Promote and encourage beyond being a colleague, but a friend outside of
the workplace. By becoming friends, we can help people make friends in the
workplace and in the community, which would help them to stay in the
community and make connections.
Provide resources for New Canadians which address these issues.
Encourage new Canadians to bring forward ideas, thus creating an open
and fair work environment.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 10
4. What are some of the needs that you have when accessing Healthcare services?
[Keeping in mind cultural beliefs, sensitivity, customs and practices]
It was strongly agreed by all participants, that the mandatory three month
wait to obtain a healthcare card is unrealistic and time consuming.
Many participants acknowledged a lack of interpreting services and
certified translators.
The significance of health tests available in Canada, which are not
necessarily available in other countries, was addressed by some participants
and the lack of information regarding these health tests and services. For
example, there are different versions of healthcare card. As a refugee class
status in Canada, the healthcare card appears in a different colour, from a
Canadian permanent resident’s or a Canadian citizen’s healthcare card.
Because of the lack of awareness that exists, healthcare providers are at
times reluctant to attend to a refugee patient, due to concern of their health
care status and whether or not they are medically covered. This lack of
awareness can be rectified by having visual representation of healthcare
cards in Canada, in all healthcare offices for quick and easy access.
In some cultures, it was mentioned that a female patient would not feel
comfortable, or allow a male healthcare practitioner to examine her. What
education or training is there regarding this issue for doctors in Canada, etc.
Suggestions for Action:
Provide the correct information on Healthcare services and health tests
available in Canada. For example, often we see both a lack of information
and misinformation, as the system is not perfect. There is an expectation for
healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about everything and realistically
not every healthcare provider can access the information required, when the
treatment is being provided.
Acknowledge and change the existing lack for certified translators.
Promote awareness of diverse cultural customs and cultural sensitivity and
examine ways to support the need for training and education on these issues.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 11
Recognize that the cultural settings in Canada do not allow some
Healthcare practitioners to provide the right healthcare services to new
Canadians, and begin steps to address and change this issue.
5. Can you please name five barriers receiving Healthcare services?
Participants agreed upon communication and language barriers between
New Canadians and Healthcare practitioners.
The reality in which a Canadian health card not covering dental plans,
prescription drugs, or any kind of health plan, was strongly noted.
The existing significant amount of lack of information on Healthcare
services was also acknowledged.
Participants gave insight into the cost and time of Interim insurance and
the challenges it poses.
It was heavily discussed by many participants, that nowadays we are
seeing more of the particular scenario of a patient wanting to speak to a
healthcare provider about a number of health issues, and the problem of
providers only allowing a patient to bring in one health issue at a time. This
is perceived as counterproductive.
Suggestions for Action:
Encourage and engage in open dialogue and communication between
Healthcare providers and New Canadian patients.
Provide correct information on timelines, and alternative methods or
options when it comes to payment plans for prescription drugs.
Acknowledge the need and change for healthcare providers to allow all
patients the opportunity to voice their health issues, and to be treated with
respect and fairly.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 12
6. Can you please name five challenges New Canadians face when looking for
volunteer opportunities? [Probe: What does volunteering mean to you?]
Participants noted the issue of exploitation in volunteering. New
Canadians can be strung along while volunteering, bringing attention to the
fine line between volunteering and exploitation.
Issues surrounding cost, was also brought forward by some participants.
For a volunteer, obtaining police checks can be costly and is required to be
repeated after a period of six months. Costs can add up while trying to obtain
a police check, when it comes to schedules, childcare, etc. Police checks
vary in cost from province to province. For example, in Toronto the fee is
$26.50 for each time.
Participants pointed out ethical concerns regarding new Canadians
volunteering. Taking advantage of a volunteer can occur in some
organizations, regarding cost of travel, cost of your time and cost of
childcare services, etc. This also brings up the question of whether or not
volunteering is tax deductible.
Participants raised other precautions pertaining to volunteering, such as the
concern regarding who is actually benefiting from the volunteering.
Some noted the process of volunteering and how it can be viewed as a
waste of time, and not necessarily leading to better opportunities.
Suggestions for Action:
Encourage potential volunteers to share their ideas and feel a part of the
team.
Acknowledge that volunteers can bring new perspectives into the
organization, and ensure that they are treated with respect and fairly.
Open an honest dialogue and communicate with volunteers about their
work and progress in the organization, so they feel validated and so they can
move forward and achieve success in finding other employment
opportunities.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 13
7. Can you please name five benefits of having a New Canadian as a volunteer?
Some participants pointed out the fact that volunteering helps to market
and engage customers from different cultural groups.
It was noted that volunteering can be seen as a means of networking and
information, and contributing to breaking the barrier of isolation for New
Canadians.
Volunteering was also defined as a ‘way to give back to the community’.
By taking part in volunteering, New Canadians can feel as though they are a
part of an inclusive community.
Helping business was another factor touched on by participants. Helping
businesses by gaining new and alternative perspectives.
Other participants felt that volunteering is a part of the process of
integrating into the community.
Suggestions for Action:
Encourage all citizens to volunteer as a means of getting out in the
community and participating. Volunteering is supposed to be viewed as fun.
Enable communication and growth for volunteers in organizations.
Teaching that volunteering is a process of give and take and by making the
effort, it can lead to endless possibilities.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 14
8. How can New Canadians access board positions in voluntary organizations?
Participants agreed that by doing research and asking around in the
community, was a useful way of accessing the accurate information.
Being open minded to any organizations that host voluntary functions, was
also considered as an effective approach.
The Maytree Foundation in Toronto was also acknowledged, for providing
screening and a match of the internationally trained professional for the
Board position.
Suggestions for Action:
Participants indicated the significance of programs available to enlighten
new Canadians on board positions in voluntary organizations.
Others recommended training at a community level.
Providing entrepreneurship programs was also proposed.
Participants suggested voluntary organizations promote openness,
communication and access to information.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 15
Conclusion
Participants viewed the focus group session and discussion as a significant and
vital commencement of the diversity training videos project, to assist communities
in creating an inclusive society and to increase the cultural competency within
businesses and community service and healthcare providers locally, regionally and
provincially.
It was noted that as pluralistic society, we need to embrace, respect and celebrate
all cultures, languages, customs and ethnicity. A strong sense of each immigrant’s
responsibility to integrate and become actively involved in their community was
also a mutual highlight across the board. Internal and external participants agreed
the diversity training video tools are a step in the right direction and are long
overdue in rural communities in Ontario.
Despite the apparent enthusiasm, there were several cautions expressed regarding
raising expectations, given the amount of resources available to community
groups. Participants felt that inclusive services must be realistic and linked to the
province’s capacity to provide appropriate services, particularly in rural areas.
Overall, the emphasis lay on the significance of education and public awareness on
these issues. Participants expressed support for the Cultural Coalition’s video
series project, designed to promote and strengthen social cohesion and economic
inclusion of newcomers in any community within Ontario.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 16
Next Steps
While the intention of this report is to summarize the focus group discussion held
to guide and develop the content and script for the diversity training videos, the
observations and suggestions also hold the potential to assist interested parties in
the development of work plans designed to further enhance living in welcoming
and increasingly diverse communities.
By providing our free video based diversity training tools, we hope to assist in
rural immigration and secondary migration resulting in the elimination of racism
and racial discrimination.
Ultimately, the goal of implementation is to bring widespread active support for
cultural diversity, cultural sensitivity and acceptance in rural communities around
Ontario.
Newcomers Focus Group Report 17
Appendix
1. What are some of the challenges New Canadians face when looking for employment?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. What are some of the language barriers [communication barriers] experienced by New
Canadians during a job interview?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. What are some of the challenges New Canadians face in a workplace, in terms of
cultural differences?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. What are some of the needs that you have when accessing healthcare services?
[Keeping in mind cultural beliefs, sensitivity, customs and practices]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Newcomers Focus Group Report 18
5. Can you please name five barriers receiving Healthcare services?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Can you please name five challenges New Canadians face when looking for Volunteer
opportunities? [Probe: What does volunteering mean to you?]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. Can you please name five benefits of having a New Canadian as a Volunteer?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. How can New Canadians access board positions in voluntary organizations?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Newcomers Focus Group Report 19
Thank you for completing this questionnaire. If you have any questions, comments
or additional suggestions please provide by writing to:
The Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent
P.O. Box 606
425 McNaughton Avenue West,
Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8
Phone: (519) 354 0430
Email: vic@ccck.ca
Newcomers Focus Group Report 20
