Newcomer Integration Programs and London, Ontario’s Diversity Agenda: Views from within and without
Abstract
London, Ontario presents itself as a multicultural city with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. My thesis examines London’s diversity agenda through the everyday practices of the work of immigrant integration which are situated against the historical trajectory of Canada and Ontario’s immigration policies. Based on personal interviews, participation in events hosted by immigrant-serving organizations, and visits to related offices at City Hall, my research investigates the framework applied to realize the social inclusion of immigrants in London. A look at the work of governing and the impact of neoliberal policies shows that responsibility for successful integration falls on immigrants themselves. This work tends to be supported by the same group of institutional and individual actors who are already connected by overlapping networks. Even though London actively pursues a diversity agenda, a disconnect exists between official policies and their actual implementation that particularly impacts how visible and religious minority immigrants perceive London as a welcoming community.