Event Title
The Settlement Sector in Canada's Prairie Region: Settling and Unsettling Concerns
Start Date
28-4-2011 6:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2011 8:30 PM
Description
Abstract: Many agencies, organizations and individuals in the Prairies provide a wide range of settlement services to newcomers. This presentation will demonstrate that while there are many successes, there are also barriers to providing holistic, integrated services. Among the concerns are the lack of cultural sensitivity and knowledge of human rights.
The Settlement Sector in Canada's Prairie Region: Settling and Unsettling Concerns
Abstract: Many agencies, organizations and individuals in the Prairies provide a wide range of settlement services to newcomers. This presentation will demonstrate that while there are many successes, there are also barriers to providing holistic, integrated services. Among the concerns are the lack of cultural sensitivity and knowledge of human rights.
Comments
Summary: There is an abundance of agencies and organizations throughout the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to help newcomers settle in their communities. The types of services provided varies, with some providing
a full range of settlement and integration services, and others provide service specific for women, cultural or other groups. Many of the programs describe their approach as holistic, based on community development and partnerships with a commitment to a democratic and intercultural approach to operations. It is clear that settlement agencies are doing their best to provide settlement assistance to immigrant, refugees and temporary foreign workers. However, there are barriers to providing holistic and integrated services; these include governments’ narrow definition of whom is eligible for services, lack of recognition of the time and resources required, and insufficient funding; access problems; the lack of recognition of foreign credentials and experience; long transition periods; unemployment and underemployment; poor housing conditions; discrimination; lack of cultural sensitivity and diversity training for sponsors and settlement agencies; limited access to mental health services and in particular, culturally sensitive mental health programs. There is also a concern that immigrants and refugees are not provided sufficient information about human rights legislation. Settlement workers and counsellors may lack awareness of human rights legislation and knowledge of the community resources available to assist newcomers. It is recommended that funding be available to provide settlement workers with training on cultural competency, diversity and human rights.