Settlement Experiences in a Small City: Kamloops, British Columbia

Authors

  • Julie Drolet Thompson Rivers University
  • Jeanette Robertson Thompson Rivers University
  • Picku Multani Interior Health Authority
  • Wendy Robinson Kamloops Immigrant Services
  • Monika Wroz Thompson Rivers University

Abstract

What is the settlement experience of immigrants coming through family reunion intake class in Kamloops, British Columbia? The importance of undertaking this study lies in the settlement challenges faced by smaller communities outside of the major metropolitan areas of Canada. It is imperative to better understand the settlement experience of family-class immigrants in a smaller city. British Columbia is a large province and settlement experiences can be very different from one community to another. From 2002 to 2006 there were 4,111 new immigrants to the Thompson Okanagan Development Region (BC Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch, May 2007). All immigrant groups rely on health, education and other social services, and social workers play a key role in the delivery of direct and essential services. This study will generate discussion and policy recommendations for government, practitioners, policy-makers and other stakeholders around issues such as needs and settlement experiences of immigrants, ethno-specific groups, credentials recognition and other labour market issues, and capacity issues for delivering key services in a smaller community.

Author Biographies

Julie Drolet, Thompson Rivers University

Assistant Professor

School of Social Work and Human Service

Jeanette Robertson, Thompson Rivers University

Assistant Professor

School of Social Work and Human Service

Picku Multani, Interior Health Authority

Clinical Social Worker

Interior Health Authority

Wendy Robinson, Kamloops Immigrant Services

Social Worker

Monika Wroz, Thompson Rivers University

BSW Candidate

School of Social Work and Human Service

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Published

2008-11-20