https://www.welcomenwo.ca/
There are a number of barriers holding potential immigrants back from relocating and living in northwestern Ontario.
Lakehead University has completed the first phase of a research project on “Welcoming Newcomers” to our area with a study on current gaps and needs in Sioux Lookout, Atikokan and Thunder Bay.
Project lead Dr. Kathy Sanderson says they conducted 40 virtual interviews and 560 surveys were completed.
Dr. Sanderson says there were a number of findings.
“We do know that within northwestern Ontario new immigrants are having lot’s of positive interactions at work but are feeling more isolated outside of work and in the general communities than their urban counterparts.”
She notes geographic isolation was a common theme.
“Being in a small community there’s always issues with travel. I think that COVID has really exasperated this with not being able to travel to see your family or perhaps your family was going to come see you.”
She adds, “We heard from people that they would like to participate in more of the nature and outdoor based activities but that either transportation is a restriction or really not being familiar with what you would do or how you would participate safely.”
Dr. Sanderson says new immigrants and long-time community members told them it’s difficult to build relationships with newcomers without participating in various activities.
She does point out there were plenty of positives in their findings.
“From both new immigrants and community members about co-workers and supervisors being really welcoming and trying to help out newcomers and making them feel that they are part of the workplace.”
Dr. Sanderson talks about the next step:
Dr. Sanderson says the research will assist communities and organizations in efforts to fill employment gaps and make life more comfortable for potential new residents.
