Does Community Size Matter in the Settlement Process? The Experience of Syrian Refugees in Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada
Abstract
The article documents refugee experience in the first year of their settlement in a small city in Canada and then explores whether the size of the community matters in the settlement processes. This is based on an extensive study of Syrian refugee settlement experiences in one large Canadian city (Edmonton) and one small Canadian city (Lethbridge). The findings argue that contrary to existing scholarly literature, small municipalities such as Lethbridge were more creative, nimble, and efficient in settling Syrian newcomers. In small cities, however, lack of denominational and non-denominational organizations to complement government assistance, the onset of compassionate fatigue among the city dwellers, and limited retention of newcomers due to limited employment opportunity are real threats to the settlement process immediately after newcomers’ arrival and in the long term. A more substantial role of municipal governments in the refugee resettlement process is recommended to offset the disproportionate burden settlement sector carries.
Notes
Key recommendations
More research is needed
Key findings
How recent Syrian refugees navigated the settlement and integration process and what services:
The refugees’ main points of contact were varied, for instance, settlement workers for GARs and private sponsors for PSRs.
Friends and families also helped them in their settlement process.
Children of refugees learned English faster and began to help their parents and others who were in a similar situation.
In terms of missing or inadequate services, our interviewees pointed to insufficient availability and quality of English classes, lack of vocational training programs, and certain types of dental work not covered by the Canadian health system. They also complained that 1 year is too short a period for a family to become financially independent.
In both cities (Edmonton and Lethbridge), the refugees’ challenges were partly rooted in their own intrinsic qualities:
the human capital assets (or lack thereof) they brought with them
the lack of ability to speak English or to learn it quickly—which may be affected by their educational level
their professional or employment backgrounds
refugees in both cities were not adequately prepared for month 13—the point at which they were expected to become financially independent because the government or private support ended then.
Settlement services in Lethbridge seemed adequate for the number of refugees who have settled there.
Edmonton, on the other hand, faced a severe shortage of spaces in LINC classes, affordable housing, interpreters, and other services.
Key populations
Syrian refugees, service providers, private sponsors
Gaps identified
Missing or inadequate services:
insufficient availability and quality of English classes
lack of vocational training programs
certain types of dental work not covered by the Canadian health system
1 year is too short a period for a family to become financially independent
Location
Lethbridge, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta
Community organizations
Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) and Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – Yes
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12134-020-00761-6