"Retention and Integration of Refugees in Newfoundland and Labrador."

This study examines experiences of refugees that have settled in Newfoundland and Labrador and analyzes factors that can potentially enhance refugee integration and factors that can negatively impact their settlement experiences and retention in the province. We interviewed of 83 adult and 31 youth refugees, who for purposes of comparison, were divided into new arrivals (targeting the Syrian population) and older cohorts (who were in the province from 2 to 15 years). We also interviewed 16 stakeholders involved in the settlement and integration of refugees, sourced from various community groups, private organisations and government agencies.
Our report produced 25 recommendations divided into broad categories including: Settlement Assistance; First Impressions; Health Care; Language; Cost of Living and Housing; Economic and Labour Market Integration; Social Capital; Transportation; Experiences of Refugee Minors; and Settlement Satisfaction.
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"Municipal-Level Service Delivery in Labrador"

Public service delivery at the municipal/local level pertains to services that are delivered by a municipality.Municipal services can have a significant impact on communities and the quality of life they offer. This report reviews the five main services provided by municipalities in Labrador: water services, waste collection, road maintenance, fire and emergency services, and recreation, and examines how they are delivered. This study shows discrepancies between the levels of service in different parts of the region and provides a set of recommendations on how to improve service delivery. This report was funded by the Harris Centre as part of their Population Project.
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"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Employers in Labrador.”

As part of the Harris Centre's Population Project, this report aims to illuminate the experiences of employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in the context of Labrador, where the demand for labour has vastly exceeded the supply, leading to a reliance from some businesses on temporary foreign workers. The objective of the project is to develop a more appropriate regional model in light of changing demographics, and provide recommendations to government and key stakeholders on how to implement such a model.

Evaluating the Impacts of COVID-19 on Business Conditions, Labour Market Dynamics, Workplace Practices, and Organizational Performance in Atlantic Canada. The project explored how business practices have changed, how workers have adapted, and how the employers and employees can work together to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic by telephone interviews with 805 employers, in-depth interviews, and real field work around the Atlantic Provinces. The project was funded by ACOA. COVID Impact on Business Conditions, Labour Market Dynamic

Employer Perceptions towards hiring Newcomers and International Students in Newfoundland and Labrador. This project was funded by Newfoundland and Labrador's Workforce Innovation Centre and is focused on labour market dynamics in Newfoundland and Labrador and employer perceptions towards hiring newcomers and international students.

Harris Centre West White Rose Employment Diversity Research Fund: Improving Participation of the Under-represented Groups in the NL Resource Sector.

International Symposium on "Enhancing and Embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Edi) In The Canadian Labour Market: The Role of Socioeconomic Research and Public Policy", December 5-6, 2023. The Symposium seeked to answer how socioeconomic research and public policy research may shape EDI policies and programs and how subsequently, EDI policies and programs may impact labour market outcome of the vulnerable groups in Canada., especially in the time of constant changes and unprecedented uncertainty. Symposium Program

Developing Social Enterprises for Access to Culturally Diverse Food and Ingredients: The Case of the St. John’s Community Market. The project was funded by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. By employing a social cost-and-benefit analysis, the thoroughly evaluate the social, cultural, and environmental impacts that could be brought forth by the St. John’s farmers groups’ potential transition to a social enterprise, while also assessing its economic viability and exploring the opportunities and potential challenges of developing a social enterprise business. https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2021/iet/0115n09/

Understanding barriers of student participation in outbound mobility to Latin America. Collaborated with researchers from Lakehead University, Vancouver Island University, and Carleton University, the project tried to identify potential barriers for Canadian postsecondary students to participate in outbound mobility programs to Latin America. This project also aimed to improve program design and provide support to students from low-income families, students with disabilities, and indigenous students, and develop promotional strategies to increase outbound mobility to Latin America.

Workshop on Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: The Role of Immigration and Workforce Diversity, SSHRC Partnership Project. This two-day workshop will be held on November 25-26. The event focused on immigration and diversity, and the implications for productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Speakers who are highly knowledgeable and experienced in these topics will be presenting their perspectives.

Developing Better Understanding of the Integration Needs of Newcomers in the NL Labour Market: A Public Engagement Project. Working with the ANC (Association for New Canadians) to conduct public consultations with employers, newcomers, and settlement agencies, this project develop deep understanding of immigrants’ experiences, challenges, and expectations regarding integrating into the NL workplace. This project also identified best or promising practices that make immigrants’ integration successful in NL and develop a suite of training materials to be delivered to hundreds of business owners and employees annually. This project was funded by the Harris Center’s Public Engagement Accelerator Fund.

Policy and Image: Canadian Mass Media and Immigrant Integration. Mass media may have significant effects on immigrant images and efficacy of state integration policies of immigrants. By conducting formal and informal interviews with media producers, this research will address the complex and dynamic relationship between immigration/integration policies and mass media in Canada, especially in the Atlantic region. The project was funded by Memorial University of Newfoundland – Seed, Bridge and Multidisciplinary Fund of the Research Grant and Contract Services (RGCS).

Hiring and retaining Skilled Workers in Atlantic Canada. The project was a joint project with Public Policy Forum. The main objective of the project is to consult with employers to understand their perceptions and challenges towards hiring skilled workers and immigrants

Employer Perceptions towards hiring Newcomers and International Students in Atlantic Canada. This project is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)), and will investigate the attitudes of employers in Atlantic Canada towards hiring newcomers and international students by conducting an employer survey in all four Atlantic provinces.

Research on Labour Market Impacts of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, ESD

SSHRC Insight, Partnership Engage, Connection Grants