The Bridges and Barriers in the Canadian Refugee Experience

Written by Alexandra Reucassel

In 2023, the global landscape witnessed an unprecedented number of individuals claiming refugee status - 36.1 million people worldwide, with 144,000 refugees seeking asylum in that year alone (IOM, 2024 & Ferreyra, 2024). Against this backdrop of heightened migratory flows, Canada has developed robust policies to facilitate refugee resettlement within its borders. There are three primary pathways for refugees seeking resettlement in Canada: claiming refugee status from within the country, private sponsorship by Canadian citizens or government sponsorship (Government of Canada 2020). This research delves into the Canadian refugee experience through the lens of individuals working within non-profit organizations.

The core objective of this project is to explore the functionality and effectiveness of refugee resettlement processes in Canada. Specifically, it seeks to answer the primary question: How do people involved with the Canadian refugee population see refugee integration and experience in Canada? Furthermore, the research aims to understand their perspective on their own role in facilitating the resettlement process. To achieve this, nine semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with members of the non-profit community actively involved in refugee resettlement.

Through these interviews several critical themes emerged, shedding light on the bridges and barriers encountered in the Canadian refugee experience:

1. Power of Community

   The study highlighted the pivotal role of community in refugee integration, as emphasized by interviewees who predominantly engaged in sponsoring refugees through religiously based committees consisting of ten to twelve members. These committees select refugees or families globally, raise funds before their arrival, and assist in their resettlement in Canada, providing them with an instant support network. Acting as cultural intermediaries, these individuals bridge that even simple gestures like a smile can forge meaningful human connections, underscoring the importance of community support in the integration process.

   While privately sponsored refugees benefit from pre-established community networks upon arrival, government assisted refugees (GAR) often lack this crucial support system. Interviewees highlighted how the sponsorship experience profoundly impacted volunteers, exposing them to new culture and practices. Despite acknowledging the strengths of Canada’s refugee programs, interviewees also pointed out shortcomings such as abrupt transitions post-sponsorship, insufficient social support and societal misunderstanding regarding the refugee experience.

2. The Need for Public Education

   Interviewees emphasized the need for public education to dispel misconceptions around refugees and migratory populations. They noted that anyone could experience displacement and become a refugee. Media and cultural narratives perpetuate an expectation of “performative generosity” among Canadians, reinforcing a sense of national superiority regarding migration generosity. Despite Canada’s reputation as a leader in migration and resettlement, interviewees stressed the necessity of nurturing public awareness and fostering a more compassionate understanding of refugee experiences. They identified a lack of awareness as a significant barrier hindering newcomer’s integration into Canadian society.

3. The Humanity of the Resettlement Process

   Central to participants’ narratives was the theme of human connection in the resettlement process, particularly evident in interactions involving children and families. Interviewees highlighted the importance of family networks in successful noting that children, unencumbered by entrenched cultural norms, play a significant role in bridging cultural divides. The study underscored the positive impact of newcomer children in fostering societal cohesion in an increasingly globalized world.

This research project provides a nuanced exploration of the Canadian refugee resettlement experience, drawing insights from individuals actively engaged in refugee resettlement within non-profit organizations. Through these interviews, the study reveals a generally positive outlook on Canada’s refugee programs while also identifying areas for improvement. Participants highlighted the critical role of community support, the necessity of public education to dispel stereotypes, and the transformative power of human connections in the resettlement process. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for newcomers in Canada.

Newcomers at our 2023 Family Trails camping weekend