Exploring the Settlement Trajectories of Refugee Newcomers in Southern Ontario

Abstract

Beginning life in a new country means adjusting to new systems of law, education, work, and health. Individuals who arrive in Canada as refugees face unique challenges during this process of re-settling due in part to the forced nature of their migration. Many organizations exist that seek to assist refugee newcomers in Canada. Few studies have examined the success of these organizations, especially refugee focused primary health clinics. In addition, few studies have examined health and settlement from the perspective of refugees themselves. This qualitative research study consisted of semistructured interviews with twenty-two participants including refugee newcomers, key informants from the refugee resettlement sector, and representatives from refugee-focused health clinics across Southern Ontario. Findings from this study highlight how many settlement trajectory factors appear to be beyond any individual newcomer’s control. The program through which refugee newcomers enter Canada, whether they have certain assets including English language ability or personal finances, and whether they gain access to high quality refugee resettlement supports are examples of such factors that were influential in determining resettlement success for the participants in this study. A new framework is proposed for refugee resettlement relevant in the Canadian context, with the goal of enhancing the long-term success of refugee resettlement in Canada.