Supporting Refugees in Rural Canada: Exploring the Strengths and Weaknesses of Settlement Service Models in Smaller Communities

Stacey Haugen; Rachel McNally; Lars Hallstrom

doi:10.25071/1920-7336.41793

Authors

Stacey Haugen Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, Lethbridge, Canada; Department of Political Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9539-6575
Rachel McNally Department of Political Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5905-2778
Lars K. Hallström Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, Lethbridge, Canada; Department of Political Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41793

Keywords:

refugees, resettlement, Canada, settlement services, integration, rural

Abstract

This article demonstrates how refugee integration is supported in rural and small communities across Canada. We conducted virtual focus groups and interviews with 40 participants across the country who support refugees through settlement organizations, sponsorship groups, and other networks. The article outlines six participant-identified models of settlement services and explores the benefits, challenges, and limitations of and potential improvements for each model. These models highlight the mix of formal and informal supports existing in rural places and the urban focus of Canada’s settlement system. Recommendations include adequate funding of settlement services in smaller communities and engaging with rural service providers.

Author Biographies

Stacey Haugen, Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, Lethbridge, Canada; Department of Political Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada

Stacey Haugen is a Research Associate at the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the University of Lethbridge and a PhD Candidate in the Political Science department at the University of Alberta. She can be reached at stacey.haugen@uleth.ca.

Rachel McNally, Department of Political Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Rachel McNally is a PhD Candidate at Carleton University, Department of Political Science. She can be reached at rachelmcnally@cmail.carleton.ca.

Lars K. Hallström, Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, Lethbridge, Canada; Department of Political Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada

Dr. Lars Hallstrom is the Director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy and a Professor in the Political Science department at the University of Lethbridge. He can be reached at lars.hallstrom@uleth.ca.

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