| Issue/Objective |
In 2019, the Canadian government established the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program in partnership with eleven rural communities. This program marks a significant shift in immigration governance by devolving responsibilities for recruitment and service coordination to local communities. However, many rural communities do not have the established infrastructure, the capacity to manage immigration programs, or the experience to deliver or coordinate services for new immigrants (Hagar, 2021; Whalen, 2019). Challenges in planning, creating, implementing, and adapting services may negatively impact the availability and accessibility of health and settlement services for immigrants, settling in the community (Pandey, 2022; Kaushik & Drolet, 2011; Newbold, 2010). Given that this is a geographically limited pilot program, this study seeks to understand the implications that the devolution of immigration recruitment and service coordination may have on immigrants' access to health and settlement services in the North Okanagan and Shuswap, British Columbia. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This study utilized an explanatory single-case study research design. Data was collected through observations, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews (N=40). Thematic data analysis was employed to understand how ideas, interests, and institutions shape the local governance of immigration and the impact of these decisions on the coordination of health and settlement services. Data analysis focused on identifying the tensions and contradictions between the way services are designed and the actual needs and experiences of immigrant users. |
| Results |
Results indicate tensions between the three levels of government, program administrators, employers, and migrants when establishing the RNIP program. Although the RNIP program was successful in attracting new migrants to the North Okanagan and Shuswap, both service providers and migrants reported that more focused health and settlement services should be available. Migrants participating in the program also felt that their access to health and settlement services was constrained by geography and employment. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
The results are applicable to immigration officials and local communities participating in the RNIP program to inform program expansion and permanent implementation. Results will also provide recommendations for health systems and the settlement sector how to improve services for immigrants and contribute to a more equitable distribution of health and social services. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Jorge Angel Mira Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Univeristy of Toronto |
