Family Safety and Integration in Canada: A Community Based Approach and its Structural Preconditions

Abstract

In the context of increasing numbers of migrants and refugees globally, their successful integration is an important topic for politics and society. Canada is often portrayed as a particularly immigrant-friendly country, not least because of its official Multiculturalism. However, the Canadian migration and integration system is quite distinct in its setup and structures, giving local immigrant-serving organizations a particular framework to operate in. One such initiative is the MRCSSI in London, Ontario. It provides psychological support and networks for Arab Muslim newcomers in order to foster integration and family safety through a culturally integrative approach. Over the past years, the MRCSSI has been very successful in this field, making it an interesting case to be studied as a model of best practice. In order to understand its interrelation with the surrounding system, and thus its adaptability into other contexts, the research question to be answered in this paper is: “How is the MRCSSI in London, ON located in the Canadian migration and integration system?” This is getting answered through literature review, participation and observation at the agency, and expert interviews. The results show that the Canadian federal, provincial and local structures influence the work of the MRCSSI in very particular ways, enabling them in many practical aspects. However, concrete policies in this regard are rather rare and small organizations like the MRCSSI also have to overcome a number of challenges. The research and its outcomes are further contextualized through the theoretical concepts of Multiculturalism, Social Justice, and integration frameworks. In all, the aim of this paper is to look at the work of the MRCSSI from a system and policy point of view. It may help care providers in other countries to understand its setting and develop their own adaptions of the MRCSSI’s approach.