Forging a new home: community size shapes the settlement experience of Syrian refugees in Canada

Khalil, Nour (2024) Forging a new home: community size shapes the settlement experience of Syrian refugees in Canada. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Many immigration and settlement studies in Canada focus on large urban centers, leaving a gap in research addressing the unique needs and experiences of newcomers in smaller communities. This phenomenological research delves into the settlement experiences of Syrian refugees in the small city of St. John’s, compared to those in the larger city of Ottawa. Through one-on-one, in-person, semi-structured interviews with seven Syrian refugees in St. John’s and eight in Ottawa, data was collected, and thematic analysis was used to gain insights into the data. The study reveals that St. John’s provided a haven for Syrian refugees escaping war. However, its lower ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity compared to larger cities challenged Syrian refugees’ integration. Additionally, their economic integration was hindered by inadequate settlement services, difficulties with the recognition of foreign acquired skills and experience, workplace discrimination, and language barriers. In contrast, interviewees from Ottawa reported being well-integrated into the social and economic fabric of the city without perceiving the same barriers perceived by the Syrian refugees in St. John’s. These findings stress the need for new settlement programs and services. They also highlight the significance of fostering the economic integration of refugees by providing them with the support they need.

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