Authors
Stacey Haugen, Rachel McNally and Lars K. Hallström

Location
Canada

Context
The majority of refugees resettle in large urban centres, however, an increase in community sponsorship models, policies that direct refugees to selected destinations, family reunification and secondary migration, have resulted in more rural and smaller communities welcoming refugees. For example, Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) and Blended Visa Office-Referred Programs allow sponsors to bring refugees into any community. As these programs have grown, more sponsors living in smaller cities and towns, rural villages and hamlets, and northern and remote communities have welcomed and supported refugee newcomers. Although refugees are living in these settings, there is a lack of research on their resettlement and integration. This study used a scoping review to examine the policy choices available to Canadian policymakers working to support the successful resettlement and integration of refugees outside of major urban centres.

Policy recommendations: 

1. Acknowledging that some refugees want to live in rural Canada
   Several studies identified the desire of some refugees to live in rural locations due to quiet communities, affordability, safety, knowing their neighbours, knowing where and how to access available services, lack of traffic, having yard space and community connections.
2. Clarifying expectations for sponsors and volunteers
   Supporting realistic expectations for sponsor commitment may require providing more government services and training in rural places in order to reduce the burden on sponsors and to reduce the potential for conflict between volunteers and refugees.
3. Improving and expanding settlement services
   Although the majority of refugees in rural areas are PSRs they still need access to settlement services. As policies seek to move settlement away from urban areas, investment in the infrastructure and services in rural areas need to occur in an effort to do settlement well.
4. Involving provincial and territorial governments to address service gaps
   

   Recommendations to address challenges in rural and smaller places include: (a) developing a one-stop shop for information about newcomer programs and services, (b) expanding language training (c) improving access to affordable housing and public transportation, (d) educating and supporting employers to hire more newcomers, and (e) creating opportunities for intercultural dialogue between newcomers and long term residents.

5. Promoting welcoming communities and involving municipal governments
   Municipalities are the first line of support for immigrants. Formally collaborating with them especially smaller ones, would help them become greater partners in refugee settlement.
   Municipal leaders can and have fostered welcoming spaces by leading local conversations about immigration, supporting local settlement services, and working with other levels of government to address challenges such as racism and xenophobia.

How does this research apply to my work?
Although these recommendations are directed at policymakers the information developed under recommendation five in the article include activities service provider can do. They are relevant for both rural and urban settings:

• Build relationships through activities such as festivals, training volunteers, and inviting newcomers to community organizations such as recreational sports.
• Develop robust support systems by fostering inclusive faith communities, offering settlement services, and organizing with multicultural associations.
• Help communities move beyond initial welcoming efforts. The authors noted that communities need to address unwelcoming attitudes, racism, and micro-aggression. Genuine welcome means ensuring that newcomers feel a sense of belonging, and not merely tolerance, in their new setting.

What should I take away from this research?

The authors pointed out that rural places are essential to the preservation of human life in rural and urban contexts, as rural peoples and places produce the food, provide the natural resources, and replenish natural water systems that everyone relies on. Addressing the gaps and urban biases in Canadian policies focused on refugee resettlement and integration has the potential to benefit all Canadians.

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