Call for partners

Seeking to partner with organizations to understand migrant retention in small and mid-sized cities in Ontario and British Columbia

**DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 15, 2021**

As one of its research priorities, CERC Migration aims to produce innovative and usable knowledge related to the challenges and opportunities involved in the integration processes of migrants and refugees in regional Canada.

Join CERC Migration for an information session on May 17, 2021.  Interested organizations can pose questions to clarify the scope of the proposal and what is expected from them in the research partnership.

Context

Many small and mid-sized cities in Canada view international migration as a way to address labour shortages and to counter the effects of population decline. Smaller urban centres often face significant challenges to attracting and retaining migrants, as migrants often prefer to live in larger cities. Stable and meaningful employment is a primary factor for immigrant attraction and retention in regional centres. A number of research studies have also found that educational opportunities, the creation of a welcoming environment, and the presence of amenities and services contribute to the successful attraction and retention of migrants. However, smaller centres often struggle to meet all of these criteria simultaneously. Moreover, even when these requirements appear to be met, migrant retention rates may fall short of expectations.

This project seeks to delve deep into the contextual factors contributing to newcomer retention in small and mid-sized cities. We want to turn the usual policy and research question (why do people leave?) on its head and ask those who stay:

• Why do they choose to live in small or mid-sized cities?
• What is attractive or important for them?
• How do their motivations evolve in the different life stages of a family/household?  and,
• What then is the role of community organizations and cultural associations in building connections and creating a welcoming environment in small and mid-sized cities?

We are looking for community organizations and cultural associations of all types in Ontario or British Columbia (with a preference for organizations in Owen Sound, Peterborough, Belleville, Thunder Bay, Sault-Ste-Marie, Timmins, Chilliwack, Courtenay, and Nanaimo) that are interested in partnering with us to explore the above questions. Partners would help facilitate connections to the local community and recruit focus group participants. We will entertain proposals from organizations covering a range of possible degrees of involvement – from recruitment and co-hosting only, to working with CERC Migration to co-develop the focus group research plan.   

CONDITIONS

Eligibility

Proposals from non-profit and non-governmental organizations in Canada are eligible for consideration in this call for proposals. We invite cultural, religious or other types of community organizations that work with individuals of first-generation immigrant or refugee origin from diverse backgrounds as well as with the wider local community to apply. Settlement service provider organizations are encouraged to apply albeit our focus in this study is not on recent newcomers but rather on migrants to Canada who have been living for three or more years in a given small or mid-sized city.

Criteria

Relevance of the work of the organization in relation to the research focus – 5 points

The objectives and activities of the applicant organization focus on making their town/city a welcoming community for all.

Capacity – 5 points

The applicant organization has a significant membership or client-base (as applicable) and has a track record of engaging in activities in the field of migrant/refugee integration and/or activities to make their community more welcoming. Activities related to promoting diversity and inclusion and fighting racism fall within the broader scope of welcoming community initiatives, and will be considered.

Timeline

Launch of Call: 30 April 2021

Online information sessions: 17 May 2021 (4 to 5 pm)

We shall offer an online information session where interested organizations can pose questions to clarify the scope of the proposal and what is expected from them

Deadline for Submission of proposals extended to: 15 June 2021

Announcement of Results: 15 June 2021

Research starts: July 2021

Expected Completion: April 2022

Concluding Workshop: May 2022

EVALUATION PROCESS

A Panel of four experts will evaluate the proposals remotely:

• Three members of the CERC Migration Research Team
• One Ryerson Faculty member

Conflict of Interest: We will ensure that none of the Committee members has a direct or indirect connection with any of the applicant organizations. The evaluation will take place remotely. Evaluators will review the applications individually and then meet as a panel chaired by Professor Anna Triandafyllidou to make the final selection.

Research Costs: The research projects will utilize the data resources, staff and researchers available to the CERC Migration program. Organizations are expected to contribute a limited amount of working time and/or if relevant make their premises available for meetings related to the conduction of the research. There is no expectation for in cash or other financial contributions.

APPLICATION

Applications must be submitted by email by 15 Jun 2021, 4 PM EDT, to cerc.migration@torontomu.ca

For details on the application form,  (PDF file) please refer to the call PDF.