The Intersectional Analysis of the Resettlement Assistance Program: Policy and its Effectiveness for Resettlement of Yazidi Refugees in Calgary, Alberta

Abstract

In the coming year, the UNHCR predicts that over 100 million people will be displaced due to conflict, violence, or human rights violations. As a notable humanitarian country, it is expected that Canada will continue its commitment to refugee in-take and resettlement. Interviews conducted with Yazidi refugees in Calgary, Alberta reveal the challenges of resettlement in Canada. Under the Resettlement Assistance Plan, participants discuss the difficulties of integrating into Canada focusing on income support and essential services. The interviews reveal cultural and gender gaps in the current Resettlement Assistance Program which leaves refugees to support themselves after a one-year integration timeline. Single mothers faced the largest barriers as income support did not provide enough for larger-sized families. Additionally, single mothers also faced the largest barriers when accessing essential services as the Resettlement Assistance Program is structured around a two-parent household. It is recommended that the Government of Canada restructures the Resettlement Assistance Program to focus on a wrap-around model which centers the individual and family needs of arriving refugees.