Conclusion

Starting life over in a new country is not always easy. It involves a period of adjustment where new immigrants may face myriad challenges. Some six months after coming to Canada, newcomers who arrived between October 2000 and September 2001 and who were included in the LSIC study were well into their initial settlement. However, some of them had encountered difficulties during this process.

While it would be premature to conclude the outcomes of immigration, this article has highlighted some preliminary results of the early experiences of newcomers to Canada. More detailed analysis on this first wave of interviews will be available in an upcoming publication.

The research potential from the LSIC can be fully realized when all three waves of interviews are completed. By then, researchers will be able to examine the dynamic of immigrant integration and how activities in an earlier time affect subsequent outcomes. For example, to what extent does official language training affect the entry of immigrants into the labour market? What is the process of getting foreign qualifications assessed and what is its impact on immigrants utilizing their skills in their jobs? Will immigrants’ participation in society progress over time? What means do newcomers use to resolve barriers and how effective are these means?