Dynamics of Citizenship and Identity: Obstacles to Sustainable Immigration in a Small Canadian City

• Main Author: Ritendra TAMANG
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Oradea, Research Centre on Identity and Migration Studies-RCIMI 2010-05-01
• Series: Journal of Identity and Migration Studies
• Subjects: Canada; citizenship; migrants; multiculturalism; nationalism; new identities
• Online Access: http://e-migration.ro/jims/vol4_no1_2010/TAMANG_JIMS_Vol4_No1_2010.pdf

This article examines some of the challenges confronting immigrants in Prince George, a small city in the province of British Columbia, Canada, and evaluates the responses of local agencies to the diverse needs of newcomers. Specifically, it will explore the effects of the current economic restructuring and the lack of coordination among public employment, housing, education, and health agencies and private agencies such as churches. Shortfalls in the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of essential services to immigrants, particularly those who do not speak English or French, have affected immigrants’ sense of belonging, patterns of settlement, and negotiation of new identities in the community.