Canadian Diversity: Technology in the Settlement Sector (2023)

The articles in this edition of Canadian Diversity should provide you with some inspiration and ideas. You should want to learn more about the projects and research. Hopefully they will encourage you to share what you’re working on. There is so much innovation in our sector. Too much of it stays under the radar. With this publication, we’re looking to reveal some of the innovation to you. Let’s make this a starting point for an ongoing sector conversation.

Your peers and colleagues here offer you insights for our digital transformation roadmap. This is a conversation that needs to happen at scale in the Immigrant and Refugee-serving sector. It is core to the future of our sector and how we work and serve. It needs to involve everyone from frontline workers, middle management, to leadership, to funders, with Newcomers at the centre. It takes time, effort, and investment.

But we need to be intentional about it. There is much wisdom in the room. Huge amounts of experience. It’s time to tap into it, together.

Imagine the conversation we could have in another 25 years if we get it right this time.

Articles:

• Introduction 25 Years of Digital Transformation in the Settlement Sector: Past, Present and Possible Futures by Marco Campana
• Using AI to Enhance Service Delivery by Aimee Holmes
• Implementing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Project in Settlement Services Requires an Engaged and Informed staff by Farrah Nakhaie
• Beyond Technology: Digital Health Compassion for Canadian Immigrants and Refugees by Ibukun Abejirinde & colleagues
• Settlement Information in a Group Chat: Turning a Popular Mode of Communication into a Powerful Tool for Integration by Louisa Taylor & Refugee 613 | Réfugié 613 colleagues
• Arrival Advisor: Digital Transformation Lessons from a Mobile App by Jennifer Freeman
• Canada’s Settlement Sector and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Technology and Sustainability by Lisa Rochman & Whitney Loewen
• Digital Transformation and Digital Navigation at ISANS by Anthony Caldwell & Bo Ning
• Digital Champions for the Canadian Settlement Sector: A Holistic Approach to Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy by Lisa Abramowicz and colleagues
• Creating a Pre-Arrival Program that Works for Newcomers! by Nick (Naeem) Noorani