New Canadians can experience culture with the Cultural Access Pass (The Chronicle Herald)
13.06.2018
A new survey by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is shedding light on a worrying sense of isolation amongst newcomers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also highlights a strong desire amongst newcomers to get involved in more social and recreational activities in Canada.
Almost 5,000 Canoo members responded to the Newcomer Activities and Interests Survey, designed by the Ideas and Insights team at the ICC, which aimed to explore the kinds of social and recreational activities new permanent residents and new Canadian citizens enjoy participating in. The survey also explored the impact of Covid-19 on newcomers, as well as their experience with various barriers to accessing social and recreational activities.
Among the various findings of the survey, major insights include:
66.8% of respondents strongly agree (27.9%) or somewhat agree (38.9%) that the impact of Covid-19 on their social and recreational activities has left them feeling more isolated.
87.3% of respondents strongly agree (59.7%) or somewhat agree (27.6%) that participating in activities that make them feel comfortable and welcome increases their sense of belonging and connection to Canada.
83.5% of respondents strongly agree (50.7%) or somewhat agree (32.8%) that participating in activities with diverse groups of people increases their sense of belonging and connection to Canada.
95.57% of respondents indicated that they would like to increase their participation or attendance in social and recreational activities.
About the Survey:
The Newcomer Activities and Interests Survey was shared with the ICC’s Canoo member network and was open between 24th January to 31st January 2023. By completing the survey, respondents could opt-in to being entered into a draw for a $500 gift card. 4,929 Canoo members responded to the survey out of which 4,127 completed it in full. Partial survey completions were removed prior to the analysis.
To see the survey results in full, click here.