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This environmental scan assesses the current landscape of online employment services for immigrant professionals in Canada. The data collection method involved web scanning of twelve urban centers and two rural census areas with high per capita immigrant populations. The study analyzed 80 online services for immigrants in Canada based on geographical variation, the type of digital modality, clientele, and needs addressed. The findings reveal disparities in access to online employment programs tailored for skilled immigrants across different geographic locations. In addition, e-learning and self-paced online courses were identified as the most prevalent digital modalities. In terms of targeted clientele, findings show that the services primarily targeted immigrants as a homogenous group, with a notable emphasis on supporting skilled immigrants in high-demand fields such as IT and healthcare. Finally, access to job search resources emerged as the highest priority among the needs addressed, while areas such as financial assistance have the potential for further growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are key players in mitigating the impact of restrictive policy changes on immigrant communities. The ability of these organizations to help diffuse the stress caused by restrictive, rapidly changing immigration policies depends, in part, on the capacity and health of their workforce. This study presents findings from a qualitative study conducted with 10 Bangladeshi community frontline workers working in various CBOs and advocacy organizations to understand their experience navigating a heightened anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim climate. Through thematic analyses, we inferred that the 2016 presidential election increased stress and mobilization among community frontline workers, with a meaningful distinction between participants working for immigration-focused institutions versus those in institutions where immigration issues were not the primary focus (e.g. health services, cultural programming). For those working in immigration-focused institutions, work burden increased due to challenges in managing misinformation, making sense of policy changes, and meeting the needs of families impacted by deportation. A toll on frontline workers' own physical health and mental health was discussed, as well as the need for culturally congruent mental health supports for the South Asian community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]