Listening to ’s Immigrant Seniors

Forum proceedings Calgary immigrant and refugee seniors “Speak out”

The Greenwood Inn, Calgary April 2, 2009 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

calgary.ca | call 3-1-1 The City of Calgary Senior Services Division Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Table of contents

Introduction...... 3

Acknowledgements...... 4

Forum Program...... 5

Opening Remarks...... 6

Digital Story Presentations...... 7

Small Group Discussion Summaries...... 10

Keynote Presentation...... 14

Panel Presentations...... 15

Next Steps...... 17

Closing Remarks...... 17

Appendicies...... 18 1. Forum Background Information - Key Issues Confronting Immigrant Seniors 2. Forum Evaluations 3. Speakers’ Bios 4. Small Group Discussion Questions 5. List of Attendees

2 Introduction to the forum proceedings seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening

The objective of these proceedings is to provide a It is also a well-known fact that immigrant seniors summary of the information presented and insights make a significant economic and social contribution to gained through the small group discussions with their families and communities and, in turn, to society Forum participants and policy makers. This document as a whole. They provide childcare and housekeeping reflects the interest in the topic of immigrant and assistance to support their families who are working refugee seniors in Calgary and the common interests hard to lead productive lives in a new country. They and concerns expressed by seniors themselves in the volunteer in their own ethnocultural groups and actively background information and at the event itself. try to learn English as a second language in order to participate in seniors’ activities and to understand the It also outlines opportunities for future action to address cultural norms of their new homeland. In order to stand the needs expressed by immigrant and seniors. on their own two feet and contribute economically to The Forum was organized because it had become their households, some are employed in occupations increasingly clear to many service providers that the requiring lower credentials than they acquired in their unique needs of immigrant and refugee seniors were own countries. generally absent from the dialogue at policy tables, Yet several studies have demonstrated that immigrant from the policy position taken by advocacy groups, and seniors are confronting a number of barriers to from studies conducted by most non-governmental settlement and integration, even while they are organizations (NGOs) in this country. contributing. The foremost of these is the fact that they It is recognized that seniors are not a homogeneous have no voice in policy planning. In addition, language group, but only a few organizations and academics barriers cut across all of the issues confronted by have registered their concerns about the well-being of immigrant seniors in that those barriers impede access immigrant and refugee seniors. Immigrant seniors are to information and community support services and a rapidly growing segment of Calgary’s population. The prevent full participation in society. Research shows immigrant population as a whole grew at a rate of 27.7 that immigrant and refugee seniors are confronting per cent between 2001 and 2006, in comparison with issues related to income and economic security, a 12.4 per cent increase among the Canadian-born employment, housing, transportation, health, mental population (Te Linde and Cook, The City of Calgary, health and depression, caregiving, social isolation, elder September 2008). This growth rate will bring with it a abuse and safety. significant increase in the population of seniors who are It was hoped that participants at the Forum would sponsored under the family reunification program to develop a better understanding of these issues and support their families. begin an open dialogue amongst one another to ensure the inclusion of immigrant and refugee seniors’ needs on the public policy agenda.

3 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Acknowledgements Immigrant and refugee Members of the Forum Advisory Committee listed seniors advisory committee below worked in collaboration with the Immigrant • Henry Au-Yeung and Refugee Seniors Committee in the planning and • Joe Cho organization of the event. • Harjit Kaur • Abdul Makalai Forum advisory committee • Lydia M. Siapno • Sybil Braganza, The City of Calgary, • Pepe Siapno Seniors Services Division • Amalia Tauber • Barb Biggs, Osteoporosis Canada, Chapter • Lili Bunce, United Way of Calgary and Area Project funder • Liza Chan, Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ New Horizons for Seniors Program Association • Phyllis Luk, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary • Matthew MacPherson, Pro Bono Student, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary • Rob Manning, Practicum Student, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary • Lynn Podgurny, Kerby Centre • Svetlana Shklarov, Jewish Family Service Calgary • Ayda Tehrani, Kerby Centre • Linda Thomson, Volunteer, Filipino Community • Lori Villebrun, United Way of Calgary and Area • Ethel Luhtanen, Consultant, Speak Out Forum

4 Forum program Break seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Keynote Speaker – Dr. Daniel W.L. Lai Immigrant and Refugee Seniors “Speak Out” Associate Dean (Research & Partnerships) The Greenwood Inn, 3515 26th Ave. N.E. Professor & Alberta Heritage Health Scholar Thursday, April 2, 2009 Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Panel Presentation Registration/Refreshments - Dr. Sandra Hirst, National Seniors Advisory Council Canadian National Anthem - Chi Loo, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Seniors Welcome & Community Supports - Pepe Siapno, President, - Dr. Joel Christie, Seniors Social Planner, Family and - Young Once Seniors, Barb Biggs and Liza Chan Community Support Services, The City of Calgary

Greetings Summary - Teresa Woo-Paw, MLA, - Kim Rowe - Calgary-Mackay Constituency - Joe Ceci, Acting Deputy Mayor, Closing Remarks Alderman Ward 9 - The City of Calgary - Dr. Hyun-Ju Cho, President, Opening Remarks Calgary Korean Seniors Assoc. - Barb Biggs and Liza Chan - Peggy Kim – Past President, Calgary Korean Seniors Association Digital Storytelling - Sybil Braganza • Lunch, Entertainment and Door Prizes • Calgary Korean Senior Drummers Small Group Discussions • Calgary Senior Filipino Dancers - Abdul Makalai, President, Calgary Connecting • Chinese Seniors Performance Seniors Council and Kim Rowe, Community Development Officer, Alberta Culture and This event was made possible through funding by Community Spirit the New Horizons for Seniors Program

5 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Opening remarks The key messages of the Forum were: • Immigrant and refugee seniors make significant Pepe Siapno welcomed participants to the Forum and economic and social contributions to society. introduced the MCs, Barb Biggs and Liza Chan. • There is a lack of recognition of the unique barriers In the Opening Remarks, it was noted that the confronting immigrant and refugee seniors. Forum was organized because: • Immigrant and refugee seniors are prevented from full participation in society by language and • Immigrant and refugee seniors are falling other barriers. between the cracks. • Immigrant and refugee seniors need input in public • Their settlement needs are being overlooked policy and inclusion in planning discussions at the in the public agenda. earliest stages of policy development. • This is impacting their health and their ability to become integrated, contributing members of society. Digital stories Three digital stories were viewed. The stories were The purpose of the Forum was to: written as follows and then compiled into an audio- • Begin to build awareness of the unique needs visual presentation by Sybil Braganza. of immigrant and refugee seniors. Digital Storytelling is a unique way of capturing the life • Dialogue and share information. stories of seniors. Seniors narrate their stories in a 2 – 3 • Begin the process of including immigrant and minute video that includes photographs, pictures, video refugee seniors in public policy. and music. These Digital Stories are a powerful medium to share stories and messages in a meaningful way.

6 1. An elderly immigrant’s story I stayed in their home for two weeks. One day he asked seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening me for money, saying that my money was also his. He Before I came to Canada I heard a great deal of hit me, choked me, and tried to force me to give him wonderful things about Canada from my friends the money. Just at that moment my daughter returned and colleagues: that Canada was an advanced and home. She told him not to hurt me but then he hit her modern country, friendly people and peaceful living instead. We finally managed to run into a bedroom and environment. locked the door. We just sat on the floor and wept. My husband was a university professor in China and Later on that night, my daughter said, “We must run I worked in the Department of Science. Even though away from this place.” The next day we left home and we were not wealthy, we lived rather happily and sought refuge in a women’s shelter. comfortably until my husband’s unexpected death. Three weeks later we rented a basement suite. It was Then I received a short letter from my daughter. Asking a small suite with one very small window. There was me to come to Canada, I felt she needed me and so I no bed and we had to sleep on the floor. It was very left China and went to Canada. cold there. Since my daughter was still unemployed, we It was nighttime when I arrived in Canada. From the could not afford better accommodations. We lived like plane window I could see the beautiful, bright city this for one year until I discovered that I had a problem lights. Canada was so beautiful! No sooner had I with my legs and they were getting worse. I could not walked into my daughter’s house when I noticed that continue to sleep on the floor. Finally, through the help she immediately gave $100 to her husband, saying of some of our friends, I was admitted into a seniors’ that it was the payment for her mother’s staying in the apartment. house. This was rather odd for Chinese. According I am now 80 years old. I realize that I cannot escape to Chinese custom, the mother-in-law’s visit was an from the natural law of life. I still have one good eye honour to the family. She shouldn’t have to pay for her and one good ear, and I am retired. I still want to learn stay there. English and to become a volunteer. I’d like to help The next morning when I just got out of bed, my son- people who have problems. I can help with babysitting, in-law scolded and yelled at me. He said, “You didn’t writing letters, filing lawsuits (in Chinese), etc. come to Canada to enjoy happiness and prosperity. You I have been taking lessons and exercises, and came to help with our house chores and cook for us.” participating in community activities. I even took Then he threw me a cleaning cloth so that I could start part in essay contests twice and won both times. working right away. Although there are things I’d like to see improve and All through my life, I had been familiar with friendly, change, such as the medical system, overall I believe good mannered and respectful people. I was not used the Canadian government is a good government – a to quarrels and poor manners, and didn’t know how to people’s government. I love Canada. handle that when it happened, as was in this case. I just stood there, and could not utter one word until he left. I blamed myself for not knowing how to react.

7 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening 2. Marcello’s story My wife Khadija and myself do not want to give up. We feel we are very dependent on family and friends to My name is Marcello Kassiba. I am 83 years old. provide us with necessary things. When we first came I This is my story… thought I could find work, but I was often shunted from I was born in Juba, Sudan in 1926, my home country. getting a job because of reasons, I do not know. Maybe I got married in 1957. My wife Khadija and myself have because of my skin colour and old age. 11 children and 15 grandchildren. In Sudan I worked Khadija started taking English classes, but she found for the Famer’s Cooperative Society for rural people. I it very difficult trying to learn another language. When was very well respected and enjoyed my work helping you are old it is very hard to learn another language. farmers and their families. How can I make my life better in Calgary? I cannot get Because of the war and persecution of my religion in a job and because of this I cannot pay the rent and bills. Sudan, I was listed by security to be executed. I had to escape from Sudan and came to Canada as a refugee When I left Sudan, I felt I lost my culture, my language, in 2001. I had seen and heard of many killings in Sudan my food. I wish to live in Canada and hope the rest of where I lost many friends. my years living here will be made easy … but I don’t know how. When you come to Canada as a refugee you loose everything: your home, your friends, your family. You come to Canada with very few belongings.

We are truly grateful that Canada opened its doors to us and gave us security and freedom, but it was very hard for us to settle in a foreign country, where you have to start life from zero.

Coming as an elder and trying to resettle here has left me and my wife feeling lonely and depressed. As a result, my wife has diabetes and high blood pressure and I also have high blood pressure.

8 3. Babcia’s story Polish dance has been a part of my life for 23 solid seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening years, and throughout that time, my grandmother One of the greatest role models for my life has been my has been one of my biggest supporters, my greatest grandmother, Irena Milosz. In Polish, I call her ‘Babcia’ confidantes, and my best advisors. Perhaps it stems which means grandmother. For 23 years now, Babcia from the fact that as a young adult in Poland, she too has been a great influence on my life. She is a personal was part of a folk dance troupe that performed and role model, a family matriarch, and an avid leader in the learned the traditional folk songs and dances. Polish community of Calgary. We have always gotten along well and I think it must be due to some of the Through her work within the Polish community, my similarities of character that we share. They say that Babcia befriended many other multicultural seniors, genes skip a generation sometimes. I hope that in our including the Croatian Senior’s Club in Calgary. During case this may be true. her tenure as President, the two clubs became good friends and often held joint gatherings and field trips After 23 years of living in Canada and growing up here, for their seniors. My Babcia’s kind and giving heart has naturally, I consider myself a Canadian just as much always shone in her community work, especially as as I consider myself to be Polish as well. I have, and she regularly visited Polish seniors living in long-term will always have, a dual identity. Regardless of what care housing. Moreover, she often personally drove the ever-elusive and widely debated Canadian identity and accompanied seniors suffering from cancer to is, I know that it would be very easy for me to lose my the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for treatment. Through Polish culture and identity if it were not for the fact that her generosity and positive spirit my grandmother has I have always remained involved in it and have been shown me the importance of caring for individuals shown the way by my parents and my Babcia. within our community.

My Babcia has always stressed to us how important it Recently, my grandfather, Leon Milosz, passed away, is that we do not forget our mother tongue. I speak with leaving my Babcia a widow again. She lost her first her only in Polish. We have great conversations too, for husband as a young woman in Poland, and remarried we have similar interests and we both feed each other’s in Canada years later in 1985. Up until Jan. 13, 2009, curiosities and passion for keeping the Polish culture when my Dziadek passed away, he was also a source and community in Calgary alive and thriving. of inspiration.

Babcia has been heavily involved as a leader in the Just like Dziadek used to do, Babcia has on occasion Polish community for many years, and I have followed opened up to tell me stories of her life as a little in her footsteps as the Artistic Director of Calgary’s girl, teenager, and adult in Poland. The stories of only Polish folk dance ensemble, Polanie Polish Song & WWII, of communism and immigration are a wealth Dance Association. of information on life lessons as well as cultural and historical turning points. Without hearing these stories first hand and being able to ask questions and discuss the significance of these events, key historical information on my background would be lost forever.

9 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Summary of small Elder Abuse There appeared to be a theme of participants sharing group discussions stories involving [adult] children abusing parents. It was clear that the seniors in the discussion groups Participants mentioned that there are opportunities looked forward to being good Canadians and to for abuse in familial situations and power imbalances succeeding. They chose Canada because of the within immigrant families. Immigrant seniors seemed freedom it offers, and there was a general sense that to be at a disadvantage because of their poor Calgary is the best place for seniors communication skills and lack of familiarity with the new country. Issues, barriers and Three other themes emerged from the discussions. The challenges raised first theme involved the financial abuse of immigrant Language Barriers seniors. One participant reported that seniors “give their Immigrant seniors had many comments concerning direct deposit to the children” and leave the immigrant language barriers. Specific themes included difficulty senior with nothing. Another participant reported that communicating in everyday situations, such as medical adult children use the seniors “as a servant for cleaning and social situations, and the challenges in finding and babysitting with no money.” and learning English as a second language (ESL). The second theme involved childcare issues and how Participants reported having problems communicating some participants felt that some seniors have “no life” with medical staff, such as doctors, when they did as a result of taking care of children. Some participants not have a good background in English. They also wanted to know if these immigrant seniors taking care reported problems within social situations when of grandchildren have the ability to receive emotional speaking informally with fellow peers and formally with support and activities geared towards themselves government officials. besides support from their adult children.

Participants also discussed ESL difficulties and felt that The final theme involved immigrant seniors keeping learning a language becomes more difficult for seniors silent about potential elder abuse. Some immigrant due to the physical challenges, like hearing and visual seniors do not want everyone to know their problems impairments, mental challenges, such as memory and are hesitant to tell their problems because they do impairments, and other challenges, such as the effects not want to lose face or break down the relationship of medication. Some immigrant seniors suggested ESL with their family member. Participants also reported becomes essential learning and that ESL providers that some immigrant seniors are too proud to report use different teaching styles and are appropriately abuse to anyone else. Some seniors suggested compensated as teachers. combating elder abuse by dedicating an agency that Finding Work can help abused seniors with finding housing, financial and emotional support. Immigrant seniors expressed concern over finding employment in Calgary. Immigrant seniors felt they and Isolation their children had challenges getting work and getting Immigrant seniors discussed isolation and loneliness degrees and experience obtained from other countries as issues. They felt that isolation and loneliness are recognized. Some seniors suggested that it would be common among immigrant seniors. One participant helpful if the province and the country found ways to made the comment that many seniors have no chance, improve the acceptance of foreign credentials. no money and no friends to go out for a trip. Another

10 participant discussed the fact that life for some and mental health issues and reported that they had seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening immigrant seniors can become lonely because many do questions and concerns about dental care, health care, not know their neighbours. Participants asked how to medial accessories and funeral information. They also get to isolated seniors and how visiting programs may reported concerns about boredom of seniors, addic- work to ease isolation. tion to alcohol, and depression. Other participants wanted to exercise more with others and suggested Senior Services that seniors have fear because they experience change A number of participants mentioned the lack of – memory loss – and are afraid to get lost, to change knowledge immigrant seniors have regarding available their daily routine, and to tell people of their fears and programs. Even though some participants felt that risk getting hurt. the services were good, a majority of participants commented on the fact that immigrant seniors do not Finances know about immigrant senior services. In addition, if Immigrant seniors discussed the difficulty immigrant they did know about the services, they did not know seniors have in paying for housing, property taxes, how or where to access them. Participants also bus passes and field trips. One senior commented expressed concern over the difficulty some seniors on the fact that some seniors cannot stay in their have in asking for help. They have difficulties because house because they cannot pay property taxes, and they come from a country where they received help another senior mentioned the fact that because he without asking or, because they don’t want to lose was $400 over the threshold for reduced bus passes face or break down the relationship with their family and now has to pay $83 instead of the reduced rate of member. $34.50. Another theme appeared to be the fact that seniors have challenges with access to government Immigrant seniors provided some suggestions on assistance. Some seniors mentioned that there are how to resolve some issues around improving senior very little financial resources available to them if they services. They thought that service providers should have been in Canada for less than 10 years. In addition, implement cultural sensitivity training for staff, increase seniors are having difficulty speaking with government help in filling out forms, hire bilingual workers and representatives because of the language difficulties. provide help for senior families. Culture Adjustment Transportation Adjustment to a new culture and the related challenges, Transportation issues were important for immigrant including changes in parenting, religious beliefs, seniors to air. Immigrant seniors rely on public individual versus collective thinking, and daily living transportation such as city buses and handi-buses. concerned some participants. Some participants However, participants pointed out that “cold wintery even expressed how they felt in shock about cultural weather,” insufficient bus schedules, and “restriction changes. Other seniors discussed the difference to pre-booking handi-bus” as concerns in using these between their values and the values of their adult public forms of transportation. Some seniors suggested children after living in Canada for a period of time. that they need a transportation system that is “flexible Another common theme touched on stereotypes and to their needs.” how some cultures have a harder time adjusting to life Senior’s Health in Canada compared to other “white immigrants.” Common themes exist among participants concerning seniors’ health and seniors’ silence about their health. Participants raised physical, psychological, emotional

11 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Strategies noted as helpful network of seniors. Participants recognized that while seniors need to have access to resources, they also in addressing and resolving need to have the ability to access those resources issues independently. If they are not able to get the help they need, participants said that immigrant seniors must Help with Forms work very hard to ask for help when they need help. Because everything is done in English, seniors said that they need help with forms. Seniors need help in Centres and Service Providers providing information on forms to agencies and wanted Several community centres, such as the Chinese Multi- help with government applications. They thought that it Care Centre, the Dashmesh Cultural Senior Citizens was helpful to have someone speaking their language Society, the Kerby Centre, and the Korean Cultural to help translate information. Society, were named as resources for participants in need. Participants felt that these places need more Information funding from provincial and federal governments and Seniors want information about services and want to more support with housing, volunteer, transportation, be connected to services in their community. They medical and government issues. They also stated that thought that it would be great to have information faith-based care centres could be helpful for seniors packages and orientations before they arrive or upon as well. arrival to Canada. They also thought that pamphlets, in their native language, placed at mosques and churches Service providers were also mentioned as strategies to would help provide them with information they need. deal with immigrant senior issues. Participants stated that connections to providers were useful and that Education seeking help with other associations was helpful. Seniors felt that continuing education was important Family and Government Support and mentioned that they want to be educated about services, resources available, cross-cultural issues, Participants felt that immigrant seniors find immigration prejudice, human rights and language education. More hard, but having good family relations and having specifically, participants felt that teaching human rights basic needs looked after by family makes it easier for and language education would be important to resolve seniors to have a positive experience and thrive. Some some of the issues that are affecting immigrant seniors. immigrant seniors also felt that their grandchildren gave Suggestions included having improved, unstructured them hope. and informal classes where immigrant seniors have Participants also mentioned that they are happy that a chance to speak and listen in English and having the government looks after health, medicine and even classes specifically for immigrant seniors. bus passes. They also saw Canada as a good country Seniors’ Contributions and that they liked the fact that the government has “respect for all humans” and helps people. Participants felt that there was a myth that immigrant seniors do not contribute to society. They feel that Cultural Adjustments this myth needs to be dispelled. Immigrant seniors “Putting things into perspective” and “realizing that do contribute and are resilient. Seniors also felt that seniors would have to make some adjustments in a new everyone can contribute to society and that immigrant country” were some of the suggestions participants had seniors have the ability to reach out into their own for other immigrant seniors coming to Canada. Some group of people and connect them to society. They participants made the point that when seniors come to have the ability to advocate for others and form a

12 Canada, they have an idealistic view of the country they • Problem – seniors are not aware of their rights – seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening left, when in reality, they may not see the benefits they need more awareness of their rights. enjoy in Canada. • Need help to go to doctor/take shopping/library.

Exercise/Events Library Participants felt that having exercise programs and • Public libraries have staff speaking various events planned helps to address some of the issues languages. of boredom and isolation. Suggestions included • Calgary public library has community programs elder-friendly exercise programs, dances and birthday - “Coffee and conversation” – drop in, casual celebrations. - medical information (different languages) - Resources noted as helpful in computer class – cross cultural programs • Library provides many programs in different addressing/resolving issues languages: computer, ESL and conversation Media classes, health programs, music, video game, TV. • Magazines/newspapers/books. Government • Radio program, newspapers can help. • Approach multicultural radio program/newspaper, • Senior advocate for seniors. newsletter to get the message/promotions out – • Thankful for government to give what seniors 94.7/Fairchild/omni. needed (housing, services). • Radio station to connect with seniors. • Need help to go to the doctor/shopping mall/library. • Computer programs – basic – seniors want it taught in their own language. Networking/Collaboration • Some of us, through networking, looked at how we Community Associations can help each other or just different organizations, • Seniors as ambassadors to reach out to their own and hopefully we will follow up with positive action. group of people, then connect them to the society. • Seniors as ambassadors to reach out to their own • Community associations – go for a tour/meeting. group of people, then connect them to society. • EFCP provides programs to let seniors get connected and become useful again. • Connecting Seniors – can help – working well. • Case-by-case community assessment as a group – are your needs met? – more cost effective • Kerby Centre – Calgary first shelter for seniors in country – ED second. • Kerby Centre contact was advised. • A senior couple said that they had most happy time when they joined an outing with the groups. • More civic engagement – elder friendly helpful to fight loneliness and social isolation.

13 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Visible minorities are 4.5 times more likely to report Keynote presentation discrimination. Colour does matter. Dr. Daniel Lai Associate Dean (Research & Partnerships) • The challenges are experienced more by some Professor and Alberta Heritage Health Scholar groups than others but many are working hard to Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary overcome the barriers. • Older immigrant adults report lower incomes than Integration of immigrant aging adults: older adults born in Canada because they have myths and reality larger families. Nearly 20 per cent of immigrant seniors are below the low-income cut-off. A high The following are some excerpts from Dr. Lai’s proportion of immigrant seniors relies on GIS and presentation. OAS. Those born in Canada are more likely to have • Population aging and cultural diversity are a reality other sources of funds such as retirement pensions – immigrants form a significant and growing part and RRSPs. of the aging population. • It is important not to blame the victims – they are • 13 per cent of the Canadian population is 65 years in their situation because of social circumstances. of age and over, 16.2 per cent of the population are Nonetheless, they make lots of contributions to visible minorities and 19.8 per cent are immigrants. society. • A relatively large proportion of seniors in Canada • Acculturation is a two-way bi-dimensional process. are immigrants: Both sides have to change. It takes the larger • 2001: 65 to 84 years old - 28 per cent society to change the way they do business to immigrants. have a welcoming society. They need to provide • 2001: 25 to 54 years old - 21 per cent immigrants. culturally sensitive institutions and programs. • In 2006, 19.6 per cent of the immigrants were 65 • It is important to not underestimate the years and older. contributions of immigrant seniors. They find their • However, there are issues and challenges own meaning by: contributing to their families, facing immigrant and refugee seniors. They are helping each other in their communities, helping to considered a vulnerable group, undergoing a generate wealth, quietly volunteering. And they are continuous process of adjusting to social changes. happy to do it. And language, culture and weather all add to the • They see caring for themselves, living challenges. independently and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a contribution. In research, none have said that The challenges are: they came here to depend upon others. - Disparities in social health and well-being. • Civic engagement is cultural obligation for - Lack of financial resources. immigrant seniors. But before they can participate - Transportation problems. fully, they want to learn the language and make - Limited knowledge of existing services. some new friends in language school. - Discrimination. • Most seniors are pushed to the edge – they don’t choose to be there. The disparities in health, • O ne study shows that immigrant seniors are more finance and social participation are symptoms of than 2.5 times more likely to report discrimination voices not being heard. than other aging adults.

14 • Immigrant and refugee seniors have been working • Seniors issues are taking on increasing importance seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening hard; they have paid their dues and suffered. in Canada. As the number of seniors will be Now it is time for Canadians to reciprocate. doubling over the next 25 years, when one in Immigrant seniors should be part of the policy four Canadians will be over 65, I think we all development framework of population aging appreciate that the nature of Canadian society will at municipal, provincial and federal levels. The be changing. The Council’s advice will help the ultimate solution is systemic changes that enable government prepare for those changes. their voices to be seriously considered. There • The work of the Council has focused in the past needs to be a way of recognizing immigrant seniors year on two key issues: elder abuse and low- as members of Canadian society. income seniors. In the year ahead, we have been mandated to examine volunteerism and positive/ Panel presentations successful aging. These are two issues that have direct relevance to immigrant and refugee seniors. The panel consisted of: • Dr. Sandra Hirst, National Seniors Advisory Council In specific reference to the topic of your forum: Hearing • Sarah Carr, Director, Seniors Policy and Planning the voices of immigrant and refugee seniors – the for Chi Loo, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta National Seniors Council recognizes that: Seniors & Community Supports • There is huge diversity in Canada’s senior • Dr. Joel Christie, Seniors Social Planner, Family and population. Community Support Services, The City of Calgary • Public consultation is an essential component of our work – canvassing the views of stakeholders in The following are some excerpts from their the process of developing sound recommendations presentations. A short question period followed for the government. the presentations. • Communication is key and is a two-way street. It is important that the NSAC both hears from Dr. Sandra Hirst and reports back to its stakeholders through the National Seniors publication of its reports and other strategies. Advisory Council Note: Sandra pointed out that it was sometimes • It gives me great pleasure to be a member of difficult for NSAC to give voice to diversity because the National Seniors Advisory Council (NSAC). it was not readily evident how to access the key As an advisory body, we report to the Minister resources to find the ethno-cultural groups that are out of Human Resources and Skill Development and there. She requested Forum participants email her their the Minister of Health. We work closely with the suggestions on how to do this. NSAC is committed to Honourable Marjory LeBreton, the appointed hearing the voices of all seniors. Minister of State for Seniors. • The role of the Council is to advise the federal government on issues of national importance to seniors, recognizing our growing and increasingly diverse seniors population.

15 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Sarah Carr Recent policy initiatives that engaged organizations that serve immigrant seniors are: Director, seniors policy and planning Alberta seniors & community supports • Demographic Planning Commission. • Prevention of Elder Abuse Strategy. The programs of Alberta Seniors and Community • Seniors Advisory Council of Alberta Supports include: - Diane Caleffi, Calgary and Area Region. • Alberta Seniors Benefit. - Harjit S. Raj, Calgary and Area Region. • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors. • Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors. It is important to work with politicians at all levels of • Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors. government (municipal, provincial and federal).

The Services include: Dr. Joel Christie • Alberta Seniors Information Line 1-800-642-3853. • Seniors Information Services Offices. Seniors social planner, family and community support services, The City of Calgary The Benefits available to immigrant seniors are: • Calgary, is the fourth largest centre receiving new immigrants in Canada. • Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. • Calgary is the third municipality in Canada to • Drug and Ambulance Coverage. achieve a population of one million people. • Dental and Optical Assistance. • In Calgary, one in four is a visible minority.

They may be eligible for: • What’s at stake here? • Alberta Seniors Benefit. - A welcoming community. • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Program - A cohesive integrated community. - Home repairs (e.g. furnace, roof). - Medical expenses (e.g. hearing aids). • The cost of not integrating is high: - Social tension. • The responsibility for seniors is shared between - Social isolation. government, community organizations and families. - Perception of increased crime. • The Ministry’s approach is to work with family - Social and health costs. members and friends. - Business relocation/loss. • There are eight seniors information offices across the province. The Ministry’s information line • The learnings are: receives 1,000 calls a day. - The issues are complex and systemic. • Seniors are not a homogeneous group. There are - A ll levels of government and communities must opportunities to include the input of immigrant work together. seniors in the public policy process. - Municipal government has a vital role to play in contributing to the integration of newcomers. - Improving community cohesiveness and quality of life is important to everyone.

16 • Our aspiration is to create an inclusive city that • Prioritize the issues through consultation with seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening values newcomers as assets and welcomes them immigrant and refugee seniors and immigrant to be fully integrated into our city. serving agencies. • Develop a short- and long-range plan for the • Mission of Seniors Services: work ahead. Enhance the quality of life of older Calgarians • Explore new funding opportunities. aging in place through: • Explore language training for immigrant seniors. - Seniors Centres. • Continue to build partnerships and alliances. - Seniors Outreach. • Consult other communities to help define - Seniors in-home support. next steps. - Community development/empowerment. • Meet with key opinions leaders in government and - ElderNet. in immigrant senior serving agencies. - Affordable housing. • Involve the Network and Collaboration Committee - Transportation. and ElderNet. - Income support. • Further develop the Committee working on this - Health. topic by defining areas of expertise that are needed - Communication – information and referrals. • Develop a partnership with the Calgary Connecting - Lifelong learning. Seniors Cultural Council. • Begin planning for a 2010 Forum, if it is decided The priorities for FCSS Calgary are: that another such event should happen.

• To prevent concentrated poverty. • To prevent social isolation. Closing remarks A request was made for volunteers, for contact Next steps information and completion of an evaluation form. It was noted that this was the first step in a much longer, The following steps are in no particular order. They ongoing process of supporting immigrant seniors with have been generated from the feedback on the Forum their integration into Calgary society. and from discussions of the Advisory and Seniors committees. • Together we build the Agenda. • Together we face the Challenges. • Together we Thrive. A logical place to start is with a discussion about how to continue the process of getting immigrant and refugee seniors on the public policy agenda, resulting in a decision about the timing of the action steps themselves.

• Continue to create a greater awareness of the issues impacting immigrant and refugee seniors (intergenerational, public policy makers, service providers).

17 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening

Appendicies

18 1.  B ackground information Language barriers seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening prepared for the forum • The lack of language skills is the primary barrier to communication, access to information, access Extracted from: Including Immigrant and Refugee to social services and recreational opportunities, Seniors in Public Policy. A Discussion Paper for the community engagement and integration. Calgary Immigrant Seniors “Speak Out” Forum, • Immigrant seniors have noted the difficulty of available at calgary.ca. learning a new language at an advanced age, Key issues confronting immigrant seniors especially if they are illiterate in their first language. • Immigrant seniors often lack the ability to Both the literature and some of Calgary’s immigrant communicate with the very grandchildren for whom seniors have identified the following issues as barriers they are responsible while their own adult children to settlement, integration and positive aging. Many work. of the issues are common to all seniors, but they are • Most English as a Second Language (ESL) intensified in the case of immigrant seniors. classes are geared to younger immigrants, and It is clear that the issues are interwoven, often neither the vocabulary nor the teaching style impacting upon one another. is suited to seniors. There is a need for an ESL curriculum specifically designed for immigrant seniors and delivered at an appropriate time and General Issues central location, in conjunction with an opportunity • Immigrant and refugee seniors have no voice for socialization. This will serve two purposes: in policy planning and development. They lack language training and the development of social knowledge of Canada’s political system and connections. the skills required to present their concerns to the appropriate government representatives. In Income and Economic Security addition, they are not well connected and lack the • “Economic insecurity is most severe for immigrant power to have input to decision making. seniors who have been in Canada for less than 10 • They lack access to information that would assist years. In fact, the older the age at immigration, them in getting their needs met. the more likely one will live in poverty since one’s • T he unique issues of immigrant seniors are often chances of being able to access public income not recognized by mainstream service providers. support programs for seniors depend upon length • There is a lack of cultural competence/sensitivity of residency in the country.” (Carstairs and Keon, amongst service providers. March 2007). • Intergenerational issues can affect the traditional role of immigrant seniors in the family. Younger generations tend to subscribe to the values and beliefs of their new country, whereas older generations typically hold on to traditional values. This can create conflicts and have an impact on self- esteem, health, family relationships and quality of life.

19 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening • Income security is a complex issue affected by Housing and Retirement Homes factors such as age at immigration, ethno-racial • Im migrant seniors have limited housing options status, and country of origin. “Whereas income available to them. They cannot live in subsidized security is not a panacea for all their problems, it housing for 10 years because of the current is definitely a necessary condition for successful sponsorship arrangement and following that, settlement and integration into Canadian life” the wait lists are long (up to two years). (Alternative Planning Group, 2008). The above study • A ffordable and accessible housing for immigrant makes the point that more research is required on seniors is basically unavailable. the impact of the 10-year residency requirement on • Few retirement or nursing homes in Calgary are immigrant seniors resulting in a lack of access to geared to the specific needs of ethnocultural groups Old Age Security benefits during this period. (the Chinese care centre Wing Kei is one example). • T he current 10-year sponsorship arrangement increases the vulnerability of immigrant seniors Transportation by making them dependent upon their sponsors. • Language barriers and a lack of information can In the event of sponsorship breakdown, financial impede access to public transportation. difficulties may have to be endured along with the • Immigrant seniors of limited mobility must rely stresses inherent in the breakdown. on Access Calgary and subject themselves to a • D espite the fact that many are confronting issues rigorous application process including a 15-page related to economic insecurity, immigrant seniors application form (available only in English), a are making an economic contribution to their medical examination by a selected list of medical families, communities and society as a whole. This professionals, and an interview which can only be contribution should be acknowledged and facilitated conducted at one of six locations across the entire to the benefit of all members of society. “We have a city. This process is then followed by a significant choice as a society: Either to buy into the myths that wait time pending approval. seniors will drain the health and pension systems, • Once approved, seniors can only use the Access for example, or to take advantage of the reality that Calgary service via a website or an automated seniors can contribute to society” (Judy Cutler, calling system which is available only in English. CARP in Carstairs and Keon, March 2007). Customer service representatives are only available to assist with either of these systems between 8:30 Employment a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. • F oreign credentials are not recognized, making it • T axis in Calgary are costly, and can be unreliable difficult to find work in one’s area of expertise. or inaccessible during the day as a result of high • B oth ageism and discrimination are barriers demand. to employment for all seniors and more so, for immigrant seniors. • In addition, opportunities for work are limited because of the lack of English language skills.

20 Social Isolation Mental Health and Depression seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening • Recent research on positive aging has shown that • T here is a stigma attached to mental health there is a relationship between social connectivity problems in many countries, so there is not only a and longevity. Social isolation actually reduces lack of understanding of a service that is foreign to one’s lifespan. many immigrant seniors, but also a reluctance to • Many immigrant seniors, particularly women, lack seek help (at times when the stress of immigrating opportunities for socialization both within and to a foreign land becomes too much to bear, for external to their own communities because of example). household and childcare responsibilities. • Research has shown that cultural values and • T he lack of language skills and a fear of the beliefs as well as cultural barriers related to access unknown make it difficult to venture out into to health care affect the mental health of immigrant the larger community and even into their own seniors. neighbourhoods. • Many refugees suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome because of their experiences, but Health specialized services are few. • It has been reported that the health of immigrant seniors declines after they spend time here due to Lack of Access to Community Support Services the mental challenges and stress of resettlement. • Space in existing long-term care facilities is limited. • There is a lack of understanding by health care • Both the lack of language skills and a preference providers of health issues that are specific to a for ethnic foods that are unavailable in existing cultural group (such as diabetes or heart disease). facilities make it difficult for ethnic seniors to live in • “Culturally-specific belief patterns about illness a facility. and health, attitudes about dependency and • M any immigrant seniors are reluctant to have a self-sufficiency, as well as language barriers can stranger provide personal care services, especially impede or reduce access to health and long-term in their homes. care, family support and community services. The • C ulturally specific support services are generally Committee heard evidence about the difficulty inadequate. Only a few services are available, such that some care institutions can have in adapting as the Chopsticks on Wheels program for Chinese to the different needs, illnesses and disabilities of seniors. A program of this nature could benefit immigrant seniors” (Carstairs and Keon, March other cultures as well. 2007). • T here is often a lack of knowledge of disability • M any immigrant seniors use alternative medicines, support and hence a lack of access by immigrant some of which may react with pharmaceuticals, seniors. The intersection of aging with disability is but they are reluctant to disclose their use. one that requires additional research to determine • Pharmaceuticals are expensive and, as a result, whether the two issues should have a common out of reach for many immigrant seniors. agenda or separate strategies. • It is known that factors such as nutrition and fitness are related to positive aging and longevity, but immigrant seniors in Calgary lack access to educational programs because of the lack of language skills and translated materials. Many immigrant seniors have requested information on these topics. 21 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening Caregiving • Elder abuse can be a serious issue in refugee • Family caregivers often suffer from burnout in households, where trauma from previous their efforts to provide care to their senior family experiences of terror and escape can exacerbate members while they themselves struggle to “make the stresses already felt by a family attempting to it” in a new country. adapt to a new culture and lifestyle. • Caregivers external to an ethnocultural family often lack the cultural competence (and language skills) Safety and Security to deliver care in a culturally sensitive manner. One • Im migrant seniors are concerned about safety in local model for training caregivers is the Caregiver their homes as well as safety and security on the Program for the Chinese Community started by streets and in public places. They need information the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association on matters such as safe banking, scams and (CCECA) and Calgary Family Services (CFS) in telephone safety, safety devices, home security, 2002. It is a program that trains Chinese-speaking road safety, signing of legal documents and caregivers to serve the community. Calgary Family contact numbers for emergency situations. Services has since trained other first language caregivers as well, although it is reported that the Many studies have identified these issues, but there is training does not meet the current demand for a lack of recognition that the reason the barriers exist is caregiver services. because a segment of the population is being omitted from the public policy dialogue altogether. Most planning Elder Abuse initiatives to date have not considered the unique • Elder abuse of immigrant seniors can be needs of immigrant and refugee seniors. A growing manifested in one or more of the following ways: demographic is being left out in a way that gender was physical, emotional, social, financial, sexual abuse, left out of policy discussions not that long ago. neglect or denial of civil rights. • Elder abuse in immigrant families is typically a cultural taboo and is seen as shameful, so there is a reluctance to disclose that it is happening. • A lthough elder abuse can be found in all cultures, immigrant seniors (both male and female) may be particularly vulnerable when access to help and resources is restricted by language and economic barriers, as well as by a lack of knowledge and possible mistrust of the Canadian legal system. Recent studies on family violence against seniors, and seniors as victims of crime (Statistics Canada, 2002 and Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics Profile Series, 2004 and 2005) do not recognize the special circumstances of immigrant and refugee seniors with respect to abuse.

22 2. Forum evaluations • To be aware of the problem seniors are facing and seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening some solutions out there. In order to provide information and direction for next • Discussions and Dr. Lai’s presentation. steps in the immigrant and refugee seniors policy • The networking. planning process, participants at the Forum responded • To see that every small group is facing the to the following questions at the end of the event. same issues. What was most helpful from this forum? • The personal stories. The seniors also highlighted many of the positive points of immigrating to • Networking. Canada which are often easy to forget. • Small group discussions. • Being able to speak out. • Feeling that we need to do something • Opportunity for seniors to speak out. for the seniors. • Give seniors an opportunity to speak out and to • Information on seniors’ resources and opportunity become more aware of the issues faced by other to hear each other’s viewpoints. ethic seniors. An opportunity for government and • Stories from seniors. service providers to work together to improve the • Hearing that most immigrant seniors find Canada quality of life of immigrant seniors. to be a very kind and helpful country with lots • That there are all three levels of government of benefits for seniors. This suggests we have a present and ready to listen. strong base to work from to overcome challenges. • Statistics, speaker panel, name tags. • Small group discussions. • Hearing stories of personal experiences. • Opportunity to interact. Understanding all the groups working on issues. • Information from seniors sharing their stories. • Giving information. • Table discussions and sharing of opinions/ • Presentation from Dr. Lai and the group discussion experiences was satisfactory. (when you listen to the stories of seniors at • Awareness of seniors’ issues. the table). • The actual discussion with the seniors. • Opportunity to hear from seniors who have • Discussions and presentations on how to assist/ experienced life as immigrants/refugees. improve the lives of immigrant seniors (barriers • Digital presentation. but also the component of life in Canada). How • Presentation from different levels. as a service provider can we better support this • How to get in touch with Senior Connect. population? • The real issues seniors face and the support nets • To appreciate the complexity of problems affecting for seniors. this group of the population. • Connecting with other groups and people to find • Hearing seniors’ stories, understanding their answers to what works. experiences. • Hearing stories from immigrant seniors. • S etting aside the time to address the issues, generally. As a service provider, I think we often spend too much time on the details of service and not the bigger picture.

23 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening • Hearing about the financial and physical abuse in • Name tags to include workplace. Forward the third digital story that was presented. It is not powerpoint presentation to participants as a tool often talked about. Our table voiced how to actually for us to take back to our organizations and pass find out if this is occurring among our senior on the info. Digital stores – would love to share immigrants/refugees. with my team at work and discuss issues raised. • H aving all three levels of government present • B ring in the Minister in charge. was exciting and valuable to this event – hearing; • P rovide more time to come up with learning and sharing – encourage change and recommendations. working together to promote this change. • H elp others become more aware. Deliver • A good blend of personal stories and broad issue presentations and educate others. discussion. • In my group, many of the seniors have lived in Canada for a long period of time. Maybe for the What could we do differently to improve next (different) forum we can have one designed future forums? specifically for recent immigrants to Canada • More time for talking about action. (although I know it is a challenge). • More opportunity for group discussion. • N ow that we have finally spoken out, please listen • Less statistics and more action. to our stories and follow up with some action. • More opportunity to hear from the seniors in • S maller groups with less agency/government reps. a session. These are seniors who have challenges. • More time is required (whole day). • F aciltators play a big role to lead the discussion. • More discussions and less guest speakers. • The venue is too small. Make it a whole-day workshop. • Offer a list of attendees for follow-up issues and • M aybe do less talking now and more action. I collaboration. Perhaps name tags of volunteers wonder what challenges existed when the forum should include the name of their organization. was entirely in English. • Too many people at each table. Found it difficult to • C ontinue with these kinds of events but allow more hear everyone at the table. time for discussion. • More time for group discussions. • M ore time/opportunities to hear about issues from • Small group discussion presentation. seniors themselves. Panel could have been more • Good to share presentations from small group interactive - more questions and answers. Overall, discussion. wonderful learning opportunity and very valuable to service providers who are looking to extend/ improve services to immigrant seniors. • M ore discussion about action from policy makers themselves.

24 • Bring us information on abuse and caregiving • T he priority issues for those present were: seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening of seniors. - Housing and long-term care. • This was excellent. - Transportation. • L onger event – panel could barely touch on topics. - Health care. • O nce you register, an email could be immediately - Social isolation. and automatically sent back to the registrant to let • T hey felt that there should be a greater representa- a person know that he/she is registered. Having tion of views and exchange of views at a future the name of the organization that one represents event. on one’s name tag helps in identifying/networking • They wanted more information on the specific with other people. needs of different cultures and felt that a challenge • Not so many camera people – found it very was getting input from cultures with different distracting, as they sometimes moved right in languages. A need to understand each other was front of my view. With respect to the small group expressed. discussions, the exercise was good in stimulating • It was felt that the Forum should be conducted in ideas and sharing circumstances amongst the English but that the views of different languages group members. As a service provider, I was should be solicited before the event and presented excited to hear from each member at our table, by an English-speaking representative of each despite four members who had language barriers culture at the event. (we had a translator that could relay their personal • They noted that any future event should involve experiences). I valued what each senior shared at more people and more seniors. our table and have taken away with me a more • A desirable format for a future event: speakers enlightened view of the challenges, barriers and in the morning with discussion by seniors in the positive contributions that our senior immigrant afternoon. population brings to our communities. • The seniors were anxious to receive feedback from • I know it is difficult but, as much as you can, move the workshops. to action steps. • It was suggested that different aspects of each issue be explored. One way of doing this would be Evaluation by the calgary connecting seniors to have experts address specific components of cultural council each issue. For example, in the case of housing, • Council members felt that it was a successful event one could discuss subsidized housing, retirement and appreciated the digital stories. homes, senior apartments, long-term care, etc. • T hey saw the event as a learning opportunity for • D ifferent sources of funding should be explored to themselves and as an opportunity to provide some continue the process that has been initiated. input to funders. • Pepe moved that the Forum become a project of • T he seniors wanted more written information about the Council. Peggy Kim seconded the motion. the issues.

25 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening 3. Speaker’s bios Joel Christie Dr. Joel Christie, PhD, is currently a Social Planner for Dr. Daniel Lai FCSS in Calgary. His portfolio is the seniors’ sector for Daniel Lai, PhD, RSW is Professor, Associate Dean The City of Calgary. (Research and Partnerships) and Alberta Heritage Health Scholar at the Faculty of Social Work, University Dr. Christie has more than 40 years of direct senior and of Calgary. He is an internationally known expert executive management experience and specializes in in aging research. He has a strong interest in the the development of organizations and the management relationship between culture, health and the well-being of strategic change in human service organizations. His of the aging population, as well as the influence of Masters degree specialized in Community Development culture and various social determinants on promoting and his doctoral studies focused on Organization wellness in the aging population. Development and the Management of Strategic Change in complex organizations focusing especially on the health system. He was the first Public Guardian for Sandra Hirst the province and was the Research Manager for the Sandra P. Hirst, RN, PhD, GNC(C) is an Associate Premier’s Commission on Future Health Care for Professor in the Faculty of Nursing, University of Albertans, which was instrumental in recommending Calgary. Her current position is as Director of the the initial restructuring of the health care system in Brenda Strafford Centre for Excellence in Gerontological the 1990s. Nursing. Sandra’s research interests lie in the area of long-term care and education. She has served in a number of provincial, federal, and international positions including president of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, and is currently a member of the National Seniors Council.

Sandra was just awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta for her contributions to nursing.

26 Dr. Christie has worked directly with and made 4. Small group discussion seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening presentations to private, voluntary and government sectors at international, provincial and community questions levels. These undertakings have included facilitating After viewing and listening to the digital stories, projects on visioning, strategic management, program attendees at the Forum participated in facilitated planning, staff development and personal coaching. He discussions (in diverse groups of seniors) at their tables. has also worked with persons and organizations in both The results of each table discussion were recorded and the private and public sectors to help them re-examine compiled into the summaries presented above in these their mission and revitalize their sense of commitment proceedings. to the mission and markets. The questions asked at each table were: • Listening to the stories, what did you hear? Sarah Carr • What is in the stories of other seniors that you Sarah Carr, BA, has been the Director, Seniors Policy would like to share? and Planning, Alberta Seniors and Community Supports • What was helpful to senior immigrants? What since 2006. Her responsibilities include overseeing the would be most helpful to others as they come development of policy and strategic frameworks and to Canada? plans, leading the development of policy and program • Who or what resources need to be involved for options which respond to seniors needs, leading the solutions and future actions? development of the divisional research agenda and • Are you willing to be engaged in the future? environmental scanning process, liaising/negotiating (Provide contact information.) with internal and external partners on issues impacting • Anything else? seniors, and representing the Ministry on Federal/ Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Committee of officials (seniors). Sarah has been with the Ministry since 1998.

27 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening 5. List of attendees

Name Organizaton Abdul Makalai Calgary Connecting Seniors Cultural Council Agnes Lam Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association Albina Shuman Jewish Family Services Anges Krysysztofik Immigrant Services Calgary Anita Chow Calgary Family Services Ann Martell Greater Forest Lawn Seniors Ayda Tehrani Kerby Centre Barb Biggs Osterporosis Canada, Alberta Chapter Barbara Theedom Meals on Wheels Bernice Sewell Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) Bryan Michta Government of Alberta Bridget A Pastoor Lethbridge East Carol Schwartz Calgary Public Library Catherine Fallon Calgary Seniors Resource Society Charla Vall Immigrant Sector Council Sarah Carr Government of Alberta Christina Delbridge Calgary Seniors Resource Society Constance Jean Senior Dr. Daniel Lai University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work Darshan Kang MLA – Calgary McCall Constituency Del Pollard Alberta Health Services Diane Caleffi Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta Djaka Blais-Amare Citizenship & Immigration Canada Donna Matkovic Croatian Seniors Society of Alberta Dorothy Dooley Kerby Centre Eligio Alvarez Immigrant Services Calgary Ethel Luhtanen Consultant. Seniors Services, The City of Calgary Eva Chan Alliance to End Violence

28 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening List of attendees continued

Name Organizaton Fong Do Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Harjit Kaur Dashmesh Cultural Senior Citizens Society Harjit S. Rai Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta Heather Glennie Calgary Public Library Heather McHugh Alberta Health Services – Seniors Health Outpatient Clinic Hoan Vo Ha Senior Holly J. Genois Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Hong Keo Senior Hossain Jajouei Immigrant Services Calgary Ijaz Khan Senior Irena Milosz Polish Canadian Seniors Jane Chan Calgary Family Services Jane Noonen SAGE Jason Luan Family & Community Support Services Jill Sharpe Alberta Health Services Joan Noble Greater Forest Lawn Seniors Joe Cho Calgary Korean Seniors Assoc. Joe Kronstal Services Canada Joel Christie Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Julia Arndt Alberta Health Services Julie Black Calgary Foundation Karen Bynoe Alberta Health Services Karen Laveley Alberta Health Services Karla Cote Immigrant Services Calgary Kent Hehr MLA Calgary Buffalo Constituency Kevin Zeh Calgary Police Service Kim Rowe Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Kim Savard Calgary Family Service

29 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening List of attendees continued

Name Organizaton Kimberly McCorkell Alberta Seniors & Community Supports Krista Cataford Accessible Housing Society Kyle Fawcett Government of Alberta Linda Kongnetiman Alberta Health Services Linda Thomson Volunteer, Filipino Seniors Linda Zachri Multi Faith Walk for Peace Livy Leung Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association Liza Chan Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association Lydia Siapno Young Once Seniors Association Malkit Singh Khaira Dashmesh Cultural Senior Citizens Society Majnura Khan Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Mani Korha Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Manoha Kaur Dashmesh Cultural Senior Citizens Society Margaret Forbes Alberta Seniors & Community Supports Mario Allende Government of Alberta Matt MacPherson University of Calgary, Faculty of Law Student Michelle Graefer Advocacy for Seniors Calgary East Naj Abdolrazag Immigrant Services Calgary Nghien Nguyen Senior Nhor Sao Senior Nik Kostic Calgary Police Service Odalis Colmenarey Immigrant Services Calgary Pam Brown Alberta Health Services Peggy Kim Calgary Korean Seniors Association Pepe Siapno Young Once Seniors Association Peter Chan Calgary Family Services Phase Pham Senior

30 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors immigrant to Calgary’s Listening List of attendees continued

Name Organizaton Phyllis Luk University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work Pol Ngeth Immigrant Services Calgary Ralph Hubele Alberta Seniors & Community Sports Rebecca Labbe The City of Calgary Community and Neighbourhood Services (East Area) Rick Kanik The City of Calgary, City Links Rob Martin Service Canada, New Horizons Seniors Roger Lang SAGE Rosbina Nathoo Focus on Seniors Rufo “Tigs” Tidalgo Filipino Seniors Sabita Basonet Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Sandra Hirst University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine Sherrisa Celis Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Stanley Tse Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association Stephanie J. Manuel Calgary Health Region - Cross Bow Site Stephanie Won The City of Calgary Stephen McKibbon Calgary Seniors Resource Society Swati Fernando World Job and Food Bank Sybil Braganza Seniors Services, The City of Calgary Suman Gangopadhyay Calgary Public Library Teresa Woo-Paw MLA – Calgary Mackay Constituency Tu Lien Huynh Calgary Vietnamese Canadian Seniors Van Nguyen Calgary Vietnamese Canadian Seniors MLA – Calgary Fort Constituency Xiie Guag Lan Chinese Seniors Yuhan Fung Calgary Family Services

31 Listening to Calgary’s immigrant seniors

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