The Newcomer Perspective: Isolation after Covid, but accessing recreational activities can help

08.02.2023

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.

Stay
Connected

Stay in touch by signing up for our newsletter.

Topics

Canoo
ICC Insights

OTHER ARTICLES/VIDEOS/PODCASTS/RESOURCES

View All

New Citizens in Winnipeg Connect with Performers

New Citizens were able to celebrate their Canadian citizenship surrounded by the unique aircraft on display at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. On May 26, 2023, ICC continued Citizenship Week as we hosted an incredible ceremony filled with love, joy and excitement.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Honoring Heritage: A Special Ceremony at Sharon Temple

On September 17, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted a memorable enhanced citizenship ceremony at Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum where 47 individuals from 15 countries proudly became Canadian citizens.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC Immigration Dashboard: Balancing Growth and Challenges

IRCC released the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2023, setting its PR admissions target at 485,000 in 2024 before levelling at 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. The latest data on the ICC's Immigration Dashboard indicates that in January and February 2024, IRCC managed to admit 18% of its immigration target, which represents a 3% decline from the same period in 2023.

Article
Research
ICC Insights