Certificate in Sustainability Integrative Project - “Towards Sustainable Well-being: A Human Ecological Analysis of Immigration and Health Policy in Canada”

As part of the Certificate in Sustainability at the University of Alberta, I am undertaking an integrative project that builds upon my previous coursework in policy analysis (University of Alberta, n.d., para. 1). This project focuses on identifying gaps in current Canadian immigration policies concerning the sustainability of new immigrants, particularly in their access to healthcare services.

My objective is to utilize existing literature to explore the effectiveness of current immigration policies in supporting new immigrants as they establish sustainable lives in Canada. This project, an extension of my HECOL 440 policy briefing note, aligns with my mission statement of supporting individuals, families, and communities through collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity.

Leveraging a human-ecological lens, I explored the intricacies of immigration policies, emphasizing their impact on the well-being of newcomers. My aim was to contribute meaningful recommendations to address the identified gaps in current policies, particularly within the context of healthcare access.

This research project resonates with my immigrant background and ties to my HECOL 100 major project (found within the Aging and Later Life unit), creating a cohesive narrative across different academic units. As I navigated this research endeavour, I envisioned it propelling me towards my career aspirations, whether as a family physician, health promotion/educator, or health policy analyst, by instilling a deeper understanding of the intersection between immigration policies, healthcare access, and overall well-being.