EDI Research - Service Provider - CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Introduction

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is conducting research on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Nanaimo and the resources and services available for newcomers. Nanaimo’s population is predicted to increase by 18,906 individuals in the next five years, including a 16% increase in the visible minority population. On average the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has increased in population by 3,200 individuals each of the last five years, 13% of whom are newcomers to Canada.

What? 

The purpose of this survey is to formulate a detailed understanding of EDI in the City of Nanaimo, focusing on the services and resources available for newcomers. Mapping its already existent strengths and highlighting areas of improvement will enable CVIMS to develop new initiatives and fill gaps in services and resources to ensure that newcomers to Canada experience an equitable and inclusive community.

Why? 

The insights gained from this research, which is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and ResilienceBC, will better inform CVIMS, the City of Nanaimo, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the current state of resources and services for newcomers. It will provide recommendations for the incorporation of strategies that enhance and respect the EDI of all residents and improve resources for newcomers, as well as provide CVIMS with approaches to support EDI in the community and in its programming.

Who? 

As someone who offers resources and/or services for newcomers your input is essential. This survey is specifically geared towards individuals, organizations, and businesses who interact with newcomers. We are looking for representatives who can speak to their experiences providing local services and resources to newcomers. Please feel free to skip questions that are not applicable to your organization or business.

How?
This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses from this survey will remain strictly confidential and findings from this survey will only be reported in aggregate form.

By submitting this form, you are indicating that you have read the description of the study, you are age 19 or over, and you agree to the terms as described above. Please complete this survey by November 29, 2024.

To thank you for completing the survey, you can choose to enter your business or organization name into a draw for a half page of free advertising space in Nanaimo Magazine. If you choose to provide this information, your name and email will remain completely confidential and will only be used for the draw.

Thank you in advance for your participation. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Jansait Qughondouqa (community@cvims.org – 250-753-6911 ext. 108) or Sarah Haynes (edi@cvims.org – 250-753-6911 ext. 153).

For the purposes of this survey newcomer is defined as anyone born outside of Canada and living in Nanaimo for less than five years.

Survey Questions

How would you describe your organization or business?

Newcomer-serving organization or business (all programs/services are for newcomers)

Mixed organization or business (some programs/services are specifically for newcomers, and some for all residents)

Universal organization or business (all programs/services are for all residents)

OtherOther

How are the services and resources for newcomers delivered?

By paid employees

By volunteers

By a combination of employees and volunteers

Do you provide services to newcomers in any languages other than English?

Yes

No

Do you offer translation or interpretation services?

Translation

Interpretation

Both

I don’t know

Does your organization or business have policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion informing its hiring process and interactions with the public/clients?

Yes

No

I don’t know

Does your organization or business offer any training to staff or volunteers to work more effectively with newcomers (trauma informed practices, mental health, cultural competency)?

Yes

No

I don’t know

Thinking of the specific programs you are affiliated with or resources you provide, are there waiting lists for any of your programs or access to resources?

The programs identified are listed in the table below. For each program type, please select the main reason or reasons there is a waiting list.

Aside from receiving additional funding, what strategies would help alleviate your waitlists? Please select all that apply.

More or different staff or volunteers

More, different, or low-cost program space

More resources

More, different, or improved programs or services

Refer to other programs, or modify referral processes

Staff or volunteer training

More partnerships with other service providers and community organizations

OtherOther

Does your program, organization, or business currently have the capacity to grow?

Yes

No

Not applicable

Apart from the discussion on waitlists, do you feel your organization, business, and/or programs are well-equipped to meet the needs of newcomers?

What are the barriers you face in effectively providing services for newcomers? Please select all that apply.

Lack of funding

Staffing challenges

Language barrier

Limited program capacity

Problems sharing information

Lack of resources

Organization lacks equity, diversity, inclusion policy

OtherOther

Are you aware of the services Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society offers for newcomers?

Yes

No

Would you be open to exploring partnership opportunities with other agencies and organizations in Nanaimo to resolve challenges you face when providing support to newcomers?

Yes

No

Include your contact information, if desired. Your responses will not be tied to your contact information.

Organization/Business Name

Name

First

Last

Email

Include my organization or business in the draw.

Yes

No

Organization/Business Name

Name

First

Last

Email

CVIMS thanks you for your participation!

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