Accessing social networks and support for Syrian refugees across Canada: categories and processes

Social networks play an important role in the integration experiences of refugees and newcomers, providing material, emotional, informational, and appraisal support that may not be readily available elsewhere. These informal networks serve as supplemental and often preferred sources of culturally appropriate support. They also foster a sense of belonging, especially for individuals facing language barriers. This study, conducted as part of the SyRIA.lth project, describes the social network strategies utilized by Syrian refugees in Canada during their initial years of resettlement, and how those strategies differ by gender and city of resettlement. Drawing from qualitative data collected through 16 focus groups (N = 115) across five Canadian cities (Toronto, Kitchener, Montreal, Okanagan Valley, and Vancouver), this study highlights the significance of both formal and informal support networks in facilitating refugee integration. While government-assisted refugees (GARs) predominantly relied on settlement agencies and community-based organizations, privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) demonstrated stronger reliance on personal connections, including sponsors, family, and faith-based organizations, such as local Mosques. Our findings further reveal barriers to accessing social networks, including English and French as a second and third language respectively, misinformation, psychological stressors, and systemic challenges within the settlement process. Overall, this research underscores the complexity of social support systems for newcomers and the necessity of policies that foster culturally inclusive community-based resources.