Back to Search
Lisa Jane de Gara is a dedicated leader, blending her experience in public service and academia to make a difference. Currently leading a team at Action for Healthy Communities, she's focused on bringing top-notch immigration services to small towns in rural Alberta. She is also a Sessional Lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan's Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy where she herself learned the "tricks of the trade." As a scholar, her work on the internet and disinformation has brought her to the USA, Japan, and Lithuania.
Newcomer Navigation in rural Canada
Her journey started at McGill University, where she studied political science based on her fascination of how politics and beliefs shape society. Later, at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, she found her passion for turning big ideas into practical solutions.
After working in the government of Alberta for some time, Lisa joined Action for Healthy Communities in 2021 with an eagerness to see direct impacts on people's lives. Lisa Jane knows firsthand the challenges immigrants face in rural areas including limited access to transportation, long wait times and difficulties receiving special services in healthcare, and various other services. She's determined to help communities adapt and support newcomers.
Moreover, Lisa points out there is much less government services being provided to rural areas, especially over the past few decades, affecting both immigrants and longtime residents in these communities greatly. Immigrants settling in rural towns often find themselves as pioneers, facing unique difficulties. Schools in these areas may lack resources for English language learners, leaving immigrant children struggling to keep up.
The lack of investment in rural communities exacerbates these problems. Most immigrants settle in big cities like Vancouver or Toronto, leaving rural areas overlooked. However, solving the challenges facing rural immigrants would benefit everyone. Rural Canada is aging rapidly, and improving services would help both immigrants and long-time residents, ensuring equitable access to essential services like transportation and healthcare.
To truly support rural communities, significant investment and structural changes are needed. By addressing the needs of rural immigrants, we can create more vibrant and sustainable communities for everyone.
Navigating Disinformation
Discussing the intersection of disinformation, migration, and settlement services, Lisa Jane de Gara offers profound insights drawn from her experiences during critical events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and her research work on the internet and disinformation.
She highlights the power of disinformation, which thrives on evoking emotions like fear and anger rather than presenting facts. This emotional manipulation, combined with cultural and language barriers, poses significant challenges in disseminating accurate information, particularly among immigrant communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Jane witnessed firsthand how disinformation hindered efforts to combat the virus. Misinformation not only influenced individuals' decisions regarding vaccination but also exacerbated existing language and cultural divides, hampering effective communication and public health messaging.
In light of increasing global migration and displacement, Lisa Jane emphasizes the critical need to address the nexus of truth, emotions, and information interpretation. Merely relying on fact-checking websites is insufficient; instead, a nuanced understanding of the political, cultural, and emotional dynamics at play is essential.
As we navigate the complex terrain of disinformation, Lisa Jane urges a holistic approach that considers the broader socio-political context. By fostering informed dialogue and cultural sensitivity, we can mitigate the impact of disinformation and empower immigrant communities to make informed decisions about their settlement and integration processes.
Lisa Jane de Gara delves into the evolving landscape of newcomers' integration in Canada, highlighting emerging trends and crucial areas of focus for the coming years. Lisa observes a potential disinformation component driving some asylum claims, particularly evident among Mexican asylum seekers. Misleading narratives, propagated through platforms like YouTube and TikTok, exploit vulnerabilities and mislead individuals into pursuing asylum under false pretenses.
Additionally, changes in policies regarding work permits within Canada during COVID-19 further reveal the complexities of immigration pathways. Misaligned expectations regarding the processing time for work permits have left many vulnerable newcomers destitute and without recourse to social services. These developments underscore the need for comprehensive policies that safeguard vulnerable populations and address the intricacies of modern migration patterns.
Looking ahead, Lisa Jane emphasizes the critical importance of understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges facing immigrants. With climate change increasingly driving displacement, the specter of climate refugees looms large. Canada must confront the reality of unanticipated pathways of arrival and adapt its immigration strategies accordingly.
Despite these challenges, Lisa Jane remains optimistic about Canada's potential to embrace diversity and harness the benefits of immigration. She underscores the positive narrative surrounding immigrants, emphasizing their integral role in shaping Canada's future. By proactively engaging with demographic shifts and fostering inclusive communities, Canada can sustain its multicultural fabric and continue reaping the rewards of immigration.
As Canada navigates the complexities of modern migration, Lisa Jane advocates for intentional, forward-thinking policies that uphold the nation's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Through collective action and deliberate efforts, Canada can chart a course towards a vibrant, resilient future enriched by the contributions of immigrants and newcomers.
“Talk to as many people as you can and listen to as many people as you can.”
Drawing from her extensive experience in immigrant navigation and public policy, Lisa Jane de Gara shares invaluable lessons that can benefit professionals across various roles and levels within organizations.
First and foremost, Lisa Jane underscores the importance of personal interaction. While virtual meetings have their place, nothing surpasses the significance of face-to-face conversations. Particularly in rural communities, where residents often feel overlooked, the act of physically visiting and engaging with individuals fosters a sense of care and respect. By making the effort to meet people where they are, professionals can build trust and understanding, laying the foundation for effective collaboration and policy development.
Moreover, Lisa Jane emphasizes the need for policies grounded in both evidence and empathy. While evidence informs decisions, it must be complemented by an understanding of the emotional dimensions that shape policy effectiveness. Recognizing that perspectives and experiences vary across diverse communities, professionals must actively seek out a broad range of voices and perspectives. Engaging with stakeholders beyond the typical immigration sector circles ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in immigration policy.
Lisa Jane advocates for a proactive approach to engagement, urging professionals to broaden their networks and reach out to organizations and individuals not directly associated with immigration. By participating in various community forums, from town hall meetings to school council gatherings, professionals can amplify the positive narrative around immigration and counteract opposing viewpoints. Through open dialogue and active listening, professionals can bridge divides, cultivate empathy, and foster meaningful connections that drive positive change.
In essence, Lisa Jane's advice boils down to a simple yet powerful principle: “talk to as many people as you can and listen to as many people as you can”. By prioritizing genuine engagement and empathy, professionals can forge stronger partnerships, craft more inclusive policies, and contribute to a more cohesive and resilient society.
Subscribe to Blog