Exploring Human Mobilities in the COVID-19 Era in Urban and Rural Canada

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, human mobility has been transformed across multiple geographic scales. Even prior to the formal declaration of the pandemic, governments had moved to close borders and restrict population mobility. Although detailed data have not yet been collected, there is evidence that COVID-19 has dramatically impacted long-term (as opposed to daily) mobility and migration behaviors. Drawing on examples from Canada, the chapter explores the impacts of COVID-19 on mobility, including reductions in international migration, shifts in inter-regional migration, and evidence of increased local mobilities as individuals (at least those able to) work remotely and relocate from cities to smaller communities. Other examples will be drawn from rental and eviction data. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of the emergent research questions and areas that researchers can explore further. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

'Strange eyes': Immigrant perceptions of racism during the COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, instances of anti-immigrant racism and more specifically anti-Asian racism appeared to increase across Canada. Recognising the need to further explore and document racism and its link with the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores the impact of COVID-19 on the experiences of racism and discrimination. Using neoracism as a theoretical framework, the research is set in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, a city that has struggled with high levels of racism and discrimination in recent years. The paper draws upon both an online survey as well as interviews that explored the lived experiences of racialized individuals within the city and their experiences with racism as the pandemic progressed. Results note that individuals felt that racism and discrimination increased during the pandemic and was experienced in housing, the labour force and other public situations.

Re-engaging in Aging and Mobility Research in the COVID-19 Era: Early Lessons from Pivoting a Large-Scale, Interdisciplinary Study amidst a Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those planning and conducting research involving older adults have faced many challenges, in part because of the public health measures in place. This article details the early steps and corresponding strategies implemented by our multidisciplinary team to pivot our large-scale aging and mobility study. Based on the premise that all current and emerging research in aging has been impacted by the pandemic, we propose a continuum approach whereby the research question, analysis, and interpretation are situated in accordance with the stage of the pandemic. Using examples from our own study, we outline potential ways to partner with older adults and other stakeholders as well as to encourage collaboration beyond disciplinary silos even under the current circumstances. Finally, we suggest the formation of a Canadian-led consortium that leverages cross-disciplinary expertise to address the complexities of our aging population in the COVID-19 era and beyond. © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2021.

Canadian’s attitudes toward immigration in the COVID-19 era

Canada depends on immigration for economic and demographic growth. But fears of COVID-19 and attempts to control its spread have resulted in governments closing borders and/or restricting immigration. Concurrently, increased discrimination against people from Asia, and immigrants in general, has been observed. Based on a national survey, this paper examines whether Canadian’s attitudes toward immigration have shifted with the pandemic. Results suggest that Canadians have concerns regarding immigration and would prefer to see immigration numbers reduced. Increased racism and discrimination directed toward immigrants and racialized individuals is also noted. © 2021 Transnational Press London Ltd. All rights reserved.