Perceptions and portrayals of “the refugee” : public attitudes and engagement in Canadian resettlement

Abstract

This thesis explores the dynamics between public attitudes and perceptions concerning refugees, and volunteer engagement in Canadian resettlement programming. Considered a leader in global refugee resettlement due partly to its private sponsorship model, Canada appears to differ from many other resettlement states in terms of its consistently positive public attitudes toward refugees. Based on interviews with key informants and analyses of political and media discourses concerning refugees, this study provides insight into the perspectives of volunteers and other stakeholders with regards to refugee resettlement. The findings suggest that public engagement in Canadian resettlement is strongly driven by attitudes based on a combination of humanitarianism and pragmatism, and supported by particular perceptions of refugees and their role in Canadian society.