CAI launches a groundbreaking community-based equity research project on COVID-19
TORONTO, Ontario, August 3, 2020 – The Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) is launching a groundbreaking community-based research project to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on equity-seeking groups across Canada.
CAI is pleased to partner with co-investigators Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of Brock University and Dr. Walid Hejazi of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management to lead and facilitate the project.
This investigation, the first of its kind, examines pandemic impacts on members of the Arab, Black, Hispanic, South Asian, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The focus of the research will be on Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Windsor. It aims to illuminate the challenges faced by each group, with the mission of informing the development of post-pandemic policies and processes.
“This study will allow us to better understand issues related to trust, education, the nature of employment, and social capital, and therefore community preparedness and resilience. The insights derived will inform evidence-based policy making across Canada’s diverse equity seeking communities, and contribute to a more equitable society.” - Dr. Walid Hejazi, Rotman School of Management
The official launch date will be on August 4, 2020, with the field investigation taking place throughout August and September. The study will include interviews and surveys as well as community participation directed to a variety of respondents from various locations.
This will provide valuable insight into how diverse communities are responding to and affected by COVID-19. It will also provide students and researchers from these communities with the opportunity to develop their community-based research techniques and abilities which will support their own academic and professional capacity for future initiatives.
“Brock University is a community-engaged university and we aim to utilize our expertise and capacity to support community development and vitality through timely and meaningful research and scholarly activities. The findings will enable policy-makers to further assist households, businesses and community organizations in the re-opening and recovery process in response to COVID-19 as well as inform future community preparedness and response initiatives. These efforts therefore benefit all Canadians and represent yet another way universities can support more inclusive and engaged community outcomes.” - Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of Brock University
To learn more, visit our website www.canadianarabinstitute.org/covid19study
About the Canadian Arab Institute
The Canadian Arab Institute is a national nonpartisan organization that focuses on issues and interests of the Canadian Arab community through research, policy, programming and community engagement. CAI celebrates and encourages Arab Canadians' participation in all social, political, cultural and economic aspects of Canadian society
About Dr. Gervan Fearon
Dr. Gervan Fearon is the President of Brock University. Fearon is passionate about the role of post-secondary education in supporting community and regional development, and has served on numerous community boards and helped champion significant community engagement initiatives. During Fearon’s presidency, the University has pursued formal agreements with numerous agencies and community organizations, seeking ways for Brock’s research and academic assets to strengthen health care, citizen supports and economic development at both the local and global level.
About Dr. Walid Hejazi
Dr. Walid Hejazi is an Associate Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy, and Academic Director, at the Rotman School of Management. He teaches Macro and Global Economics in Rotman’s MBA and EMBA programs and has also delivered lectures in over 30 countries. Walid has also developed and teaches a successful MBA course in Islamic Finance, the first such course in Canada. He is extensively involved in enhancing the prevalence of Islamic Finance in Canada.
Press Contact:
Janine AlHadidi, Executive Assistant
Janine@canadianarabinstitute.org