Migration Communication and Decision-Making

Migration communication campaigns serve multiple purposes, from raising awareness about opportunities outside traditional settlement regions to informing newcomers of available pathways, programs, and services. They also play a role in countering mis- and disinformation and shaping positive public attitudes toward immigration and multiculturalism.. Given the evolving nature of migration, communication strategies must be adaptive and responsive.

This project draws on surveys and interviews with newcomers and Canadian citizens, as well as content analyses of government campaigns, to identify information needs, barriers to access, and opportunities for more effective communication. The research aims to provide insights into how newcomers acquire information before and after arrival, how communication strategies influence settlement decisions, and how public campaigns can better address both immigrant needs and Canadian public perceptions.

1. How can we characterize immigrants’ information acquisition prior to arrival and after settlement in Canada? What knowledge gaps, preferred sources, and barriers exist?

2. What are governments communicating about immigration to both newcomers and Canadian society? How well do these communication strategies meet the needs of different immigrant groups and shape public perceptions, and are they affective at raising awareness and overcoming mis- and disinformation?

This project will use a mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, randomized controlled trials, content analyses.  

This project is in progress.

Data analysis is ongoing for two studies: one drawing on survey data that examines the location choices and retention decisions of Francophone immigrants to Canada, pre-arrival and post-settlement, and a second study which draws on survey and interview data to identify the information barriers prospective immigrants face learning about different opportunities across Canada.

Expected completion: December 2026

Past events and presentations:

• “Public opinion toward migrant voting rights in Canada”, presented by Colin Scott, Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA) Conference, Toronto, Canada, June 3, 2025
• “Deciding where to live”, presented by Colin Scott, Réfléchir la citoyenneté démocratique: Une approche multidisciplinaire pour répondre aux défis contemporains, Québec City, Canada, May 15–16, 2025
• “Deciding where to live: Community selection and settlement choices among Francophone and French-speaking immigrants to Canada”, presented by Colin Scott, Metropolis Conference, Toronto, Canada, March 14, 2025

Migration communication; settlement decisions; public opinion; information-seeking; policy