Last Thursday, CERIS – The Ontario Metropolis Centre, a York research hub focusing on immigration and settlement issues, hosted 19 South Korean government officials who are touring Canada and the United States to learn more about immigration issues.
The South Korean delegation consisted of directors, researchers and staff who work in the areas of migration, social welfare, women and families.
Above: Officials from the Multicultural Families Division of South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province with York’s Raymond Hyma (tallest man), Stella Park (fifth woman from right) and Professor Ann Kim (centre in red with pink scarf)
After a welcome by Lisa Phillipps, associate vice-president research at York, the delegation heard presentations about knowledge mobilization, research partnerships, issues specific to the Korean community and working with communities in research activities.
Michael Johnny, manager of York’s knowledge mobilization unit, talked about York’s efforts to reach out to communities in the region. Valerie Preston, director of CERIS – The Ontario Metropolis Centre, described CERIS operations, research, and community and policy outreach. Sociologist Ann Kim spoke about her CERIS-funded project and other immigration research specific to the Korean community in Toronto. Finally, speaking in Korean, Stella Park, York knowledge mobilization coordinator, explained the work and research services provided to the community through the Toronto Immigrant Employment Data Initiative.
After York, the delegation visited COSTI Immigrant Services, the Toronto Public Library and other organizations with links to immigrants and newcomers to the city.