At the 2026 Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) Conference, James Idowu presented a poster highlighting the first phase of an environmental scan exploring health and wellness supports available to newcomers in Alberta.
The project examined organizations and services supporting newcomer health across Calgary, Edmonton, and Brooks. Through a comprehensive web-based search, the team identified organizations providing health navigation, wellness, and community support services designed to help newcomers access healthcare, settlement resources, and other essential services.
Over the past decade, Alberta’s newcomer population has grown significantly, with many newcomers settling in large urban centres such as Calgary and Edmonton. Despite the availability of health navigation and wellness supports, newcomers continue to experience barriers when accessing healthcare services. This environmental scan provides a clearer understanding of the organizations and resources currently available to support newcomer health and well-being across the province.
Why It Matters
This work aligns with C4’s commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting equitable care for diverse communities. By identifying organizations and services that help newcomers navigate Alberta’s healthcare system, the project contributes to a better understanding of the supports available and where gaps may still exist.
The findings will help inform future research, community partnerships, and health navigation initiatives aimed at improving health literacy, reducing barriers to care, and supporting more responsive healthcare systems for newcomer populations. Through this work, C4 continues to explore practical ways to strengthen access to care and improve health outcomes for communities across Alberta.
