Bringing together policy-makers, faculty and students
to break down social barriers

Geography professor David Ley uses an all too familiar anecdote to help explain why he has dedicated his recent career to immigrant issues.

He recalls meeting a dentist from Mexico who was working in Canada as a dental receptionist. "It was a loss to him -- but also a loss of valuable skills to this country," says Ley. "Such stories put at risk Canada's strong track record attracting skilled immigrants."

A Canada Research Chair in Geography, Ley was appointed a Fellow in April 2003 by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation for his research in social justice and immigrant experiences in Canadian cities. Over the last eight years, he has helped organize a growing network of researchers, policy-makers and non-governmental organizations as part of the Metropolis Project. Funded by the federal government, the project looks at immigrant issues including housing, employment, discrimination, health and education in Canada.

"With so many disciplines, establishing the Metropolis Project was a multicultural project even before we moved off campus," says Ley. "Establishing this network provides a valuable infrastructure to address immigrant issues." The work of Ley and his counterparts has helped government to respond to the brain drain, to review business immigration programs, and evaluate proposals to disperse new immigrants beyond urban centres. And it has also helped develop future scholars and policy-makers by including graduate students in the research effort.

"These are issues that really matter," says Ley. "By mentoring graduate students, we are fostering a community of motivated, critical thinkers who will help break down those barriers faced by immigrants today."

David Ley believes Canada’s strong track record of attracting skilled immigrants may be at risk

Related Links

• UBC Geography
• Gov't of Canada: Canada Research Chairs
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

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