Working Conditions, Health, and Well-Being of Francophone Immigrant Personal Support Workers in Ontario
Research team
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PIL. Philbert (U Ontario Français)
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Co-IH Alami (U Montréal), J. Lapierre (U Laval), G. Mandiagu Ntanda (UQO), G. Mandiagu Ntanda (UQO)
Funding agencies
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SSHRC ($66,444)Period: 2025-2027
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Canadian Heritage ($6,440)Period: 2026-2027
Summary
Personal support workers (PSWs) work under demanding conditions characterized by heavy workloads, chronic staffing shortages, and relatively low wages. Although immigrants make up a substantial proportion of this workforce, little research has examined their working conditions and their impact on health, particularly among Francophone immigrant PSWs working in minority linguistic settings in Ontario.
This study aims to: (1) synthesize existing knowledge on the work experiences of immigrant PSWs in Francophone minority settings; (2) examine the work experiences of Francophone immigrant PSWs in Ontario; (3) document the impact of working conditions on their health; and (4) describe their needs and access to health and social services.
Guided by the perspectives of intersectionality and worker well-being, this qualitative study will adopt a multiple case study design to better understand the realities experienced by Francophone immigrant PSWs.
This study will help address important knowledge gaps regarding the working conditions and health of Francophone immigrant PSWs in Ontario. The findings will generate evidence to inform policies and interventions aimed at improving their working conditions, health, and overall well-being.

