The purpose of this study is to examine the socio-economic adjustment of Finnish immigrants in Vancouver with a special reference to their use of social welfare services. It surveys the Finnish immigrants' living conditions, housing, interpersonal relationships and their knowledge of the English language. It focuses on Finnish immigrants' use of social assistance, social group work and recreation services, their opinions of, and attitudes toward, social welfare matters and their knowledge of social welfare services. The method of the study consists of three related parts: a) interviews with the personnel of Finnish associations and churches and with individual Finns, b) examination of the records of Vancouver City Social Service Department and some social group work and recreation agencies, and c) distribution of a questionnaire among the sample group of Finns. The sample group of 200 was selected from 800 adult Finns as indicated by the Vancouver City Directory 1954. This study shows that social welfare services are not used by the Finns in Vancouver except in extreme need. Social assistance is the most commonly used service. Finnish immigrants become dependent on social assistance because of sickness and lack of savings. Ethnic societies and churches play an important role in welfare of the Finns. The study seems to indicate that a number of Finns have difficulties in their adjustment to Canadian society. Difficulties arise from their lack of knowledge of the English language and their meagre economic resources on their arrival in Canada. These hamper the Finns in their social relationships. This study seems to suggest that if the difficulties of immigrants are to be alleviated, a more active program of selection, pre-migration preparation and follow-up services must be initiated by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. Ethnic societies and churches must also take more responsibility in acquainting newcomers with the Canadian manner of living and attempt to bridge the gap that seems to exist between native Canadians and immigrant populations. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the local Citizenship Council in assisting new immigrants upon their arrival in the community, and during their subsequent early residence in their new environment. The study considers the problems of organization and administration faced by the Councils; and the individual and group adjustments faced by the immigrant. The broad implications of community organization, and of education for citizenship, are also examined. Time and geographical factors limited the study to three Councils, located in Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo. The essential material of the study has been derived from interviews with various executive members of the Councils concerned, and from perusal of their records and minutes of meetings. This resulted in some limitations, especially when the minutes or records were inadequate or incomplete. The study shows (1) the value of the guidance, leadership and stability provided by the Community Chest and Councils, when new organizations are formed within the community; (2) that a Council programme should evolve out of discussion and participation with local voluntary groups interested in the adjustment of the immigrant, and with the government agencies concerned; (3) membership should include representatives of ethnic groups, who should participate in planning the programme; and (4) that care is required in formulating any policy regarding citizenship education within the community; initially, their programme should be primarily concerned with meeting the immediate needs of the immigrant. It is hoped that this study will be of value to Citizenship Councils now functioning, by emphasizing the need for application of sound community organization principles; and will assist Councils now in the formative stage, by pointing out some of the difficulties encountered in creating a voluntary organization which attempts to work with diverse nationality groups. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate