Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equity-Seeking Groups across Canada
Read our community-based research project in collaboration with Brock University
In collaboration with Brock University, the Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) launched a groundbreaking community-based research project to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on equity-seeking groups across Canada.
CAI was pleased to partner with co-investigators Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of Brock University and Dr. Walid Hejazi of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management who lead and facilitated the project.
This investigation, the first of its kind, examined pandemic impacts on members of the Arab, Black, Hispanic, South Asian, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It aimed at illuminating the challenges faced by each group, with the mission of informing the development of post-pandemic policies and processes.
About Co-Investigators
Dr. Gervan Fearon is the President of Brock University. Fearon is passionate about the role of post-secondary education in supporting community and regional development, and has served on numerous community boards and helped champion significant community engagement initiatives. During Fearon’s presidency, the University has pursued formal agreements with numerous agencies and community organizations, seeking ways for Brock’s research and academic assets to strengthen health care, citizen supports and economic development at both the local and global level.
“Brock University is a community-engaged university and we aim to utilize our expertise and capacity to support community development and vitality through timely and meaningful research and scholarly activities. The findings will enable policy-makers to further assist households, businesses and community organizations in the re-opening and recovery process in response to COVID-19 as well as inform future community preparedness and response initiatives. These efforts therefore benefit all Canadians and represent yet another way universities can support more inclusive and engaged community outcomes.” - Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of Brock University
Dr. Walid Hejazi is an Associate Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy, and Academic Director, at the Rotman School of Management. He teaches Macro and Global Economics in Rotman’s MBA and EMBA programs and has also delivered lectures in over 30 countries. Walid has also developed and teaches a successful MBA course in Islamic Finance, the first such course in Canada. He is extensively involved in enhancing the prevalence of Islamic Finance in Canada.
“This study will allow us to better understand issues related to trust, education, the nature of employment, and social capital, and therefore community preparedness and resilience. The insights derived will inform evidence-based policy making across Canada’s diverse equity seeking communities, and contribute to a more equitable society.” - Dr. Walid Hejazi, Rotman School of Management