Profile
Suzanne Huot is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Her research program centres on the axes of occupation (e.g., employment), immigration, and Francophone minority communities. Her research primarily addresses the occupational implications of international migration to Canada through focused, critical examination of governmental legislation, policies and discourses; of service providers and their roles; and of the experiences of individual immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
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Hara, S., Wong, P., Chau, D., Delaisse, A-.C., & Huot, S. (2023). Transnational occupations of recent migrants and impact on belonging. Poster. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-05-01 Global perspectives on migration and forced displacement: Theory, research, and practices for enacting an occupation-based approach. Journal of Occupational Science, 31(1), 196-204. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-08-01 Huot, S., & Forwell, S. (2024). Special issue: Occupation and society: Global to local perspectives for the future. Journal of Occupational Science, 31(1), 3-10. University of British Columbia Publication 2024-02-01 Delaisse, A-.C., Huot, S., & Veronis, L. (2023). Community cohesion and socio-racial distancing in the Francophone community of Greater Vancouver. Western French-Canadian Notebooks, 35(1-2), 331-364. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-11-01 Huot, S. & Delaisse, A-.C. (2023). Ethnography. In S. Nayar & M. Stanley (Eds.), Qualitative research Methodologies for Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Routledge. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-09-01 Adjustment, balance and belonging among newcomers engaged in remote work in Canada”. Pathways to Prosperity 27th Canadian Ethnic Studies Association Biennial Conference, Edmonton, November 2024
TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2024-11-15 TRS2 3.2.2 Addressing remote work challenges faced by newcomers to Canada TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2024-11-14 TRS2 3.2.2 Immigrants’ occupational experiences of remote and hybrid work in Canada Additional student co-authors included:
A. Kiaulakyte, V. Krywulak, Soreal, S. TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2025-05-09 TRS2 3.2.2 Migration Disrupted: How technological transformation is reshaping human mobility Migration Disrupted was an interdisciplinary, hybrid conference held at Toronto Metropolitan University from May 7-9, 2024, organized by CERC Migration and Bridging Divides. The conference focused on how advanced digital technologies (ADTs) are transforming human mobility, with an emphasis on their impact on migrant integration, citizenship, employment, health care, and urban experience in Canada and beyond. Through a series of panels, fireside chats, and breakout sessions, researchers, policymakers, and civil society leaders examined both opportunities and challenges created by technological transformation, including digital divides, the ethics of artificial intelligence, infrastructure for inclusive cities, and the future of migrant work. Video recordings of sessions are available.
Other, TRS2 3.2.2 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Concordia University Conference 2024-05-07 Triandafyllidou, A. ,
Bagheri, E. ,
Gruzd, A. , 249,
Abu-Laban, Y. ,
Agrawal, S. ,
Farooq, B. , Joel Dissanayake,
Banerjee, R. ,
Huot, S. ,
Mazalek, A. ,
Zhuang, Z. ,
Rockwell, G. ,
Wong, J. ,
Paquet, M. Other, TRS2 3.2.2 Perspectives on immigrant employment and the future of work Hosted by the Centre for Migration Studies at UBC as part of the Bridging Divides program, this hybrid panel event focuses on immigrants’ labour market integration, employment services, and the evolving nature of work. The panel includes presentations on topics such as immigrant professional learning advantages, community participatory arts-based research on Syrian men's mental health and economic integration, data science approaches to improving access to public services for marginalized groups, and immigrant experiences with platform-based and remote work. Following the presentations, participants engage in a facilitated discussion with the speakers. The event is open to in-person and online attendance.
Other University of British Columbia Conference 2024-02-26 Other Studying occupations across borders: Methodological reflections on the value of cross-national comparative research University of British Columbia Publication 2025-07-14 Co-creating occupational science research with 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous communities: Developing community-driven research priorities through relationship-building University of British Columbia Publication 2025-07-07 Holly Reid, A.L. Waddell, Katrina H Johnson, Kenneth J Waldron, Owen Ballendine, Ryan J Wilson, Ryan Lavalley, David Gaertner,
Huot, S. Exploring Mental Health Distress, Demographics, and Service Utilization Patterns Among South Asian and Non-South Asian Youth Accessing Integrated Youth Services in British Columbia, Canada: Exploration de la détresse mentale, des données démographiques et Objectives To understand the mental health distress, demographics and service utilization patterns among South Asian and non-South Asian youth accessing integrated youth services (IYS) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods This study used data from youth accessing services at the BC-IYS (Foundry) between April 2018 and October 2023. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and service utilization data, with categorical variables compared using chi-squared tests and continuous variables using t-tests. A linear regression model examined the relationship between ethnicity (South Asian vs. non-South Asian) and mental health distress measured by Kessler Distress Scale (K10), stratified by gender [cisgender and transgender and non-conforming (TGNC)]. Results The study included 30,016 youth, among whom 5.5% ( n = 1,652) were South Asian. South Asian youth had higher distress levels (Average K10 score: 32.1 vs. 31.3, P < 0.001) and lower mental health service utilization within the past year (57.1% vs. 48.4%) compared to non-south Asian youth. They were also more likely to use virtual services (30.2% vs. 19.4%). For gender, 94.5% of South Asian youth identified as cisgender and 5.1% as TGNC, compared to 14% TGNC in non-South Asians ( P < 0.001). Regression analyses showed a significant association between ethnicity and mental health distress. This was amplified within the TGNC strata for South Asian participants compared to non-South Asian youth ( B = 2.00, 95% CI, 0.35 to 3.66, P = 0.018). Younger age was associated with higher levels of mental health distress among South Asian youth in both gender strata: cisgender ( B = –0.07, 95% CI, –0.10 to −0.03, P < 0.001) and TGNC ( B = –0.14, 95% CI, –0.21 to −0.06, P < 0.001). Conclusion This study reveals that South Asian youth accessing services from the BC-IYS experience higher levels of mental distress compared to non-South Asian youth. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health services, education and policies to improve outcomes for South Asian youth in BC. University of British Columbia Publication 2025-07-03 Avneet Dhillon, Christine Mulligan, Viet Phương Đào, Hasina Samji,
Huot, S. , Skye Barbic
Exploring multiliteracies in the digital era: A framework for 21st-century learning In the last thirty years, the multiliteracies approach to literacy instruction has substantially developed to meet the requirements of the digital age and globalization. It aims to redefine literacy by providing students with skills that transcend the conventional emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Multiliteracies prioritize the capacity to create intricate, multidimensional, and multi-semiotic texts, while also equipping learners to engage with varied texts enhanced by cultural resources. To address the demands of a swiftly changing world, experts in this domain call for a more fundamental and comprehensive education that reshapes communication, identity, and knowledge. Thus, this technique requires a theoretical framework that includes the linguistic, semiotic, and social aspects of literacy. This article analyzes the alignment of multiliteracies training with the multimodal and global framework of literacy development. It starts by defining and examining multiliteracies as a broad concept, highlighting its capacity to transform educational delivery. The subsequent discussion examines its beginnings as a teaching method, curricular emphasis, and learning framework, utilizing examples from many worldwide contexts. Furthermore, the consequences of this technique are evaluated to demonstrate its potentially revolutionary effect on current literacy challenges. This article also enhances the discourse on literacy teaching by providing both theoretical insights and practical answers, emphasizing the necessity of equipping students for a progressively linked and digital landscape. Finally, future studies might employ original data to have deeper analyses. University of British Columbia Publication 2025-06-03 Huot, S. , Sovanna Loch, Ravuth Nget, Sereyrath Em
Constructing categories of ‘desirable migrants’ through bureaucracy in French and Canadian mobility regimes University of British Columbia Publication 2025-05-12 Anne-Cécile Delaisse, Tamsin Barber, Gaoheng Zhang,
Huot, S. Intersectionality Theory University of British Columbia Publication 2025-02-12 H Abigail Rempel, Jaime Daniel Leite,
Huot, S. , Debbie Laliberté Rudman
The Instrumentalization of French-Speaking Immigration in Canada Within a Colonial and Economistic Approach: A Critical Discourse Analysis Abstract: Since the early 2000s, immigration has been a key issue for Francophone minority communities. Several studies indicate that a gap exists between discourses open to immigration and practices leading to exclusion. However, this article questions the so-called ‘openness’ of discourses on Francophone immigration. As part of a larger ethnographic study using multiple methods, we analyzed 87 documents produced by selected governmental and non-governmental authorities since 2010 in relation to Francophone immigration. Our findings show that discourses on Francophone immigration: a) are part of the broader colonial and economistic approach of Canadian immigration policies, b) present diversity as a challenge and c) do not centre immigrants’ voice. These power dynamics already present in these discourses likely hinder the implementation of inclusive practices at the community scale. Résumé: Depuis le début des années 2000, l’immigration est un enjeu clé pour les communautés francoph-ones en situation minoritaire (CFSM). Plusieurs recherches indiquent qu’un décalage existe entre des discours ouverts à l’immigration et des pratiques menant à de l’exclusion. Cependant, cet article remet en question la soi-disant « ouverture » des discours sur l’immigration francophone. Dans le cadre d’une étude ethnographique plus large utilisant diverses méthodes, nous avons analysé 87 documents produits par plusieurs autorités gouvernementales et non gouvernementales depuis 2010, en lien avec l’immigration francophone. Nos résultats indiquent que les discours sur l’immigration francophone a) s’inscrivent dans l’approche coloniale et économiciste de l’immigration canadienne plus large, b) présentent la diversité comme un défi et c) prennent peu en compte la voix des immigrants. Ces dynamiques de pouvoir déjà présentes dans les discours ne facilitent sans doute pas la mise en place de pratiques inclusives à l’échelle communautaire. University of British Columbia Publication 2025-01-01 Anne-Cécile Delaisse,
Huot, S. , Nathalie Piquemal, Leyla Sall
Réflexions sur les dynamiques coloniales : perspectives au sein de la francophonie du Grand Vancouver Cette note de recherche présente les perspectives de membres d’une communauté francophone en situation minoritaire (CFSM) concernant les dynamiques coloniales, c’est-à-dire les dynamiques de pouvoir qui trouvent leurs origines dans le colonialisme européen. Nous examinons les perceptions de ces dynamiques qui opèrent au sein de la communauté, envers les peuples autochtones d’une part et les personnes immigrantes racisées d’autre part. Nous nous appuyons sur 37 entrevues avec des membres de la CFSM du Grand Vancouver et des informateur.rice.s clés. Les résultats traitent : 1) des relations entre la CFSM et les peuples autochtones; 2) de l’autoreprésentation de la CFSM et de son rôle dans la colonisation; 3) de la promotion du français dans un contexte colonial; 4) des enjeux d’immigration et de cohésion communautaire en lien avec les dynamiques coloniales au sein de la CFSM. Enfin, nous élaborons des recommandations vers la réconciliation ou la décolonisation pour les CFSM. University of British Columbia Publication 2025-01-01 EXPLORING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS THROUGH SELF-DIRECTED HOME TOURS Abstract Assistive technology (AT) and home modifications play a crucial role in enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Our aim was to explore access and use of AT for older adults through an innovative research methodology, virtual self-directed home tours. These interviews were held across three groups of participants (A) first-generation Chinese-speaking immigrants to Canada, (B) second and subsequent generations of Chinese-speaking immigrants, and (C) native-born English-speaking Canadian citizens of European descent. A total of 17 interviews were conducted (Group A=8, Group B=3, and Group C=6) through Zoom Video Communications. Participants were demographically diverse adults with disabilities living in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia (Age= 59 ± 15 years; 11 female and 6 male). Most participants had assistance from their caregivers to complete the interview. Three main themes were identified. (1) Enabling Participation described the transformative role of AT in optimizing participants’ ability to engage in activities that are meaningful to them independently. (2) User-Driven Do-It-Yourself Adaptations explored how participants developed cost effective alternatives by creatively adding their own modifications to existing AT. (3) Navigating Complexities and Hurdles encompassed the challenges with accessing and incorporating AT in their homes due to lack of adequate knowledge transfer from healthcare professionals, financial circumstances, and other systemic barriers that further delayed the implementation of home modifications. Chinese-speaking immigrants faced compound challenges due to language barriers. The insights gained from this study may inform strategies for improving the experiences of older adults accessing and using AT and home modifications. University of British Columbia Publication 2024-12-01 W Ben Mortenson, Chien-Sung Tsai, Catherine Yu,
Huot, S. , Laura Hurd Clarke
Navigating occupational balance and identity in the platform economy: Perspectives from immigrant workers Gig work, or platform work, refers to short-term jobs acquired through digital platforms and constitutes a growing share of Canada's economy (Jeon et al., Citation2021). Compared to Canadian-born individuals, immigrants make up a higher percentage of workers in the gig economy (Statistics Canada, Citation2024). There is a literature gap concerning how immigrants' engagement in the gig economy shapes their occupational identity and sense of occupational balance. This study explores the experiences of immigrants working in the gig economy to develop an understanding of gig work through a perspective centering occupational, rather than economic, perspectives that are dominant in the literature. Using an instrumental case study approach, a secondary thematic analysis of 10 qualitative interviews with immigrants currently employed in different forms of gig work in Metro Vancouver, Canada was completed. Findings highlighted three main themes. First, a balancing act illustrates ways that gig work is often balanced with other occupations in participants' lives given the flexibility and autonomy it offers. Second, shifting identities addresses how gig work helped participants navigate shifts to their identities following their immigration. Third, beyond the dollar discusses participants' motivations for engaging in gig work beyond the income it generates. Gig work is nuanced and people's motivations to engage in this type of employment are diverse. As immigrants experience a shift in their occupational identity and balance a variety of occupations, they may be drawn to this form of employment due to its unique characteristics and perceived benefits given other challenges they may face during their economic integration. University of British Columbia Publication 2024-10-08 Atieh Razavi Yekta, A Philip McMahon, Abigail Nicholson,
Huot, S. A dynamic and critical approach to belonging as a dimension of occupation University of British Columbia Publication 2024-09-15 Anne-Cécile Delaisse, Tamsin Barber, Gaoheng Zhang,
Huot, S. Special issue: Occupation and society: Global to local perspectives for the future University of British Columbia Publication 2024-01-02 Cohésion communautaire et distanciations socio-raciales dans la communauté francophone du Grand Vancouver Les communautés francophones en situation minoritaire (CFSM) de Colombie-Britannique sont parmi les plus diverses du pays. Dans le Grand Vancouver, les immigrants semblent très présents dans les sites communautaires francophones. Cependant, nos recherches indiquent l’existence de distanciations socio-raciales qui fragilisent la cohésion communautaire. Cet article s’appuie sur les résultats de deux études : (1) une ethnographie critique sur la participation des immigrants francophones dans les sites communautaires francophones et (2) une étude qualitative sur la cohésion communautaire dans les CFSM. Nous proposons deux explications à l’existence de ces distanciations socio-raciales. D’une part, les inégalités liées à l’intersection de différents marqueurs d’identité poussent différents groupes ethno-raciaux à vivre dans certaines municipalités plutôt que d’autres, alors que les activités offertes par la CFSM tendent à être centralisés à Vancouver même. D’autre part, lorsque les effectifs d’un site communautaire francophone sont principalement issus d’un groupe ethno-racial spécifique, le site devient moins attrayant ou accessible aux autres groupes. De plus, les personnes racisées ne semblent pas bénéficier des mêmes opportunités de participation dans la CFSM. Une approche intersectionnelle est nécessaire, tant dans la réflexion pour comprendre les distanciations socio-raciales, que dans les pratiques communautaires pour y remédier et favoriser la cohésion communautaire. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-11-08 Anne-Cécile Delaisse,
Huot, S. , Luisa Veronis
Ethnography Ethnography is a well-established qualitative school of inquiry best suited to the study of a group or culture. This chapter introduces this methodological approach and draws on two ethnographic studies conducted in a Canadian metropolitan area to illustrate some of the key features of critical ethnography. The authors address the epistemology of ethnography as well as topics and research questions best suited to this approach. In discussing how to design an ethnographic study, the authors consider boundary setting, recruitment, data collection methods (including critical discourse analysis, observations, interviewing, and participatory approaches), and data analysis for textual, observational, and visual data. The types of findings presented from ethnographies are outlined, as well as considerations for rigor and ethics and best practice in ethnographic research. The final sections of the chapter consider the application of ethnography to occupational science and occupational therapy, key considerations in critiquing ethnographic work, and some personal author reflections. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-09-14 Global perspectives on migration and forced displacement: Theory, research, and practices for enacting an occupation-based approach This commentary reports on the international dialogic session delivered at the inaugural World Occupational Science Conference in Vancouver (2022) and a subsequent pre-congress workshop held at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists congress in Paris (2022). Global estimates of migration are at an all-time high, with forced migrants accounting for a staggering number, representing approximately 1% of the global population (Migration Policy Institute, 2022). Occupational scientists and therapists can make a significant contribution to developing knowledge and supporting action to address the numerous occupational implications of migration. Ongoing dialogue within occupational science and therapy is required to help ensure that; 1) theoretical bases are relevant, 2) ethical and methodologically collaborative robust research is conducted, and 3) the knowledge and skills necessary for working with migrants and addressing systemic barriers to occupational participation are being developed and shared by occupational scientists within the occupational therapy community. University of British Columbia Publication 2023-08-27 Concettina Trimboli, Sara Abdo, Mansha Mirza, Mary S Black, Yda Smith, Chantal Christopher,
Huot, S. Niwh Yizt’Iyh Hilht’Iz Nets’Eelh’Iyh - Strengthening Our Bodies: The Values of and Barriers to Physical Activity in Rural and Remote First Nations Communities in Northern British Columbia, Canada University of British Columbia Publication 2023-05-01 S. Chopra, Travis Holyk,
Huot, S. , Philip J Camp
Prioritising Community Cohesion to Promote Immigrant Retention: the Politics of Belonging in Canadian Francophone Minority Communities University of British Columbia Publication 2023-03-10 Huot, S. , Luisa Veronis, Leyla Sall, Nathalie Piquemal, Faïçal Zellama
Exploring 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences of Knowing, Being and Doing Through Occupation TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Grant 2024-09-24 TRS2 3.2.2 13th Annual Pathways to Prosperity National Conference: Investing in Canada’s Shared Future—Pathways to Possibilities TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2025-11-24 TRS2 3.2.2 Working from (a New) Home: Tensions Faced by Remote Working Immigrants in Canada TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Publication 2025-01-01 TRS2 3.2.2 Exploring new forms of work and mobility TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Event 2025-10-25 TRS2 3.2.2 [x] Exploring new forms of work and mobility TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Event 2025-10-27 TRS2 3.2.2 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Conference TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2025-05-07 TRS2 3.2.2 2025 OSE Conference TRS2 3.2.2 University of British Columbia Conference 2025-08-15 TRS2 3.2.2 CMS-Sector Research Collaborations Day 2025 The UBC Centre for Migration Studies, in partnership with AMSSA, hosted 3rd Annual CMS–Sector Research Collaborations Day in Vancouver, BC. This year’s theme, More than Papers: Research Collaborations as Community Practice, presented an opportunity to assess the ways in which we collaborate with each other, and brought university-community principles into action. Drawing from discussions about the safety of undocumented migrants in research projects, examples of how data can improve program delivery, ideas for using evaluation beyond reporting, and practical ways to decolonize migration research, participants engaged in dialogues and hands-on workshops that provided tools to move from reflection and theory into action. University of British Columbia Event 2025-11-12
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