The Jobra Centre is a migrant-run anti-poverty organization based in the Parc-Ex neighborhood of Montreal. They are working on starting up a cooperative laundry mat on Birnam Street under the principles of Community Economic Development (CED) with the goal of empowering migrants, especially women, living in Parc-Ex.

The Jobra Centre is seeking research on the possibilities for CED projects in Parc-Ex, as well as research looking at past examples of such projects.

This project would be a collaborative research project with the Jobra Centre. The student will conduct research on social, economic, and cultural development in Parc-Ex, focusing on projects that have been carried out in the past, what have been their successes and failures, and what kinds of government and community support are/were available. For example, what tools and resources are at people’s disposals so that new immigrants can start their own businesses or develop work initiatives? The research should also look at other socio-economic factors at play in Parc-Ex, such as housing issues and poverty levels. The Jobra Centre will use this research to develop other projects, get government attention, and integrate new people from diverse communities.

The final product of the research should be a report submitted to the Jobra Centre, which would include recommendations for ongoing possibilities for community economic development projects.

About the organization: The Jobra Centre is a poverty relief centre located in the diverse neighborhood of Parc Extention. It’s mission is to promote social entrepreneurship, self-employment, and to empower unemployed immigrant communities. Furthermore, the Jobra Centre strives to relieve poverty through micro-credit tools that facilitate participation in income generating activities.