本研究主要從不同的空間尺度,來探討加拿大臺灣移民在跨國界遷移時,所面對居住地選擇與思維為何?資料主要透過2001年加拿大普查資料分析及文獻回顧,了解溫哥華及多倫多二地的臺灣移民概況及基本特徵。並採取質性研究法中的深度訪談與焦點座談的方法進行研究,以探索其居住地選擇與決策過程。選取二都市臺灣出生移民共40位進行深度訪談。研究結果發現,加拿大臺灣出生移民因居住環境佳和天氣因素居住在溫哥華,且集中在Vancouver、Burnaby和Richmond等地區。因家人親戚和求學環境而選擇多倫多,並聚居在Toronto、Mississauga、Markham和Richmond Hill等地區。基本上,他們選擇居家時是基於他們的需求,如環境、房屋條件。他們的能力,如社會與經濟資產和家人觀念。以及適應過程等要素的交互作用,而做出遷移的決策。這情形與先前對澳洲的研究經驗,是非常類似的。
This paper explores the consideration process Taiwanese migrants went through in selecting their residential locations during their settlement. The methods involved in this research included a review of the Census data in Canada for the year 2001, followed by an extensive survey of literature on the socio-demographic characteristics of Taiwanese migrants in Vancouver and Toronto. From these cities, a total of 40 migrants' in-depth interviews were carried out, probing into their decision in making residential choices in settlement.This research shows that most Taiwanese migrants chose to live in Vancouver and Toronto. For Vancouver, mild climate and pleasant environment were the main determinants; and Greater Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond were the areas where they congregated. Those who chose to settle in Toronto, decided mainly for family and education purposes, and Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, and Richmond Hill were areas where they preferred to settle in.In general, when choosing a residential location, most Taiwanese migrants considered mainly the environmental surrounding, conditions of the house, their financial capacity, and opinions of their family members. Over time, these reasons were modified, reflecting changes in individual preferences and settlement experiences, life-cycles, and fluctuating housing prices, reflecting a pattern very similar to that experienced by Taiwanese migrants settling in Australia.