An immigrant reflects on what it means to be a Canadian
On July 1, Canadians are celebrating Canada Day, which memorializes the act of Confederation, the day Canada became its own nation.
It was snowing and bone-chillingly cold when I arrived in Canada in November 1989. A snowstorm just hit Toronto, and there were 20 centimetres of snow on the ground, something I’d never seen in India. It was a warm welcome from a strange new country, and Canada instantly won my heart.
My Canadian education started in Grade 8; my English was very poor at the time. They wanted to put me in ESL, but I resisted it. How could I improve my English in a class full of students who also couldn’t speak English?
It was terrifying when I first got into the school system. I was shy, nervous and felt very alone. Nobody wanted to do group work with me because my English was poor. I had no friends. But I never let that bother me. Ignore negative people and actively seek out those willing to support me. I sought those people and took full advantage of any support I could get.
My heartfelt advice to any newcomer to Canada is to be courageous, don’t lose hope and work hard! Be your own advocate; when others doubt what you’re capable of, show them.
Cold weather, overly apologetic people and hockey are internationally recognized symbols, but this great nation has so much offer to newcomers. I’ve been in Canada for 30 years and I’m happy to be celebrating Canada’s 153rd birthday.
But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians will gather virtually to celebrate Canada’s birthday, as government’s top priority is keeping people safe. The virtual event will allow residents and online guests to safely mark this national holiday.
Canada is prosperous as a nation because it’s a country founded and built by people who came here by choice. People who immigrated here for the chance at a new life, who’ve worked hard to create it and generation by generation, built a tolerant society. Peace has deep roots in Canada. It’s a country where people are free to express themselves in whatever way they choose. We’re free to choose our language, religion, political beliefs, who we love and how we dress.
All Canadians are granted these freedoms, and we depend on a fair judicial system to protect these rights. It’s fascinating living in a multicultural environment like the Greater Toronto Area, especially as a journalist. I have the opportunity to meet people with very different backgrounds and learn about their cultures. That multicultural spirit is what Canada stands for and it’s what makes us great.
However, circumstances have changed for people who live in Quebec, as their government passed Bill 21, which prohibits public service workers from wearing religious symbols or garb during office hours. Religious items such as hijabs, kippahs, turbans and crucifixes are all banned. Current employees are exempt from the new legislation.
Besides that, Canada is still one of the most significant countries in the world. Four seasons, beautiful landscapes, love, peace, hockey, free health care — all in abundance. Not to mention support for people with various physical handicaps or intellectual disabilities, for free.
Canada is my home now, and I have deep fondness and love for this country. It’s given me hundreds of special moments and incredible friends and acquaintances. I am proud to be a Canadian.
Happy Canada Day to all.