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Ron’s story – Canadian
I choose to live in Canada because it is a peaceful nation with a great number of opportunities for everyone! I recently attended a science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship camp named Shad Valley, www.shad.ca
The Shad experience was one I will never forget. Looking back at the program I can’t believe I did so much in such a short period of time! From lectures on Eleatics and Axiomatic Design to building cardboard boats to camping before a tornado struck, Shad Valley allowed me to get a taste of almost everything life has to offer. More importantly, every single person there was truly exceptional. The intimate setting of Lakehead University allowed us to bond in a truly remarkable way.
I know that I will keep in touch with the Shads I met during that one month for the rest of my life. We learned in one of the lectures that success is a journey and not a destination. I am now fully confident that together, we have started on a lifelong journey that will be spectacular!
Living in Canada is wonderful!
Sheryl’s story – Canadian
To me, Canada is kind of like the story of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears." As a Canadian, I live above a country that is deemed as a "super power," and of course, I see all the problems/responsibilities that go along with that title. On the other hand, I am also aware of other countries that live in dire poverty and poor living conditions. In Canada's case, living here is like living in not too much, not too little...it's j-u-u-u-u-ust right. I thank God every day that I AM CANADIAN.
Lucien – immigrated from China
My family and I are very fortunate to live in this great country of Canada. Never before have we enjoyed such freedom as we do now. We can today profess our faith without fear, express our opinion without restraint, live wherever we like, travel whenever we want, leave and re-enter Canada as we please. Personal liberty may have never been an issue with native Canadians, but for many who have immigrated to Canada, it is the first time they have experienced true liberty.
Canada is a land of opportunity. Dreams easily become realities. Education, employment, success, growth ..., all are within our grasp. The only prerequisites are strong will and unswerving determination.
Do you aspire to find El Dorado? You need not go far. It is right here, in this wonderful country of Canada!
Kurt's story – immigrated from Switzerland
I remember it well. The first time I heard about Canada was in grade 6. I was hooked. I made a point to learn and read everything about Canada that I could put my hands on. Canada remained in my dreams, until one day in 1981; I got the offer from a company to work for them in Canada. Without hesitation, I took the opportunity and emigrated from Switzerland.
This was rather a big transition, and like many other immigrants we at first suffered from culture shock. We quickly learned to love Canada, as it is full of possibilities. I find that the people are friendly and open-minded. This experience was so memorable that I have written a book about my journey. Canada provides a home to all who are willing to adapt to a multicultural environment. No matter where you are from, everyone can live in peace here side by side. People from all walks of life can go about their daily tasks with out having to be afraid.
Lieve's story - recently immigrated from Belgium
Four years ago my husband, our three children and I visited
Canada for the first time. Friends of ours immigrated a year before and
they were so excited about their new home in Canada, we wanted to visit
Canada to see what it all was about.
We quickly grew to understand what our friends had discovered about Canada.
People honoured our qualities, while we respected the Canadian qualities
of open mindedness and the beautiful country. The day we had to return
home to Belgium, was the worst day we ever had. Our family was not sure
if we would be accepted to immigrate to Canada. When the approved paperwork
arrived, we were extremely proud and honoured with this opportunity.
What attracts us so much about Canada and Canadians ?
The lifestyle, the multicultural environment, the tolerance, the respect,
the open mindedness, the beautiful country/nature. All of these are important
values we want to share with our children. We wanted to be a part of this
huge country that has given my family the opportunity to live in it.
George's story - Hungarian
After my second year of university I took a year off to travel the world. I was 20 years old and behind the Iron Curtain. The year was 1975. I was in the tiny village of Zomba, Hungary, the birthplace my father had left to flee to freedom nearly 30 years earlier.
The same question came up every time I met with students my age. 'What is it like in Canada?' My answer was always the same. 'There is more of everything in Canada. More choices and opportunities. Anyone can become anyone they want - head of a company, leader of a community or even prime minister of Canada. It is not dependant on their politics, colour or religion. And most importantly,' I would proudly add, 'We have Freedom.'
They always looked at me funny when I said that last part. Meanwhile 'western' music played in the background - Beatles, Doors or Rolling Stones - broadcast from Radio Free Europe. They seemed to miss the irony.
'What do you mean?' they asked. I answered with conviction, 'We can read about any politics we want. We can read about Hitler, Lenin, or Mao. We can choose to be a Communist, Capitalist, or Anarchist. We can say what we think - even if we badmouth our leader and we won't be shot or jailed. We can openly worship any religion we want and not be persecuted.'
They stared incredulously and silently. I never knew if they were simply being polite, afraid to speak or if they secretly coveted what I claimed as my birthright.
I always believed in my heart what I told them. But it never really hit home for me until I had the same discussion with a 18 year old girl and her father one evening while I was a guest in their home.
When I told her the part, 'We have freedom in Canada.' Her retort was , 'We have freedom in Hungary.' I responded, 'Oh Yeah, what about 1956?' She innocently responded, 'In 1956, the Hungarian people decided to remain socialist.' I will never forget those exact words. Dumb struck, I asked, 'What about the tanks?' She looked at me and responded, 'What tanks?' I turned to her father and asked, 'Are you going to say anything?" He meekly answered. "No."
In 1956 there was an armed rebellion to overthrow the Soviet controlled puppet government ruling Hungary. Soviet tanks crushed the rebellion and Hungarian blood flowed in the streets. It was a swift and cruel destruction of the Hungarian people's right to self-determination. Yet this young woman believed that there was a free choice.
It hit me like a Soviet tank; I am so lucky to live in Canada. This man was so afraid he would not dare tell his own daughter, in his own house about what happened. I was lost for words. Part of me cried and part of me thanked my lucky stars for being born in Canada.
I had never before understood the power of oppression and state controlled propaganda. Nor had I ever realized how valuable this thing called freedom that I had taken for granted could be. Now I do.
G.J. Miller - Canadian
I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world on business; U.K., Brussels, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and more.
I also lived in the U.S. in Oregon for 6 years. I can't tell you what a wonderful sight the Maple Leaf is when we are not at home. I used to get a very warm feeling when I would see it in these airports (Oh! the tail on an Air Canada Plane) or on our flag. That feeling never faded for me in all the years I have travelled or lived abroad.
Canada is safe, clean, friendly, open-minded and beautiful. People all
over
the world are nicer to you when they find out you are a Canadian and not
an American. While I met many of my friends during this last several years
in the U.S., I missed all of the qualities Canada has.
Crime is so common place in Latin America that they do not stop at red lights but cruise through in case someone puts a gun to their car window. Highways have 4 lanes and 6 lanes of traffic. Pollution is rampant in Sao Paulo and Mexico City. Even the most "polluted" air we breathe is pure compared to some cities around the world.
Every time I came home to visit my family and friends I would ask myself why I was doing this....for the experience of course. But when September 11 happened, I knew I had to come back. I missed my family and there is no feeling in the world like putting your feet on Canadian soil!!