Letter from the Prime Minister
Free We Choose Canada Newsletter
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Ann’s
story – first generation Canadian, parents arrived in Canada from
Denmark
There are so many reasons why I "Choose Canada" that it's difficult
to know where to start.
First of all, being a woman in a free country is something we take for granted. I cannot imagine living in a country where I don't have equal rights. I don't regard myself as a feminist, but I do feel that we should have equal opportunities to pursue our dreams.
Being able to have my own small business is so rewarding. I work with clients in the GTA and they come from many different backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, Hindus and atheists just to name a few and they come from countries world-wide. It's so rewarding working with such a diverse people - we know all too well that this opportunity isn't available in all parts of the world.
Canada has also allowed my children the opportunity of obtaining an excellent education. Although I feel our governments should do more to make post-secondary education more accessible, it is a blessing that the opportunities are there.
I feel the way that Canada embraces even our most vulnerable citizens is quite unique. My adult brother John, has Downs Syndrome and lives a very full life. He was one of the first youngsters in Canada to attend a 'regular' school over 30 years ago, which opened up opportunities that we never dreamed possible. He now works in a sheltered workshop filled with other 'special' people and caring workers. And to think my parents had the option of having him institutionalized when he was born..... Let's face it, these opportunities are not given to these special people in all parts of the world.
Life is so good here in Canada - we should really appreciate all that
we have......
Janice’s
story – Canadian
As the daughter of a retired Canadian Armed Forces Sergeant,
I grew up traveling the world as he was transferred and as his duties
called for him to be in various locations. At one point, we lived on the
CAF base in Germany. All residents of the base were Canadians and it felt
like home. But, as soon as we walked through small towns, I can recall
being looked at as if we just didn’t belong.
After a few years in Germany, we returned to Canada and lived in various provinces, finally ending up on Ontario where we took up roots.
I just can’t imagine living anywhere but Canada. The maple leaf is a symbol that I am proud to display and I am proud to say that “I am Canadian”. In my business I deal with many people throughout the world and I make it known that I am based in Canada and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Canadians are friendly people. Canadians are good people. And Canada is a place that many others flock to as they know that it is a free country with an abundance of opportunities. There is so much to do and see in Canada!
Born and raised in Canada, it is hard to show how proud I feel to be Canadian. It is just a given! I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!
Bozena’s
story – came to Canada from Poland
When I left Poland I really wanted to go to Australia or New
Zealand. Political problems, and the change in the Polish system contributed
to my decision to leave my home in Poland. Canada was my last choice of
places to go. At that time, Canada accepted emigrants I had friends who
sponsored us to Canada. At first, it was very hard adjustment (especially
since I do not like winter) with various challenges along the way. It
took me 5 to 6 years to really explore and appreciate the country’s
real beauty. Now I am glad that Canada is my home and home for my children.
Micheline’s story – Canadian
I have had the privilege of having been born and raised in Canada
and believe that we as Canadians are truly fortunate people.
We have a beautiful country and a wonderful diverse population that is unmatched worldwide. The freedom of opportunities that Canada affords to all people is core to this country being an incredibly diverse and cultural rich country.
Given current events and the death and destruction that is facing many nations world wide, we as Canadians should consider ourselves privileged to live in this Country.
My husband is a member of the Armed Forces and has been to Africa, Bosnia and will soon be departing for Afghanistan. In these countries “life is cheap” and men, woman and children are tortured and killed because of their origins and beliefs. Our soldiers will face grave danger as they enter into this new mission but it is not in vain for they represent the good in mankind and everything extraordinary about being Canadian.
Pavel’s story – came to Canada from the Czech Republic
I was born in the Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia), graduated
at Prague’s School of Economics in 1965 and, one year after the
Prague Spring democracy was crashed, defected with my family to Denmark
in 1969.
The option of going to Canada seemed too adventurous, yet staying in Europe, close to my homeland, did not seem to be safe enough. A group of Polish Jews that stayed in Copenhagen in the same hostel with us and that shared our destiny, planned on continuing their journey to other (safer) parts of the world, including Canada.
Czechs love hockey, and so I knew both Canadian hockey institutions – Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs; beside that we used to sing around the campfire a Czech song about Great Manitou and about the falls of Niagara roaring into the night. The Montreal Expo ’67, regardless the anti-western propaganda in Czechoslovakia of those years, had introduced the Czechs to modern, thriving Canada. Also, the Czech-born figure skaters – brother and sister Jelineks who won for Canada Olympic gold medal in 1960, still were fresh in our minds.
We decided that this is all what we needed to know about Canada, and so headed in four months for Toronto. Our family of three had immigration visas, seven dollars in total, booked room at the Ford hotel, some English and no job. Our university degrees were not recognized, the rate of unemployment was high, needless to say that Canada did not appear to us as a paradise. Yet, I completed my English as a second language program and believed that it can only get better. I actually found two jobs and also started to take night classes in my profession. Disregarding high unemployment threats, I have never been voluntarily unemployed, working for over 32 years. Canada allowed me both to seek and to find, often finding even more than I was seeking.
I was even free to find my worst employer InterTrade Avenue Inc.- the corporation that I founded in 2001, while still full-time employed. It has a single employee – me, and is forcing me to work even on Canada Day. Yet this is exactly what I love to do, and it is precisely what Canada allowed me to pursue – an opportunity to work, to retire, to start my own business, freedom of choice, access to information, networking with people from all of the world while only attending a local business function.
Canada is both the country and the world in one – its people and its nature. Succeeding in my own business depends solely on me – on my wisdom and ability to explore resources this country offers.
Sure, there are other beautiful landscapes, great cities, ancient monuments, beaches under the hot sun, many other attractions and many attractive places elsewhere, but these places are where I go to change the scenery, where I go for my vacations and – I love it.
Still, I feel fortunate and blessed that I can always come back home to Canada, the country that is my home. Do I have to say more? Perhaps only, that Canada is not my native land, but the land of my choice; the land of my choice 34 years ago and of my choice today.