Reflections of a New Canadian, July 1, 2020
Recently, Sister Ann had the opportunity to interview a young woman from Ethiopia, who immigrated to Canada from Egypt.
After her arrival in 2015, she settled in southwestern Ontario in the home of her sponsoring family. Since that time she has gained her grade 12 certificate. After graduation, she secured steady employment. She became a Canadian Citizen on Valentine’s Day 2020.
With Canada Day approaching I asked this new Canadian a few questions.
Q What inspired you to come to Canada?
Coming to Canada was not my choice. While living in Egypt, I applied through the UN to immigrate to a country where I could live in freedom and peace and get an education. The UN directed my application to Canada. Thankfully, God chose Canada for me, and I had the opportunity to continue my education. Canada is my home and the home of many other newcomers like me.
Q What did you have to learn about Canada prior to your arrival?
Before coming to Canada, during orientation, I had to learn about the two official languages: English and French, about rights and responsibilities, customs and traditions, etc.
Q What are the challenges you faced as a newcomer to Canada?
My biggest challenge was the language and since Canada is a multicultural country I had to accept/accommodate people from many different countries.
Q What do you love about Canada?
I love everything about Canada especially, for example, equality of women and men, religious freedom. I especially love how polite, respectful people are and how the dignity of everyone is respected. Canadians welcome everyone and make a home for them. I’m inspired by how hard Canadians work in order to be successful. I love the way the Government works, I especially like the opportunity everyone has to education and healthcare. I see taxes as a gift that protects the people when they are in need. I love Prime Minister Justin Trudeau because he believes in family and supports family reunification.
Q What are your future hopes and dreams?
My hopes and aspirations for the future are to complete my education, to pay forward what Canada and Canadians have done for me unconditionally. I want to help newcomers understand that Canada is their new home; I want to be of help to newcomers. I hope someday to bring my family to this great country! If I am successful, I will fulfill my mission to raise orphans around the world. Moreover, I want to live a better and healthy life. I thank God for my faith which I know supported me through the difficulties I experienced the first few years as a refugee. Thank you, Canada.
-An Interview with a new Canadian by Sister Ann Marshall, csj