Our Parents/Grandparents Faced Barriers When They Came To Canada

And there were virtually no programs in place to help them to integrate and the only barrier stopping them from succeeding was the lock on the door of where they lived. They got out and found work, they set values for their children and made sure they got an education, stayed out of the credit ghetto, etc. I would hazard a guess that the majority of today's immigrants are not much different so I believe that ENEZ PERKINS is selling them short.

Barriers lurk behind open door
Nov. 30, 2006. 01:00 AM
ENEZ PERKINS
COMMUNITY EDITORIAL BOARD

Why is Toronto attracting 224 immigrants daily?

The answers are many and varied, but often boil down to each person's version of seeking opportunities for something they didn't have before.

It could be opportunities to do different things, opportunities to stay alive, opportunities to experience a decent life, opportunities to become what you couldn't be in your native country, or sometimes even opportunities to worship without fear of persecution.

And then, once here, there is something intoxicating about a city that blends more than 200 nationalities in one place. On any given TTC trip you can hear a half a dozen native languages being spoken. Despite all the local talk about oppression, racism and inequality, there really is nowhere else in the world where people coexist this happily.

Someone I met recently referred to the reason as "civility" — I often refer to it as a gentler way of life. What it really means is people consciously treating each other with mutual respect.

That Canadians really don't mind saying "Welcome to Canada" to the hodgepodge of new residents obviously is something to be cherished.

It also is true that the majority who seek to become Canadians do so not only for self-serving reasons, but sincerely want to achieve their goals alongside Canada's desire to grow its economy.

From general labourers to scientists, we all come with something unique to offer. Our individual perspectives provide awareness of life outside of North America, which is reflected in the outlook of the average Canadian, no small feat when compared to the "duh?" mentality of our great neighbours to the south.

Which brings me to how easy it is or is not to integrate, and how to relocate without dislocating part of your sanity. Such as when you realize that you can't rent or buy a house, get a car or even access the great furniture deals without an established credit rating. So who cares if you had a sound credit reputation back home.

Despite the ease of telecommunications and the Internet, institutions are just not interested in your life before Canada, so if you've just arrived you must be prepared to be a non-entity for some time.

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