Dubai: In a world that is becoming increasingly xenophobic, Canada continues to be a haven for immigrants seeking the Canadian dream of hope, peace and happiness. That dream includes a safe community-living experience that will nurture the finest humanitarian values and provide immigrants the wherewithal to focus on a career.
In Canada, mutual respect is the norm rather than exception and people have the sense of being cared for by a social safety net that provides a sound health system that works and can expect to be taken care by the state in times of unemployment. Gulf News spoke to immigrants who took the leap to arrive in this big, tough, climatically impossible country.
Maxym Chernishov, 29, a salesman in the technology sector, said he is extremely fortunate to live in Canada.
- Maxym Chernishov, Salesman
“I came as an infant to Canada when my parents move to Toronto in 1998 from Crimea, Russia. From where we came there was strife, struggle and danger but I am thankful I I got to grow up in a country which is so stable, has provided equal opportunity to all immigrants no matter where you are from, a decent standard of living with a working health care system that accord dignity to all,” Chernishov said.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to live in a neighbourhood of America which was not multicultural at all. It was then that I was able to truly appreciate the values of multiculturalism and diversity that I have grown up with in Canada. It has made me who I am today, he said.”
Marwan Sanofi, 25, a Syrian national and student from Canada, said living in the country helped shape his future.
- Marwan Sanofi, Student
“My parents belong to Homs, Syria and we have lived in the GCC region for a long time. I moved to Canada as a student of marketing and sales at York University five years ago. But about two years ago I moved to California as I was accepted in a law school. As a student, the thought did not cross my mind to secure my Canadian nationality,” said Sanofi.
“As I have matured now I am looking at that option and would love to apply for Canadian immigration. It was in Canada as a student that I learnt to be appreciative of all cultures. The place opened my eyes to the world, shaped my attitude and mannerisms and I owe a lot to the country for being who I am today. I feel completely at home with its multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-religious culture. The Canadian cuisine scene is so vibrant as we get to sample the flavours from around the globe. It is truly a cosmopolitan place,” he said.
