Jessica Berget
Editor-in-Chief

A us to migrate in Canada. Five years

later, she accomplished her lifelong
dream, and the rest is history.

 

Cones Day celebrations

are coming fast, but the
decision to celebrate the first

of July is a contentious issue

to many. Depending who you
ask, it is a day steeped with
shame and regret and should not
be celebrated. Others rejoice on
this day in celebrating Canada’s
independence as a country and its
many rights and freedoms. So, is it
worth celebrating our True North as
strong and free? To get a outside
opinion, the Other Press asked new
travellers and immigrated citizens of
Canada for their perspectives.
Other Press: Why did you (or

your family) decide to come to
Canada?

fs
Smith G: | was feeling a little lost in
England, and a friend of mine had
\ previously lived in Vancouver for a
\ year and suggested that | give it a
try. | was swayed by the promise
of mountains, beaches, and
X beautiful views—and |
~% wasn’t disappointed.

~

Danielle

O: My partner and | decided to
come to Canada because we
wanted to move away from home
to experience something new—a
different culture also a little
adventure.

Melly Z: To give my child a better
life first of all. Canada offers a
better salary for workers
om = & than that of my mother
& country. You can

a house,
- &

  

o”

buy

a Car,
and offer
improved education

opportunities to your child.

Back in my country we were not
treated well—for example, | was

a receptionist. My salary was so
little and the company was clearly
taking more off the top. There was
a lot of corruption and life was full
of unfairness. Life was miserable—
emotionally and financially. It was
very stressful so you wanted to
escape so you could finally breathe!

YY 6
9 OO% Cl Jenny V: |

wanted to study
abroad, and my
overprotective dad
wouldn't let me go
anywhere without
a relative. It was either Canada or

the US. | took a vacation trip to both
countries to visit the schools, and
Canada was undoubtedly the better
choice for me.

Juan C: It all started with my mom's
dream of giving her family a better
life with better opportunities.
Because she has a sister already
residing in Canada, it was a “go”

Lloyd M: | came to Canada
because my country was

signal for her to work as becoming a communist

acaretaker, dictatorship. | was in my

bea 6th month of university but j
permanent decided to run away from the
citizen, dictatorship which offered no d
and then humans rights, no pay—we bo
someday were Just left to survive
petition like poor people and 0

Pid

thieves.

@&
-eeecoee”

 

~2“eawe”

i
j

Immigrants

Asking new citizens and travelle

OP: What would you celebrate
about Canada?

JV: High quality education, heart-
warming people and their holiday
spirits, diverse food options,
accessible public transportation,
hiking trails, fruits from local farms,
the fireworks in July, Christmas
lights, changing of the seasons, the
views from the SkyTrain.

ree e2®e2e2en.,

~~.

 

@

#
f JC: A lot has
7 to be celebrated in
7 Canada. Canada valuing
people's rights is something
that should be noticed and
celebrated. Living in this country
is a gift that should not be taken
for granted. Being a criminology
student and learning about
Canada’s law made me realize
how important people's rights are.
Living in the Philippines before,
where people’s rights are not truly
lived, | can say that Canada has
done way more and has taken good