Are there lessons we can learn from Sophia (the speaker’s) experience?: Absolutely: although her arrival and “integration” into the country of Canada has been easier than that of some, her efforts still prove that immigrants from faraway countries, whom share various cultural and ethnical beliefs, can still live in a different country, and furthermore, be accepted and respected, without going through intolerable hardships. Of course, it isn’t all simple, and there will be difficulties, regardless of one’s first language or experience (these people are entering a brand new CONTINENT sometimes, of course it will hard to get used to at first) but there are undeniable facts that even though people will be restricted by knowledge, language or other “barriers” in some way, they can still manage to survive the passage to another land without having to completely relinquish the memories of their country or family that has been left behind. Also, it proves that, though the government will not always accept diplomas or masteries hailing from other countries, it is still possible for people to obtain scholarships to facilitate their “re-education” process, and that, even though obtaining work can be somewhat of a trial for immigrants, they can still manage to overcome that tiresome hurdle. And while things aren’t perfect in Quebec or Canada when it comes to accommodating immigrant communities, it is still possible for people to cherish a new cultural identity, while maintaining a certain loyalty to their past roots and their homeland’s beliefs.
How can we participate in our community to help immigrants and refugees integrate and help them avoid poverty: Sometimes, there is nothing we can do: people, regardless of what action we take, will remain in denial, or even fixated on preserving their own culture, even if it means living in poverty, or in solitude. However, there are ways everyday people can help: make donations, volunteer, even help people move in or find a home if possible. We can always petition or manifest so that the government takes further action in assisting immigrant communities in their arrival and integration, but knowing our old, portly buddy Harper, that won’t be happening anytime soon. (Yeah, I hate my prime minister. So do you! Don’t deny it. He’s by far not the brightest fellow to sit in the political leader’s chair, nor the kindest. Then again, I’m “a rebellious, greedy, separatist – oh heavens – French Canadian from Quebec…what do I know, right? *wink-wink* I digress…I’m straying off topic here.) Of course, if this were the case, the government would be able to instil specialized language classes for immigrants with no experience in French or English, as well as superior financial support programs for the less fortunate of immigrants. Also, and perhaps the notion of most crucial importance, is that we should be willing to accept diplomas or masteries from abroad: not only would that help with job shortages, but it would encourage people to move to our fair country as well. However, we would need to be assured that, say a doctorate in medicine from Kazakhstan is equivalent to one hailing from Quebec, which would take time to research…but it would still be possible.
Should we participate in helping immigrant communities move in, or leave it up to professionals: Of course, there are some things only professionals will be able to fully take care of, but there are some important things only WE can do (aside volunteering, providing personal assistance when possible, or lending a helping hand to the professionals themselves that is), and it is possibly the most important part to play of all. We need to properly welcome these people, so that they can instantly feel like they belong. Being greeted and welcomed by the government is one thing, but being greeted and welcomed by the nation truly feels like one is at home. Honestly, if we constantly shun people that have different beliefs or cultures than our own, how the hell are we supposed to share the same roof, let alone the same province? No, what we must do is accept the differences in culture that immigrating communities possess, while teaching them to adhere to our own, without being too strict or forceful, while remaining exigent. That is where Quebec will find its greatest strength in accepting newcomers to the land, both economically and culturally. Of course, this can be hard, and people will maybe even protest, but it is necessary for both parties to discard something for this (perhaps naïve and half-baked) ideal can be realized. Canada must discard lingering racism and contempt towards immigrating communities, while striving to protect their own identity. Immigrating communities must discard their beliefs that they will be able to live exactly the same way they did in their home country, while cherishing their newfound culture…this doesn’t mean they have to forget their old religion, lifestyle, etc. altogether! Oh no! They simply need to accept the fact that they are in a new country, and must learn to live with this new country’s culture. Rejecting it is the same as shunning themselves: they need to come to an understanding that some sacrifice will be necessary if they truly want to LIVE here and not just BE here.
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