Well, aren’t most of us? But before we get to that, I will indeed write and release a second blog today so I can tell you all about our adventures in Victoria last week. But right now, this needs addressing. While I was galavanting around in Victoria, I was so disappointed to hear that our premier was addressing our immigration “problems” here in Alberta…..um, what?!?!
My Dad came here from Russia and spoke primarily German. He identifies not as a Russian nor a Mennonite (but his village saw themselves as Mennonite and not as a nationality) but as a Canadian.
He worked all over the world in his life time and contributed everywhere he went.
Why am I writing this to you yet again?
We’re about to lose our immigrant population here in Alberta if we don’t take a stand. And guess what they do for us and who they are? You might be surprised. You might not.
Immigrants take not only one job but two jobs working in senior care facilities since that’s what it takes to make a living. In other words, without them, our seniors will most definitely suffer.
Immigrants take jobs cleaning places like hospitals and schools. Again, they often take 2 jobs like that in order to make ends meet. So now our schools and hospitals will suffer.
They are also our doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, uber drivers, house cleaners, movers, office workers, researchers, scientists, etc etc etc.
They open fabulous restaurants. They throw fabulous festivals. They contribute to our culture. They pitch in on community projects. They hold jobs in every facet of our society. Immigrants care about Canada – deeply.
We are on the earth with each other. And the earth does not belong to any of us in particular but to all of us together.
I am the proud daughter of an immigrant. But because my skin is a pasty colour, neither my father nor I will be targeted. And there it is.
To quote a song we’re singing in So Noted this term….”that’s a fine looking high horse” (Take Me To Church) – I think I just got up on that horse.
