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Apr 26Liked by Eduardo del Buey

As always, my friend, you offer up some important food for thought. You've included all the ingredients. Perhaps one question missing. Why do immigrants and refugees choose to come to Canada? Is this really their first choice or their fall-back option? Do they understand the full measure of what makes this country so special? In the home, you can, and should, maintain what you love most about your culture. Outside of the home, we should all conduct ourselves in the way it takes to maintain the freedom, fairness and fiduciary duty towards the community. Otherwise, as you said, you're seeking occupation, not immigration.

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I think that what makes them come to Canada is because they know they can replicate their lives at home without the accompanying violence that wracks their homelands. A government that encourages a lack of common values and provides an environment t where they can engage in their traditional prejudices. Our immigration system is disfunctional and we are paying the price.

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Apr 26Liked by Eduardo del Buey

I know my parents came here as refugees in 1956 to be free and to give me a better life than what they foresaw in Hungary, and time certainly validated their decision. There were many things about the Canadian system they didn't like, but they lived by its rules, and we all prospered. I've not yet visited any country where I would rather live than here. I love visiting other countries, but much as I admire their culture and geography, like a good movie, I always long to get back here, where public utilities work, corruption doesn't affect me and I don't have to worry about being harassed or jailed for what I say or who I associate with. Canada is the best, and those privileges have to be earned and paid for over and over again and upheld....by Canadians and immigrants alike.

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My parents came in 51 and loved Canada throughout their lives, assimilating and contributing. I was honored to represent Canada abroad for 37 years and only left because I can’t stand winter! Big hug.

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Apr 26Liked by Eduardo del Buey

Hi Eduardo. I'm enjoying your Critical Thinking articles quite a bit. Today's subject reminded me of a conversation I had back in the late 70s in Moscow, with the field office representative of AP (Associated Press). I felt somewhat... hmm, superior ? in Canada's attitude and approach to many social, cultural and political issues . His warning at that time was > multiculturalism will never work. It will divide, not unite populations on multiple levels, and eventually - in as little as a century or two, lead to the dissolution of a large state into many smaller ones, bound by distinctive beliefs and aspirations of the stronger and more determined sectors engaging in politics and supported by interests both internal and abroad. History trends that way. Canada may look south then, he suggested. As you and others have mentioned, an immigration policy and a refugee policy are quite distinct.

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Apr 26·edited Apr 26Author

Many thanks Gayle. I agree, and we are beginning to see that as multiculturalism is already beginning to divide our societies. Our governments must get a handle on immigration and ensure that those who come to Canada want to be Canadian regardless of their ethnic or religious background. This calls for a rigourous vetting process. All the best and look forward to more of your views.

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Absolutely spot on Edwardo !!!

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