We Are One

"You're from Canada? I love Canada." I've heard this countless times as I've wandered through third world countries. For the past three weeks, while in India my response is usually an enthusiastic "ME TOO." Hearing people express love for a country I call home inspired me to do some research into how easy it would be for them to also call Canada home. What I found pleased me as a multi cultural nation that is represented by more than 200 ethnic origins Canada accepts around 200,000 immigrants per year. There are a few ways in which one can immigrate to Canada, while I can't remember them all the following three are ones that stuck with me: 1. Sponsoring Family 2. Skilled Worker and Professional 3. Refugee escaping cruel and unusual punishment While I'm not sure how the average Canadian Citizen feels about this, I notice from time to time that as I scroll through my Facebook time feed I see posts that appear to not be supportive of Canada's immigration policy. Why shouldn't others be allowed the same quality of life that you and I are afforded? Why shouldn't families be united? Why can't someone who's worked their ass off academically, and has undoubtedly over come many obstacles be allowed to pursue a career in a country as great as Canada? Why should anyone have to endure horrific punishment? I believe what makes Canada great besides hot water and public bathrooms is that Canada as a nation embraces diversity. I've seen what everyday life is like in some countries and for some it's miraculous to me that not only do they get up everyday but they do it with a smile. A lot of people reading this are incredibly privileged and all because of where we were born. My thoughts often turn to my niece when I see little barefoot girls running around on a ground soaked with urine and littered with feces trying to sell me a photo or a trinket. How many little girls lives could be changed for the better if we thought in terms of "we are one" and not "survival of the fittest"? I certainly do not know everything there is to know about this subject, traveling has shown me that you can't see the world as black and white it's extremely grey. I don't mean to be preachy, I thought my blog might be an appropriate forum to write out my thoughts on a subject that is heavily weighing on my mind.