CANADA CONNECTION: On Becoming a Canadian

LANDMARK DECISION – Security, Health, Education, Safety, Comfort, and Convenience are among my major considerations in migrating to Canada, popularly renowned globally as the land of milk and honey.
Despite being discouraged by many friends to leave our homeland Philippines lest I might contribute to the worsening of the proliferation of brain drain, yet I kept my decision to go as I was hellbent on fulfilling a life long dream for a better future of myself and family.

Family security was foremost in my mind as it seems political climate in the country was getting unstable, and the domestic economy was seemingly on a tailspin as shown by several economic indicators like downtrending of stock prices, skyrocketting inflation, peso devaluation, and reported capital flight. But Canada, with its Parliamentary form of government, politics is practically corruption-free, economy is brisk and bustling, and freedom and democracy as well as human rights are respected to the fullest.

Albeit it’s true that peace and order is improving in town, as reported by the AFP, yet I felt the threat of communism remained alarming and the insurgency in the Philippine countryside apparently was gaining ground, thus it behooves upon me to ensure the safety of my family by bringing our kids to safer country like Canada wherein police force is true to its oath of protecting the lives and properties of the citizens, and drug addiction is almost nil.

Health and Education also topped my concern as it seems medical services in the country was getting non-affordable, vis-a-vis the fees and expenses incurred in sending our kids to school, what with the unabated annual increases in tuition fees. But in Canada, I was told, medical and dental services can be availed at a minimal cost, while education is practically government subsidized.

Comfort and convenience were undoubtedly beyond compare when it comes to living in Canada, what with its advance technology, state-of-the-art infrastructures, modern amenities, and readily-available government services to every citizen apolitically, that developed in them the feeling of belongingness.

Indeed, living in Canada for good was my personal landmark decision that never come to naught.
After 3 years as permanent resident immigrant, I finally took an oath of allegiance as Canadian holding the Canadian flag emblazoned with red maple leaf on white background. Along with other new Canadians, we also manifest our loyalty to the Queen of England, as Canada is a British Colony.

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PROS AND CONS – Admittedly, there are unfavorable events and disadvantages that we can’t deny to have caused sometimes depressing moments and almost frustrating mood in living away from our homeland, like in Canada.

As a man with friends aplenty, myself can’t escape sadness in some days when friends back home passed away without seeing and hugging them personally prior to their heavenly departure.

Reminiscing memories with relatives and colleagues as I ponder upon seeing our photographs in albums, and in my Facebook wall is also causing me lonesome moments sometimes. But thanks to the FB Messenger for a chance to chat or videocall for free, missing a friend is alleviated.

There’s no doubt about it, my flight to Canada in 2005 was full of hope and confidence that I would be able to unload those heavy luggages in life, and crush those roadblocks to my success. But after 17 years of being here in Canada I deemed it fitting to share some facts and experiences I encountered as Canadian.

Upon arrival, every immigrant need to provide himself with settlement facilities especially a decent house for a family. But acquiring a house as immigrant is no easy thing to do, except when your pocket is awash of cash to pay the down-payment to at least 20% of the gross mortgage value. Thus, most immigrants contend themselves in an apartment or condominium as temporary dweling.

Of course, to live comfortably, conveniently, and peacefully an immigrant need to work, partime or full-time it maybe, if only to have rice, coffee, and loaves of bread on the table. But finding work is quite challenging, especially in highly urbanized cities having like rat race lifestyle.

At his initial days of settling down, an immigrant would be lucky enough to get a job related to his career, otherwise settle for a menial job like janitorial, housekeeping, or a mere crew of a food establishment. To beat the competition, an immigrant need educational upgrading lest being left in the crowd of struggling workforce.

In Canada, professionals from other countries like Philippines are not immediately given government recognition. Thus, getting the right job professionally would take some painstaking struggle.

By not having any work means no house, no car, no food, and no medicines. But thanks to Social Welfare Program of Canada, Helping Hands Foundation, and the Food Bank for the Poor, the worries of homeless immigrant are reduced to a minimum. However, many immigrants remained in quandary amidst securing sustainable supplies of their family as government and foundation assistance is limited.

What about if an immigrant finds a lucrative work? Well, definitely a bi-weekly take home pay is assured to feed a family. But, there’s a big issue an immigrant need to confront – the Payment of Taxes.

Canada is a rich country undoubtedly. But every citizen couldn’t run away, or evade, paying those supplies and services tax, income and bonuses tax, house and real estate property tax, gas and water tax, home utilities tax, home and car insurance tax, federal and provincial tax, and such other taxes. Even buying your cellphone, bike, or laundry machines is taxed.

With its comprehensive tax collectiom system, it appears the Canada government is squeezing dry its citizens, leaving nothing for family coffers, except if a couple work together.

Henceforth, while aspiring to be a Canadian is a lifetime decision, and product of a determined and positive mind, yet one shall also ponder deeper, and be ready to face and confront those unfavorable consequences and challenges of making a decision to live in Canada for good. Best wishes!* (Dan Cajurao)