Canada's Immigrant Populations

Actually, is there anything wrong with any society wishing to cling to what it regards as its social culture, imperatives, safeguards and traditions? Why is it not accepted that there is everything right with that desire? And how has it come to pass that such a society - one with a well developed, collective sense of right and wrong, social and gender equality, and lawful security - should feel any sense of hesitation about wishing to retain that social equilibrium?

How does it make sense that a country that has generously welcomed migrants from around the world, to beneficently share with them the benefits of living in a structured, enlightened and secure developed country of the world should feel it must surrender its values and customs to those of other cultures? Particularly when those other cultures have sometimes spectacularly failed the living human needs and securities the migrants have fled from?

Canada has become a sponge of magnificent proportions. Taking unto itself immigrants from every corner of the world, from war-torn countries, poverty-stricken countries, countries whose rulers oppress and degrade their people. While it is also claimed that Canada is a country born of immigration, and that the country benefits hugely from the talents and aspirations of newcomers, absorption should be synonymous with acceptance of prevailing social mores.

Canada, in opening its doors so magnanimously to migrants should anticipate that those settling within our shores should adapt themselves to the prevailing social customs and values, leaving behind those which do not mesh with our own. All cultures and social customs are not necessarily equal and there are traditions that run afoul of our laws, and should never be permitted to endure within Canada.

A pluralist country comprised of various ethnic, social and heritage backgrounds can be a positive thing, broadening peoples' minds and experiences and teaching us greater tolerance of others. A multicultural society where immigrants are encouraged to resist assimilation, and to remain cloistered with others of like heritage and culture is not a positive element in joining society's values in the best interests of the country as a whole.

Emigrating from one country to another becomes a transformative experience. In leaving one's country of origin, one accepts that many things will be different, and for most people that is the allure of entering a new country; a new society, a new reality. They have left behind deprivations, lack of opportunities, danger and misery. For that opportunity - to become a citizen of a developed economy a more stable political system, a secure environment - they should be prepared to shed customs inimical to integration.

It should be made clear to prospective immigrants that they have obligations which must be discharged as new citizens to Canada. Canada takes in far greater numbers of migrants than any other developed country. We should not be penalized for this generous and open acceptance of people from around the world. Rescue from a life of poverty, brutishness and war should come with a price, that of gratitude and respect that would lead migrants to agree to adopt Canadian values and customs.

This is not racist, it is supremely practical. And it is the very least that Canada should expect from those who wish to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them in this country of vast resources and potentials.