Canada is a Community of Communities

This speech by Joe Clark, our 16th prime minister, has always resonated with me. It captures the true spirit of Canada’s cultural mosaic. As I have been travelling across our great nation, I have met many people who are involved in newcomer navigation. It is impressive and touching to see how the various diverse Canadian communities support each other and their welcoming nature towards newcomers. These qualities of compassion and inclusion prevail among those of you who help our newcomers to navigate the complexities of our health and social services systems. You are exceptional ambassadors of our country.

Seeta Ramdass, N4 Team

 "Whatever cultures we come from, whatever heritage we bring to these shores, we are all of us North American in aspiration. We want to build. We want to grow. Generally, the goals of Canadians are personal goals. A few people in our history have helped build our nation by consciously pursuing national goals, but many more have built this nation by pursuing the personal goals which the nature of this nation allows. The personal goal of most Canadians has been freedom and some security for their family. That caused the settlement of new regions, caused the immigration of new citizens, caused the transplanting of old roots to new ground. A policy designed to make the nation grow must build upon and must not frustrate the instinct of most Canadians to build a stake for themselves."

- Joe Clark, the 16th Prime Minister of Canada