Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I farmed for a lot of my life right here in Canada, and like a lot of old timers, I worked the land, raised my family, and lived by the values this country was built on. Fairness, freedom, respect for others, and doing an honest day’s work.

Now, I’m not against immigration, never have been, as I believe folks should have the chance to come here and build a better life. But here’s what’s bothering me more and more, some come here wanting to live just like they did back home. They don’t want to fit in. They want Canada to change for them.

Well, I say that isn’t right. Canada became what it is because of how we’ve lived here for generations, not by trying to become something else. It’s not supposed to be ten different countries inside one. It’s supposed to be one country, with room for everyone, as long as they respect what this country stands for.

And I’ll tell you, it’s not just us old timers noticing this. I hear the same thing from immigrants who do want to be Canadian. They see others trying to bring the old world here, and it makes them upset, too.

So here is what I believe should be done: If you want to live in Canada, then live by Canadian values. Be proud to be here, and proud to stand with your neighbors, not apart from them, that’s what makes a strong country, that’s what made Canada. And that’s the Canada I want to see stay strong for my grandkids.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW