Chapter 1: Welcome to Canada – Edgar’s Story

Edgar always dreamed of coming to Canada. He did a lot of research. He learned a lot of data about the land and people. He also heard that Canada was big, clean, and safe. He wanted to give his children a bright future, so one day, he said good-bye to his friends and neighbours, and he moved to Canada with his wife and three children. When they got to Toronto Pearson airport, it was night. A friend picked them up. The trip through the city was beautiful! There were so many lights! Edgar knew that he was in a very good country, and he was very happy!

The first weeks in Canada were wonderful! Edgar and his family saw the CN Tower and visited museums and parks. Edgar’s friends showed him creative artwork around town. Everyone was very polite, and life was very good.
 

After the first month, Edgar and his family started to see some things that did not match his wonderful dreams of living in Canada. They had trouble understanding Canadians, and Canadians had trouble understanding them. It was difficult to do the necessary paperwork. Getting a driver’s license, affordable housing, and schooling for their children was hard. Edgar asked his wife, “Did I make the right decision in coming to Canada?”

When winter came, Edgar thought, “I made a mistake! Canada is very cold in the winter!” He did not know how to get around town in the snow. His wife fell on the ice and hurt her leg. Now he had a new problem to solve! He must look for a family doctor and learn about health insurance. This was not a part of his dream. The children enjoyed playing in the snow. As a result, they caught colds and coughed all night. Edgar became homesick, then depressed, and he really wanted to return home, but he was too embarrassed to admit failure to his family and friends.

Over the next six months, Edgar started to look for help in Canada. He found useful resources and community services in his neighbourhood. He got help to find a job at a small company. His wife, Mira, took care of the home. The children soon learned the new language and customs in Canada, and they found friends from different cultural backgrounds in their school.

As months turned into years, the family slowly adapted to their new life. They also developed a comfortable routine. They learned to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons, the joy of cheering for hockey teams, and the taste of maple syrup on pancakes.

Edgar learned that the result of persistence and hard work is success if you don’t give up. Now, for Edgar, Canada is not just a place to live, but a place to call home.