The following article was published in the North Renfrew Times ( NRT)   of Wednesday   June 28, 2017 – along with a photo ( Pravin & Jackie at Ottawa’s Tamarack race on 27 May 2017).

Note: The (which was published)   article is an abstract of a longer article (some 4000 words) – which was also submitted to NRT for information along with the abstract. The longerarticle is alsp posted on the blog – under the title:   Canadian immigration story   – Story of Acceptance and Integration.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Revised   17 June 2017

Deep River 150 – Why I love Canada …..

For me to love Canada is not the issue to ponder – as there are a range of reasons to love Canada     Oh! we love you Canada – from our heart and soul.

This country is exceptional and for that we need to thank the pioneers – the early ones who suffered all kinds of winters/weather, vast distances and lack of facilities and yet persevered and stood fast to build this modern country from coast to coast.

Most of the differences within the country – religious   (Protestant vs Catholics) or political polemics                  ( French vs English ) have been tackled over the years in a democratic dialogue and fair play.

In early years when racial abuse was so prevalent around the world – this country opened and welcomed and assimilated many Americans of African descent – gave them dignity like no other country in the world would dare or think of.   As recent as a few months ago Canada again excelled in its intrinsic value and welcomed Syrian refugees with love and respect.

My family is so besotted to Canada as here we started our family. This is like an experience   of a miracle. My wife and I were married in 1967 in Nairobi, Kenya and for a while we remained without any children – even after trying various medical interventions.   Lo Behold ! after we arrived in Canada on 03 March 1974 and the first medical specialist we established ( in April 1974 in Niagara Falls, Ontario)  came with the unbelievable news that a baby is on the way.   It was difficult to believe and in fact our extended family in Kenya did not believe it till they saw the tell-tale photos.   We are so fortunate that our daughter was born on 14 December 1974   – 9 months and few days after our arrival in Canada. We then were fortunate to have a son after 4 years – to have someone for my daughter to play with . Now we are fortunate to have a total of five (5) grandchildren who keep us young and active. They are into swimming, skating, skiing and play ice hockey (besides art, music and class work) – all Canadian.     Love you Canada!

My assimilation in Canada was from the beginning   – my professional life was similar to what I was doing in Kenya. My wife and I were accepted and made welcome in many community activities that we participated in Niagara Falls and other places that we moved over the years. We made friends who became   ” our families ” and who loved our children when they grew up.   Oh! Canada  – what warmth and acceptance.  Love you Canada!

While it is difficult to talk about all the reasons why we love Canada —   I will mention one which is significant . We Canadians are so fortunate   – we have one of the most effective, professional and dedicated Health Service in the whole wide world .   For that we are very grateful, Canada . We love Canada immensely .

We are here in Canada, with its breathtaking beauty, concern for others, and pride in its diversity.

Pravin Shah