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Canadians celebrate diversity

BY GIANNI UBRIACO For some Canadians who have become accustomed to our way of life, Canada's 139th birthday this past weekend came and went without much of a second thought.

BY GIANNI UBRIACO

For some Canadians who have become accustomed to our way of life, Canada's 139th birthday this past weekend came and went without much of a second thought.

But that's definitely not the case for those who have moved to Canada from other countries in search of a better life for themselves.

Girja Srivastava was born in India, but moved to Canada 34 years ago. Her husband lived here and she hoped by moving here, she could start a new life and have a brighter future. All her hopes and dreams have been realized.

"We're so proud to be Canadian and we respect Canada's diversity," she said. "It's a great country to live in because of its multiculturalism."

The member of the Sudbury Prarthana Samaj takes pride in Canada's birthday and feels it's a great time for Canadians to reflect on how lucky they are to live in a peaceful nation.

"I love living in Canada," she says. "It feels like we are free and we live in cleanliness and happiness and peace. That's the best thing here. Canada has a lot of peace and we don't live in fear. There's no war and no fighting here."

Karen Chen is another person who came to this country with hopes and dreams. She was born in China, grew up in Taiwan and then moved to Canada 31 years ago.

"This is my country now," says Chen, a member of the Sudbury Chinese Community Centre. "China is almost like my biological parents, but Canada is my home. I can't go back now. This is my home now."

Similarly, Joy Kalu was born in Africa, but moved to Canada over three decades ago to be married and build a new life here.

"I've lived here longer than I've lived anywhere else," she says. "I'm very proud to be Canadian."

People from all over the world come to because we share a common ethnic courtesy, she says.

"I've had a lot of fun in Canada and I love Canada," says Kalu. "You have so many people from different backgrounds coming together as one nation, and what else can be more special than that?"

People who have spent their whole lives in Canada also realize how lucky they are.

"To me, Canada Day is just a wonderful time to celebrate our melting pot of multiculturalism," says Patty Mearini of the Irish Heritage Club of Canada.

"We have a chance to live in freedom. We have a lot of choices and so many opportunities."


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