Canada is our home, eh!

By Willie Jose
March 15, 2017



Last week when my wife and I were on the bus while on our way somewhere in Toronto, she got hold of a copy of the 24 Hour tabloid paper and there was a news item that caught her attention:   “ We’re the 2^nd best country in the world”.

The news says that Canada for the second year in a row has been ranked second in the annual Best Countries” survey from the US News & World Report, Y&R BAV Consulting and the Wharton School.

Though Canada got a 9.7 in overall scoring, Switzerland edged out Canada for the number one position with a perfect score of 10. Eighty countries participated in the survey and a variety of categories-- economic influence, citizenship, politics, health care and the quality of life—were the factors taken into consideration in making the rankings.

When I read that news, I was not really surprised; after all, it was not big news to me.

Well, my family and I have been in Canada for the past 23 years and we’ve seen and experienced firsthand the reasons why this country is a caring and progressive nation. Of course, we’ve also been enjoying so many benefits that Canada is giving its people.

Why is Canada a good place to live in?

Well, let me continue my story, while we were riding on the TTC bus, the bus was spacious with only a few people on it—and this is always the normal scene daily in the public transport except during the rush hours in the morning and late in the afternoon when people go home after school or office hours.

So, while the bus was plying its route, we looked around us—seeing the many trees lining up along the city’s streets, the green scenery of the surroundings, the wide and well-paved roads, no traffic jams and no pollution.

 It’s worthy to mention too that the people could enjoy breathing the fresh air while riding on the public transport or driving their cars; with the spacious fleet of buses and subway trains, they don’t have to jostle their way through these modes of transport to get off —and the public transportation is reliable and efficient.

We feel so blessed that we are enjoying this kind of life here.  Canada is a good haven for the immigrants coming here because of the many benefits and other tangible things the country is extending to its people to make them productive and   be contented.

No country in the world could give the kind of benefits Canada is giving its citizens-- the Employment Insurance, Family benefits, Public pensions, Healthcare benefits, Educational support, grants and scholarships, housing benefits and disability benefits.

Let’s take a look at the routine life of most of the Canadians: they are working hard to provide for their families; they are busily exerting their efforts to reach whatever goals they have in life—a roof for their families, a good education and career, safety for their families—and nothing could ever be an obstacle to realizing their dream

The streets of Canada are safe; anyone could visit the bustling cities of this country without worrying so much about being mugged on the road; you have peace of mind even if your teen children roam around these cities, not worrying at all about their safety.

Why do we have these peaceful and safe streets?

Canadians are peace-loving people and the government is bent on carrying out the country’s laws; no one is beyond the reach of the arm of the law—if one breaks the law, the corresponding punishment is given.

If you’re waiting for your ride at the bus stops, you don’t have to worry about getting late to your destinations because the bus comes on time—and if you have an app for the TTC bus schedule, you will know the exact time when the bus is coming.

It’s seldom, we hear reports about hate crimes or crime committed because of one’s color, people in the community welcome the diversity of the cultural landscape of Canada.

Though everyone is free to keep his own heritage, no one is forced to assimilate to the mainstream of society. If you want to have dual citizenships it’s OK. But what’s commendable is the way the people from different cultures have been contributing their shares in making Canada a country they can call their own and be proud of.

A good example is our condominium complex in Toronto where we live; when it comes to doing some community projects such as the Spring cleanup, tending the complex’s garden and landscaping work, launching the summer barbecue party, our neighbors, people of different races would always come forward to volunteer their time and energy.

Last month, Lilia and I had a one-month vacation in the Philippines, visiting friends, and relatives and going to some tourist destinations No doubt, we really enjoyed our short stay there.
However, upon arriving at the Pearson Airport two weeks ago, we had this strange feeling, we were silently telling to ourselves:

 “We are finally home “