Mr. Speaker, there are those in this House who link unemployment with immigration in spite of the fact that several studies have proven them wrong time and time again, but ignorance perseveres. Immigrant success stories which are the norm do not make the front page of national newspapers.
Recently I received a letter from a constituent, a refugee to our country and now a proud Canadian citizen. She wanted me to know that she was gainfully employed, waiting for a place to do her apprenticeship in hairdressing and earning credits toward a high school diploma.
She ended her letter with:
I will try to make you proud and to be a good, honest and valiant citizen, a small part of a large family of Canadians.
I am sure I echo the sentiments of many Canadians when I say to her “Thank you, Hilda, for choosing Canada as your new home”.