Publisher's Note

What Canada Day means to immigrants

Canada Day brings out an interesting set of emotions in immigrants. Many immigrants take their oath and become Canadian citizens on this day. Others celebrate with their family, friends and new Canadian neighbours.

But I think that all immigrants — whether they migrated to Canada to flee from turmoil in their home country or came for economic and family reasons — take a moment to consider their place in their new country on its July 1 birthday.

Like many immigrants, I have been privileged to have had a great welcome to this country as well as the friendship of many Canadians. And, so, today I wish to thank Canadians on behalf of all immigrants. Thank you for taking us into your country, your hearts and your businesses. It is my fervent hope that we, too, will welcome future generations of new Canadians who will continue to enrich this country economically and socially.

I also hope that immigrants are as generous with our Canadian-born friends as many have been with us. We should welcome Canadians into our homes and lives, sharing with them our customs, stories and dreams. This will go far in bringing about a more peaceful, harmonious society.

Please enjoy our July issue with some summer-friendly reading; Polish writer Eva Stachniak and Russian-born Miss Universe Natalie Glebova share their own personal stories and dreams. Also, check out our news items and popular Canadiana, Culture Shock and Can Speak sections under "Fusion"; a list of career centres under "Careers & Education"; and our list of summer Toronto Public Library programs under "Lifestyles & Cultures," and much more.

After our launch of our Ontario online edition last month, I received so many emails and calls from people in the east praising our efforts. Comments like these from our readers make me realize that there is a need for our publication in Canada, west and east, and, with your support, we will continue to grow slowly, but surely. I'm hoping to bring a print edition to Ontario similar to our print edition in B.C. soon.