Close Reading

Pierre Poilievre’s Immigration Hypocrisy: A Study in Convenient Principles Disguised as Conviction Pierre Poilievre has never met a border he did not want to fortify, a refugee claim he did not want to scrutinize, or an irregular crossing he did not want to turn into a national morality play. For years, he has warned Canadians that the country is being overrun by “illegal border crossers,” “queue jumping asylum seekers,” and “abusers of the system.” He delivers these warnings with the solemnity of a man announcing a biblical plague, not a handful of exhausted families walking across a ditch in Quebec. In Poilievre’s political universe, Roxham Road is not a rural footpath. It is a symbol of national decline. It is chaos incarnate. It is the place where the rule of law goes to die. It is, in short, the perfect stage upon which he can perform his favorite role: the lone defender of order in a world gone soft. At least, that is the story he tells the public. The private story, as publicly reported, is considerably less heroic. The Public Record That Refuses to Behave: According to reporting from The Breach and the National Observer, someone described as the uncle of Poilievre’s spouse has an immigration history that reads like a greatest hits compilation of everything Poilievre claims to oppose. The reporting outlines that he entered Canada and made a refugee claim. That claim was refused. A deportation order was issued. He later re-entered Canada through Roxham Road. He then filed a humanitarian and compassionate application. Poilievre’s spouse reportedly helped prepare that application. This is not fringe gossip. This is what journalists documented through correspondence, interviews, and immigration records. In other words, the exact pathway Poilievre condemns as “abuse of the system” is the same pathway publicly reported to have been used by someone connected to him. And suddenly, the man who treats Roxham Road like a national security breach becomes quieter than a library at midnight. The slogans stop. The outrage evaporates. The border, once a sacred line, becomes a flexible suggestion. The Rhetoric: A Symphony of Outrage: Poilievre’s immigration rhetoric is a carefully orchestrated performance. He warns that irregular border crossings undermine the rule of law. He insists humanitarian and compassionate applications are loopholes. He claims the system is being gamed. He declares that Canada must “take back control.” He delivers these lines with the moral certainty of a man who believes compassion is a gateway drug. In his speeches, asylum seekers are not people. They are symbols. They are props. They are the raw material from which he fashions his political identity. He is the sheriff. They are the threat. The border is the battleground. And Canada is the damsel in distress. It is a compelling narrative. It is also a narrative that collapses the moment it becomes personally inconvenient. The Reality: A Study in Elastic Principles: When someone connected to Poilievre uses the very same system he condemns, the rules change with breathtaking speed. Irregular border crossings are no longer a crisis. They are a misunderstanding. A technicality. A regrettable but understandable choice. Humanitarian and compassionate applications are no longer loopholes. They are legitimate pathways. Necessary tools. Evidence of a compassionate system. The border is no longer a sacred line. It is a suggestion. A guideline. A flexible concept open to interpretation. It is a remarkable transformation, like watching a man insist that jaywalking is a crime against humanity until his friend does it, at which point it becomes a misunderstood act of civic expression. The Political Convenience of Shifting Standards: Poilievre’s political identity is built on the idea that he alone will restore order. He alone will enforce the rules. He alone will protect Canada from the chaos of irregular migration. But the moment the rules become inconvenient, they are no longer rules. They are preferences. They are vibes. They are whatever he needs them to be in the moment. This is not a minor contradiction. It is a fundamental collapse of the moral architecture he has built his political brand upon. If irregular crossings are a crisis, then they are a crisis for everyone. If humanitarian applications are loopholes, then they are loopholes for everyone. If the system is broken, then it is broken for everyone. But Poilievre’s version of justice is not universal. It is conditional. It is situational. It is deeply, profoundly personal. The Broader Pattern: Institutions Are Sacred Until They Are Not: This is not the first time Poilievre’s principles have proven to be more flexible than advertised. He has attacked the Supreme Court of Canada when its rulings do not align with his political needs. He has accused the justice system of being too lenient when it suits him and too harsh when it does not. He has framed himself as the defender of institutions while undermining them whenever they become inconvenient. It is a pattern. It is a habit. It is a worldview. And it reveals something essential about his politics. For Poilievre, institutions are not pillars of democracy. They are tools. They are props. They are instruments to be used when helpful and discarded when not. The Satirical Truth: A Philosophy in One Sentence: Pierre Poilievre’s immigration philosophy can now be summarized with clinical precision: Canada must crack down on irregular border crossings, except for the ones that are fine. And he will decide which ones are fine. It is a stance that bends so far backward it could qualify for a gymnastics medal. It is a stance that reveals more about political convenience than national security. It is a stance that exposes the gap between what Poilievre says and what Poilievre does. And it is a stance that makes one thing abundantly clear. Polievre's Hypocrisy

When did Canadians become the free healthcare system to everyone else but Canadians

Our national debt has tripled because of the liberals just paying down the interest we are doomed. If we don’t do something about it we’re done these idiots. Let all of these immigrants in thinking, and knowing that they will vote for them the same as the Democrats in the United States did that’s the plan. Do you remember when Trudeau said , the immigrants are more Canadian than you are because you take for granted your Canadian ship and that they are the true Canadians not us votes in the bag. Liberals have one how many times we’re doomed. We don’t live in Canada anymore. We live in, CANASTAN AND ALL AMERICAN CANADIENS ARE THE DUMBEST DECEPTION IS IN THE BRAIN. THEY DON’T EVEN REALIZE WHERE ALL AMERICANS LIVING IN NORTH AMERICA MAY THE TRUTH SET YOU FREE LOOK IN THE MIRROR IF YOU BECOME WHAT YOU HATE????

Very well done video & Thank YOU for showcasing the point of view from "real Canadians". As an immigrant who came to this country & fell in love with its culture 40 years ago, it's appalling to see how our beautiful first world country is quickly becoming a gutter. The newcomers these days are the privileged ones. All of us need to speak up, especially those of us immigrants who retain our original accents &/ non-white because our white fellow Canadians are accused of being racist whenever they do (though many could learn to be more eloquent. ie. go back to your country does NOT help)! I see it as my Canadian duty to remind "misbehaving" newcomers the reason they left their country in the first place. ie. You chose Canada for a better life, so why try to change it into the one you left? ie. Help me understand your logic? Why not leave your hate & war at the border; just like normal folks won't bring stinky garbage into their new homes. Life is challenging enough when you uprooted to a new country (especially our unforgiving cold Winter). So, just focus on the positive things in your new country & leave all your miseries behind... ie. Learn to adapt & enjoy your new country. Canada is a great country because of the love & effort of those before you, so now you are the beneficiary. Join the legacy by enhancing this beautiful country & its culture, so you can pass on this century old legacy for later newcomers to enjoy, like you do now. What dignity do you have & what kind of life lessons to your children by bullying your culture & religion into Canada at the expense of other Canadians? This will fracture Canada if everyone does that. Do you want this country to become so fractured & terrible that your descendants have to leave for a better country, like you did? Is that what your religion teaches you? Does it state it's perfectly fine to satisfy all your whims & wishes at the expense of others? Are you striving for Canadians to think badly of your race/culture? Are you being a good ambassador to your race/community/culture/religion? Canadians are so friendly & helpful, if you need help, just ask, please don't demand. Learn the language & it's ok to speak broken/pigeon English with gestures to communicate. No one expects you to be an English scholar; you gain respect for trying. Apply some basic Canadians manners, which goes a long way... Please & Thank You, Smile doesn't cost you anything, besides it's good exercise for your facial muscles. I worked my entire career with the public, I very seldom encounter negative feedback when I do the above. If they get nasty, I tell them that's definitely not the Canadian way to make friends & wish them Good Luck! I also make a point in telling the wealthy ones "Tax Avoidance is legal (I'm more than happy to show them), but Tax Evasion is not! Then reminding them....Canada will be bankrupt eventually if everyone don't pay their fair share of taxes. ie. You may not suffer, but your children/grandchildren will. Worst Case scenario, you didn't get the necessary medical care when you most needed it!!! We should lobby for a mandatory course that all newcomers have to take & PASS a test about Canadian culture & expectations. If they fail, no citizenship for sure! But that would be another hornets nest because our parliament will debate over definition of "Canadian Culture" for decades. Welcome to Canada!😂

I heard why the government did the immigrants wrong. I was talking to an uber driver and my pharmacist. They told me the promises of luxury in Canada has and offered for them to live a better lives. They didn't know after they came here for work and or college/university they become in major debt. They said that they're in a luxury debt and never getting out of debt knowing that they're stuck in Canada and can't be allowed to leave unless they pay off the debts. That's 100 % wrong to do that to people when they know they don't feel welcomed and want to go home. I'm a metis Canadian and I had to leave Ontario to find affordability and miss my home. GOVERNMENT THIS IS YOUR FAULT AND YOU KNOW IT! Let them go home in debt. You made this mess. FIX IT! Including the baby boomers that made the problem started 8 % rate interests to buy houses. That was a mistake that should be bought 1 house and nothing else. I forgot to add something. The uber driver told me that india doesn't know that it's a debt luxury trap that you can't leave unless you pay your debt. He felt alone and found some people and the internet to make himself feel better temporary. TEMPORARY! He hates it here, but he respects Canadians. He feels sorry for the new ones that are coming to become debt trap. It's the same for the pharmacy. She got into college to be a pharmacy and bought the store. She is on low income but doesn't qualify for any supports like benefits to pay off her medical things. The reason she can't because they'll see the pharmacy store is income. Wait what? So she doesn't quilify for benefits because she's making income to pay off her massive loan to do her job. It's not enough to live by as what she told me. She also does misses home, but also traped in luxury debt. This is what I have learned so far. I went through a car accident and coudln't get out of the car. I thought in Brampton, Ontario was the rudest people on the planet, but was saved by the angels of indian people saved me out of the vehicle from the smoke. I still thank you! There is still good people out there and some are stupid people out there. Keep it up because being kind gets you to be positive to others and make things better when the world is fcked right now.

How the heck did you become a multi-millionaire? Canadians are OVERTAXED, so yes you SHOULD be worried about tariffs and you resigned. Make that make sense. When its all over-it will make clear sense.

Justin Trudeau, you did this to Canada. It’s so disrespectful calling the sitting President Donald. Why don’t you go raise carbon taxes, send our money to Ukraine and bring in another 10,000 Sudan’s when your people are sleeping on the street. This speech is a joke, look at yourself in the mirror and say all this to yourself. Also, stop lying that only a small percentage of fentanyl go into the states from Canada! You’re lying and need to stop holding our country hostage so the conservatives can clean up YOUR mess just like they’re doing in the US! Thanks to you many Canadians are excited and wish to become the 51st state because you’ve made Canada such a threat to the US National Security. You brought in millions of unvetted immigrants, terrorists and allowed so much crime. CNN shame on you. You’ve fed these poor people so many lies they have no idea of the corruption going on. Thank God Justin is gone. Bye Bye Governor Trudeau.

Yes I was, after Trump got elected no. Disabled human rights are horrible here and as compensation for lawsuits can be capped in cases that is unlikely to change. I should state the government had to pay me $25,000 dollars for violating my rights (this cost me $35,000+ in legal fees!) so I know of what I speak. It was the same when I moved provinces. In terms of mobility my fate was better in the 4 third world countries I visited after my stroke, there are no busses in loads of places here as we can’t “afford” them. Also I should state the government tried to make me site an NDA that would not allow me to state their behaviour, this should be illegal where government money is concerned! On to health care…. Why do disabled people struggle to get a family doctor when they move provinces? Also why did the mother of a Ukrainian disabled kid have to go back to a country that had been invaded to get help for her child that was having convulsions? She got no help here and her child was in our system by then and her husband has been paying taxes since I got him a job here 3 day a after landing. Yes there are a lot of good Canadians but this situation has become much worse and Canadians are masters at ignoring things. There is a Ukrainian flag flying from my cabin not a Canadian one. We are NOT the 51st state and will never be but I’ve been made to feel betrayed

The problem is not international students themselves; the problem lies with students who cheat the system to become international students.\n\nSecondly, no international students are promised permanent residency (PR). There is a pathway to PR, and the government should ensure it is followed. However, if a student's study or work permit expires, they must leave as they declared when applying for the permit. Canada understands that individuals from developing nations may not want to return home, and that is understandable. But the proper process must be followed.\n\nI agree that the Canadian government has made mistakes. However, international students also took advantage of the system, which I can understand. The government should never have allowed international students to obtain work permits so easily. They should have been required to complete their studies, secure a job offer, and only then apply for a work permit. This would be the point at which their PR process could begin.\n\nWhat the government did instead was detrimental to Canadians. By allowing international students to get work permits immediately, bring their spouses, and provide work permits to them as well, they created challenges. Students should focus on studying first, graduating, and then finding a job—just as it used to be.\n\nThe government should create regulations requiring all publicly funded colleges and universities to cap the fees charged to international students. These institutions should only be allowed to charge a maximum of 15% to 25% above the fees for local students. Charging exorbitant amounts was essentially a form of robbery, exploiting international students with the false hope of permanent residency (PR), which is never guaranteed.

I was born in Canada in the 80s. My parents are from India. So call me racist if it gets you off. My ass is browner than yours probably. \nMy parents, and my uncles and aunts who came here in the late 1970s had to work their asses off to prove they were worthy of even ENTERING Canada, let alone to live in the country. ALL of my older male relatives who came to Canada at that time had a PhD in a science related field or was a medical doctor. EVEN then, they had to go through years of re-training in Canadian schools in order to have a shot at PR. And they persevered and did it, and did well. \nNow, anyone and their dog is allowed in, and it's kind of an insult to all my relatives had to accomplish in order to build a life here. They had to earn doctorates and medical degrees TWICE (once in India and again in Canada).\nWell, that generation did well, and now we're the kids who are grateful and enjoying the sacrifice they put in. What will the kids of illiterate, minimum wage workers be like? Probably not so good.\nCanada's probably done. But does the average Canadian have any desire to do anything. Nope. They used to value hard work and ambition when I was growing up but Canadian culture has become lack of ambition, and entitlements just for existing. \nSo, at least I was raised with the idea of working to no end and sacrificing in order to accomplish something in life. Now, I have the resources to live where I like and do. Canada's just a place I visit now if I feel like it.\nThose of you who like to sit at Tim Horton's every weekend with your beer and weed every night complaining about how your employer should pay you more obesity privileges, enjoy being served by the migrants who WILL take over as you approach the counter in your government funded scooter. You all reaped what you sowed. Most Canadians WELCOMED socialism and their wish came true. Peace.

I wonder if Canadians did all this to India how they would welcome us lol I ask an India that question and he said there would be riots in the streets, just think when we complain we are racist and could be jailed here in Canada. WOW Canada is due to fail and become a third world country

I'm all for immigration to help a country grow however, what Canada has done is first, bring in too many at once and not INTEGRATED the new comers. \n\nFact is, if you want to go to a country because of their freedom and job opportunity then don't come and try to change the country into what you just fled from!!\n\nAnd this is what has happened. Canada has allowed our laws and even speech change to cater to a foreign culture and political idea. Canada became great for what it was and ways it was not for socialism and other country politics. We've got road sign in Pakistan and some in Mandarin and some in blah blah blah. Too many languages creates divide and this is the other issue. Our own country, a country that designates french or English has signs and communities designated in foreign languages. This is not acceptable and is a cause creating divide. You come, you learn the language and INTEGRATE! We loved our country, you wanted to come for what our country has so don't try to turn it into the country you fled! And stop alienating the people who were here before you. \n\nSo, these are the two BIG ISSUES Canadians complain about. Rightfully so. \n\nI myself don't live in Ontario but find Alberta has become a foreign country and I feel like I am in danger now in my own lands. Integration is so important, and Trudeau bringing in millions in a short time line did not integrate but now caused a great deal of violence and many new comers confused and hateful to Canadians when they simply don't understand that what they have done is not integrate but are overtaking and we feel at war with them.

Our government looks after immigrants BETTER than its own CITIZENS! ????\nFor ex. ppl who have been homeless for yrs R sleeping on the street, in tents, parks, cars etc. They receive NO help! \nYET IMMIGRANTS R getting into shelters! Like WTF?!! ? Some arrived here (in summer) with NO housing (which is ASS BACKWARDS ~ Y R U bringing ppl here when there R NO places for US to live let alone immigrants??!!) & they were sleeping in the streets/parks. Our Govt moved mountains to find THEM shelters in relatively record time but have done NOTHING to help CANADIANS who R ALREADY homeless (A LOT of them R homeless bc of cost of housing & NOT ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE!) Most ppl assume it’s bc of drug addiction. It’s NOT! \nU can be employed making a ‘relatively’ decent wage & yet U R 1 step away from being homeless ESP NOW & esp with greedy landlords!!!) \n\nSince WHEN did it become acceptable to neglect the countries REAL CITIZENS & focus solely on Immigrants? ?? \nThis is just ONE example. Many more. \nTHIS IS WHY CANADA IS BROKEN! ??

The part about the banking system is at best a half truth. Canada looked like it came through the 2008 crisis better than the States because the government did not allow a correction in the housing market. Rather, the Canadian government kept the party going with free money, which made the balance sheets of the banks look good, but over time caused housing prices to inflate far faster than household income. The result now is wildly over-inflated housing prices which - coupled with increasing immigration of well to do foreigners pricing Canadians out of the market - has come to the point that many Canadians born in Canada can no longer afford to live there. This in turn exacerbates the brain drain to the USA, which further reduces Canada’s innovativeness and international competitiveness. \n\nHowever, the universe mandates equilibrium, and this house of cards will come down sooner or later. When it does, Canada will be facing a far worse financial and economic crisis than the USA did in the late 00’s, as all of the Big 5 banks will become insolvent.

When did half the world become so entitled that they think they can go wherever they want illegally?? IT IS ILLEGAL, they should be put in detention centres or jail with no freedom like the criminals they are! Stop making it ok, stop giving them the free crap they come here expecting! Jail or deportation, 95% of these people are NOT refugee’s they are illegal economic migrants who come expecting everything and we give it to them! They will never stop because they are entitled people who have no problem committing crime to get what they want, to go where they want. One boarder crossing road closing is too little too late, they’ll find another way because they have no morals. It won’t be long before Canadians are the minority in our own country. It’s madness and needs to stop. If you can’t come in legally, stay away! Illegal migrants are NOT WELCOME HERE!!!

I have to respectfully disagree with you girls on the tax system in Canada. You mention that you cannot be a millionaire or a billionaire. \n\nI really think that is the problem with our generation, excessive greed, everyone wants to be a millionaire/billionaire, but the reality is most of people in this world will only live an average middle class life or below, that has been the case throughout history in every country on earth. \n\nInstead of wanting to be a millionaire you should strive follow your passion and to master your craft, and if and when you do so, the end result maybe you achieving millionaire billionaire status \n\nThis how most rich people got their wealth, they worked at their craft and had passion and eventually they got the wealth that came along with it \n\nI agree with Canada's progressive tax system, the only problems we have run into since 2010 is that the government has been misallocating taxes collected and giving co-operate tax breaks. But the principle of the progressive tax system makes sense, because up until recently (2010ish) it prevented the nation's wealth from accumulating at the top and in the process increased the velocity of money.\n\n This enabled business to thrive because money was constantly changing hands instead of being concentrated at the top. \n\nThis had an overall effect of enabling most Canadians to join the middle class and in turn make Canada an attractive destination for many immigrants including your selves \n\nIf Canadian system did not have a progressive tax system, there would be gross inequality with all the associated problems (crime/drugs etc). \n\nI really think prospective immigrants should be realistic about their expectations before moving to Canada to avoid dissatisfaction. \n\nIf you could not be a millionaire in the country you were born in and of which culture you belong, but some how you believe that you can move half a world away and become a millionaire. \n\nYou know part of the reason you could not even achieve middle income statust in Africa (I am from Africa as well) let alone be a millionaire is because all the wealth in most African countries is concentrated in the hands of a few corrupt bastards in the government. \n\nThis concentration of wealth at the top is possible when there is no progressive tax system and ensures economic equilibrium in all sectors of the economy\n\nIt is the reason why there is no jobs or opportunity for young people in developing countries \n\nDo not get me wrong you can still be a millionaire in Canada, but you will have to really earn it, there is no shortcuts in life\n\nPatience, passion and perseverance is the key.

@ Make That Change, you are missing some topics!! A person who is born and raised in Vancouver before the 1980's and where both parents were also born and raised in Canada. Since the year 2000, the cost of owning a detached home has risen 10 folds. You could buy a corner lot house in a nice area and good location for an average of $160,000. Now that home would cost 10 times that cost in the last 20 years. Why? Foreign investors and immigration based on supply and demand as this also includes the increase in rent cost. People spend on average about $1000 to 1500 for a room to rent not their own suite in Vancouver. Twenty years ago, you could rent a whole house with a yard for that price on the waistcoats of BC. \n\nAnother issue, there are Canadians who do travel to USA due to people being in desperate need of care. USA has a wider spectrum of medical options in comparison to Canada. Canadians travel to USA because the waiting list is often way too long. Canada is nota complete free medical system as people hear and rehabilitation expenses are not free unless it is inside a hospital. It was from at one time as Medicare was founded on the grounds in the 1960's by Tommy Douglas, former premier of Saskatchewan, who initiated Medicare but it was no sustainable. \n\nJust because a person gets referred to a doctor, particularly a specialist when there are very few doctors in that area of care, it does not guarantee you will receive the treatment. I waited 2.5 years for a treatment in a hospital, only to be told that I was not a candidate for that treatment even though they did not screen me as a precursor before making a rational decision. DEVESTATING! Canadians if they have money often go to USA or Mexico when in desperate need. \n\nThere is a lack of doctors as many people do not have a family medical doctor who know their case personally. Complex diseases do not receive proper care as Canada does not have an integrated medical system of care amongst other doctors for patients. It has been on the news media where people have died being on the waiting list, returning back to hospitals where the hospital emergency because the concern of the disease was undermined with the overcrowded medical system.\n\nThere is a increased gentrification in the metropolitan cities that is an issue as the richer are now richer and the poorer are more poor. As there is an INCREASED immigration there is a huge stress in cost of living as there is not enough affordable housing and increased homelessness in Vancouver and Toronto. Vancouver is the worst place in North America as it is known as the drug hub called Skid Row. You can google this information as there are article written for 2021 and previously. Expo 86 and the 2010 Winter Olympics skyrocketed tourism and immigration that many people who are born and raised here before 1986 are very angry and resentful of how drastic the decline of how the quality of life has become.

Canada is what you make of it. You can arrive rich and end up poor and you can arrive poor and end up rich. In between that, you can have a great life that balances your needs. I’ve seen immigrants succeed simply because they see the opportunity in front of them . They worked hard in their own counties to stay just above the poverty line ,but when they apply that same effort here it pays off ten times greater. I feel that compared to a lot of immigrants, natural born Canadians come across as spoiled and a little lazy…we are. We haven’t had to struggle the same way someone from a poorer country might have. I’ve talked to people who’ve worked ten to twelve hours a day just to stay afloat. If you did that here you could make plenty of money to live and have some left over. As far as owning a house goes,yes it’s expensive . I feel that homeownership in any country is relatively expensive. Here is a tip; use that soaring home prices to your advantage. Houses are expensive but you can make a lot of money buying and selling. I recommend putting together a buyers group and share the house for a few years, then sell at a profit, buy a bigger house or two smaller houses.try to buy the worst house in the best neighbourhood and fix it up slowly . That house could double in value in five or six years in the Toronto market. This is nothing new of course ,the people from India and China seem to do this a lot here ,it drives up prices and profits. On the downside to this ,you are now part of the problem. As the housing prices are driven up the non wealthy can no longer afford to own a house . They are at the mercy of high rents with no rewards of ownership. They are caught in a cycle of hard work and (relative)poverty. This could also be you if you can’t keep up the house payments and are forced to rent.\nHow well you speak English is important but your native language is also useful here because Canada is half immigrants . As a Canadian that speaks only english (Irish descent)I have to say to all newcomers that I’m very impressed that you have learned a new language and that you may even speak more than two! Don’t be embarrassed about your abilities . I find that in my experience , Canadians do not look down on people just because they don’t know English. In fact ,I’ve known people that have lived here for decades and still know very little English. They are comfortable in their communities and they function just fine. Learn as much English as suits your needs and be proud of any gains you make.\nOutside of Toronto are other cities that you might consider when looking at southern Ontario.From my experience,most are generally the same, just not as big . There are large immigrant communities in London Ontario, Hamilton and just outside of Toronto where housing is just a little bit less expensive but the commute to work is probably longer. This is just my opinion but in the small towns there are less people of colour , (which is what people of no colour call everyone else . I wonder if I’m called a person of no colour in some other culture ? LoL ). That might make it harder for you to feel integrated ,if that’s what you want. I’m not saying that people from other cultures can’t make it in a small town , I’m just saying that it’s definitely not Toronto . Here, people of any nationality can feel like they have a place where they can belong . It seems that no matter where you are from ,there is a community already here that’s set up restaurants and stores and clothing shops and newcomer support systems. And if your from Portugal or China or India or Africa or the Middle East, there are large groups of your kin here that have established roots for generations and you probably know this already.\nToronto means meeting place and that becomes evident quickly. I was born here and it’s one of the things I love the most about my city. I’m not going to say that there isn’t systemic racism here ,the people of no colour still kind of keep the top position , but as we become a minority in a decade or so ,I hope that will shift to a broader spectrum. It’s certainly happening already. One good thing is that the police department tries to hire people of colour so that racialism may play a smaller role. We’re getting used to seeing our politicians more and more reflect their constituents.\nI have to talk about the weather. Because I’m from here I’m used to the extremes of minus thirty and plus thirty . Eventually you get used to it (somewhat). Dressing in the right clothes is important. Summer is easy , but winter is different. It’s trying to kill you. Spend the most that you can afford on winter cloths . If you can afford a quality parka you should get one. The hood can be drawn around the face and stay out of the wind.\nIf not ,think of layers with a outer layer that blocks the wind. We have things called long Johns that are basically full length thick cotton or nylon pants that go on under your pants and a pair of extra thick socks. Buy your boots to fit your thick socks. Try to get the best boots you can afford ,it’s something that you might spend a little extra for but never regret.\nAll in all we are a fairly organized and peaceful society. Most people are friendly and will give you a chance . We have a good social safety net here and you don’t have to be homeless or starving if you don’t want to. There are people and organizations set up to help ,that truly try to get people back on their feet. It’s a good investment that pays off in ways that matter for the quality of life in a big city. I’m not putting my American neighbours down when I say they do things differently. They have their ways ,we have ours. This is just something that we do because we’re trying to learn how to help those that society has discarded or can’t find their place. Sure we have one or two areas where the homeless have pitched tents and we have some resources for them if they want. Unfortunately The mayor recently forced a small camp to move from a very visible place to more scattered locations. There were social workers involved as well as protesters trying to protect them. I didn’t like that happening and I want to see even more resources dedicated to them ,but on the other hand ,we are trying to avoid something like what happens on the streets when it’s just ignored. When I see YouTube videos of the streets of Philadelphia I’m extremely saddened. I thank the lucky stars that I was born in Toronto Canada.\nFor all it’s pollution and expense and crowds ,I think it’s a great place to do almost anything your heart desires . For every ugly building there is a beautiful park ,for every honked horn there is a birds call , for every cold and dark day there is beautiful sunny one around the corner.