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As a newcomer, you want to enjoy life in Canada without losing what is important to you. You will change as you adapt to Canada. However, you do not have to give up your personal or cultural identity. You may keep your cultural traditions, provided they are not harmful to Canada as a whole or to any individual Canadian.

Canadians understand that Canada is a land of many cultures. In part, this is because Canada is a country made up of many peoples. It has been said that Canada is a "nation of immigrants", because all Canadians -- except the First Peoples -- share common immigrant origins.

Immigration from Around the World
Not all immigrants came to Canada from Europe. Blacks came from Africa as slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. When slavery ended in Canada, Blacks came here to escape from slavery in the United States.
Asians also immigrated to Canada. Many of the Chinese and Japanese immigrants settled in British Columbia and other parts of western Canada.
After both World Wars, people came as refugees from Europe. More immigrants also came to Canada from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific Rim. All of these newcomers helped to build Canada's peacetime economy.
Canada's experience during and after World War II raised awareness of the needs of refugees and the need of families to be together. All of this has been reflected in Canada's immigration policies. Many people fleeing civil war, political unrest and natural disasters have come to Canada.
Today, Canada is home to immigrants from every part of the world. In 1992, people from more than 200 different countries came to Canada. The majority were Asians, Africans, South Americans and Central Americans. One out of every four people in Canada comes from an ethnic background other than English or French.

Canadian Values
Canada is a distinctive country. Our values and way of life influence every person who comes here to live. At the same time, newcomers influence Canada and our collective identity. We may have differences, but we share many important qualities that strengthen our society.
Optimism. Canada is a dynamic and democratic country. Canadians work to improve their lives and society. Some people face greater hardship than others, but most Canadians have faith and hope for the future.
Compromise and Cooperation. Most Canadians understand the value of compromise. In a country as large and diverse as Canada, people must be able to ignore small conflicts in order to live happily and peacefully.
Acceptance, Tolerance and Respect. Most people in Canada want fairness and justice for themselves and their families. And most are fair and just to others, no matter who they are or where they come from. Some people may tell you that there is no racism in Canada. Others may say that racism is a very serious problem. The truth lies somewhere between. Some Canadians may make you feel unwelcome. However, the majority of Canadians are fair-minded. They will accept and respect anyone who accepts and respects them.
Ambition and Perseverance. Canadians understand that effort and discipline are usually rewarded. Canada is an economically stable country. However, unemployment and poverty exist and can affect anyone. People who were born in Canada -- as well as newcomers -- compete for jobs and work hard to succeed.
Individualism. Canadians believe that each person is responsible for his or her own success or failure. Canadians let people live as they wish, as long as they do not limit how others live.
Civil responsibility. Canadians appreciate their rights and freedoms. Most also want to contribute to our society. As a newcomer you should be aware of your rights and your responsibilities. The right to participate in Canadian society implies an obligation to help it succeed.
For some newcomers, working together means controlling anger from past experiences. This may not seem easy if your native country or people have a history of conflicts with another region or group. However, Canadian laws protect your old enemies just as they protect you. All people in Canada have the right to be treated fairly. All people in Canada must respect the rights and freedoms of others.
You may want to stay in close contact with people from your home country, to be informed of events there, and to stay involved with your native culture and traditions. All of these things are important and encouraged.
However, you cannot use Canada as a base to support conflicts in your former country. If you are ever invited to join any group for such a purpose, think twice. These activities are not permitted -- by law and accepted moral standards.

THE HOST PROGRAM
One of the best ways to get settled in your community is to meet someone who lives there and can show you around. The Host Program may be able to help.
The Host Program introduces you to a Canadian. This person will help you learn about the Canadian way of life, including:
shopping for groceries and other items; registering your children for school; using local transportation; arranging television, phone and utility services; and becoming comfortable with English and French. Canadians who join the Host Program are caring volunteers. They enjoy helping others and understand the challenges of moving to a new country. They are proud of our country and culture, and they are interested in learning about yours.
Your Host Program volunteer will not provide you with living accommodations or money. However, he or she will be someone you can call or spend time with when you need advice or support.
The Host Program is a free service. To join, contact a local immigrant service agency.