A better future for refugees

Many Canadians realize how great life can be in Canada, but some refugees say it is a struggle with hardships paving the way to a better future.  

The Immigration Act of 1976 gave refugees a distinct status for those fleeing poverty, war, gangs, persecution and other types of hardships. The act defined refugees as their own immigrant class apart from other migrants. Canadian churches were some of the many groups aiding newcomers arriving as refugees. During the Chilean regime coup of 1973-1974, an estimated 9,000 to 20,000 Chileans applied for Canadian refugee status. 

Joana Valenzuela, 70, and Rodolfo Valenzuela, 83, sought refuge in Canada in the mid 1970s. Born in Nicaragua, they brought along their six children to Sarnia, Ontario, from Managua, in Nicaragua. A bloody civil war had destroyed their way of living. They were sponsored by a local Sarnia Catholic church, whose parishioners provided housing and necessities. 

“I was scared at first but soon eased into the Canadian lifestyle,” said Joana Valenzuela.  

Now, their family has been here for 20 years and they have started the next generation of Hispanic Canadians themselves. 

“I’m glad to call Canada my home,” said her husband. 

One of the many other newcomers settling into Canada is Rose Patino, 50, also a refugee from Nicaragua. Fleeing from poverty and war, she had to say difficult good-byes. One especially was to her older sister, who was not able to travel with her to Canada. 

“It was very heart-wrenching to say bye to everyone,” said Patino. “I have a better life here. Back home, you do not get the same opportunities.”  

 She has been living in Canada for 15 years and said she has overcome many milestones like learning English. 

“Migrating to a new country is an enduring process, it has greatly changed over the last 50 years. Canada is one of the leaders amongst the global nations for refugee haven,” said Valenzuela. 

Most recently, Canada has led the world in welcoming the refugees from the Syrian conflict in the early 21st century. For more information, please visit: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-0002-application-canadian-citizenship-under-subsection-5-1-adults-18-years-older.html