SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 126

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 14, 2022 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 126 - Nov/14/22
Mr. Arif Virani (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.)
  • Nov/14/22 2:18:39 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr Speaker, in August of 1972, President Idi Amin ordered everyone of south Asian descent out of Uganda. Given 90 days to leave or face military internment, thousands suddenly became stateless, turning into an international call to accept these refugees. Canada answered that call. This was a huge step. Until that point, this country had never attempted to resettle a group of non-white, non-Christian people from outside of Europe. Among the 8,000 people who would settle here that fall were me, my sister, and my parents, a family like so many others that came here seeking one thing, safety. However, what we found was so much more. A cold climate, yes, but a warm and welcoming people who helped us settle and helped us integrate. Ugandan Asian refugees have emerged as leaders in business, the professions, even as parliamentarians, but all have made a point of giving back. On this 50th anniversary, I can only thank my mother and father for having the courage to cross the planet to start over, and this country, Canada, for giving my family and all Ugandan Asians not just safety but opportunity.
191 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border