Build bridges, not walls

Let's build bridges, not walls.

~ Martin Luther King Jr.

As the Canadian population has aged and fertility rates have declined below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, natural increase (births minus deaths) now accounts for less than one-third of the population growth.

Statistics Canada's most recent population projections forecast that the natural increase will continue to decline in future decades.

Without a sustained level of immigration, Canada's population growth could be close to zero within 20 years. Other Western nations have the same predicament.

If you were running the country, what would you do?

If you're thinking about planetary health, and you have an abundance mindset, you are probably inclined to import industrious people, share the wealth, and do whatever possible to encourage our youth to stay in the country.

We can increase their quality of life by addressing social determinants of health which include affordable housing and education, employment and working conditions and support for young families.

Yes, we have work to do on our immigration policies, but we have to focus less on building walls and more on building bridges. We can start by helping foreigners feel welcome.

Bring out the best in people

Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.

~ Randy Pausch

The potential for good and evil is within. With kindness and compassion we can bring out the best in people.

Being sensitive and having immigrated with my family to Canada in 1971, I know what it's like to feel unwelcome, to feel like an inconvenience, finding a need to apologize for taking up space.

Many immigrants have a strong work ethic and sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be in Canada, or whatever foreign nation they now call home.

It takes great courage to leave a country of origin. When we get to a foreign land, especially as children, we just long to fit in. We want to assimilate, to blend in with our peers. In my experience, we are less likely to have a sense of entitlement to hand-outs.

As we assimilate, it is natural to start questioning our religion and cultural practices and to start looking for common ground. With change, we may no longer feel at home with our family or outside of our home. We can feel like outliers.

Being a non-visible minority, I have occasionally heard comments like, there goes the neighbourhood when foreigners move in. I hold no grudge, for I, too, have said things I have come to regret. But, when I felt insecure, with a sense of guilt, I admit that comments like that had me exclude my relatives from milestone celebrations where they should have been included.

I'm not a victim. I have come to reframe unpleasant experiences as opportunities to learn.

My husband and I, have been able to choose the best of what his Canadian upbringing and my Portuguese heritage have to offer. It hasn't always been a walk in the park, but we are united in fostering the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren.

Our children are proud of their mixed ancestry. They have both come to channel the gifts of their talents and abilities, having the courage to reach wide audiences, fostering greater understanding, and promoting unity. They're working towards building bridges, not walls.

If so inclined, check the following links to see what they're up to: PopCross Studios and upwitherica.