Editorial

From the Canadian Newcomer Family to your Family.

Whether or not our spouses, children, parents and siblings are here with us in Canada, still in their country of origin, or in some other part of the world, they are usually the most important and precious parts of our lives.

While it is true that “family” is more central to daily life in some cultures that it is in others, those family relationships are what form us, drive us to achieve our goals, and make our lives worth living – no matter where we come from or where we are going.

Global migration creates many pressures and worries for modern families.

The stresses of immigration – including unemployment, underemployment, homesickness and culture shock – can make life very difficult, especially for the first few years. Mumtaz Virani’s story “From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs” looks at how one family successfully met those challenges.

Throughout human history, raising children has always presented special challenges, but with 21st century health care keeping us alive and healthy for longer than ever before, many of us find ourselves looking after not only our children, but sometimes our parents and even grandparents. Sandra Fletcher’s article “Stuck in the Middle – the Story of the Sandwich Generation” looks at the diffi culties and the advantages, the fears and the joys of running a modern household.

But there are many good things about the times we live in as well. Keeping in touch with family ‘back home’ has never been easier or less expensive. New writer Lin Wang looks at “Four Modern Communication Tools for Immigrants”.

In this issue, you will find information on everything from how to do your taxes to how to buy a pet. You’ll find stories on how elderly immigrants have coped and thrived in their new culture, programs for youth, where to go for support in operating your family business, when to go back to work after having babies, practical suggestions for how to keep our children entertained and much more!

And we’re also pleased to introduce you to Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Jason Kenney.

Dale Sproule, Editor