Dear Editor,
Re: “See benefits of immigration,” Letters, Aug. 14.
An interesting letter from Emilie Henderson, wherein she expresses her pleasure at living in Richmond past, present and to the future.
However, Ms. Henderson never addresses the concerns that motivate those whose comments she classifies as ignorant.
Yes, immigrants have been coming to this country for decades and have enriched the cities, towns and neighbourhoods in which they have moved into.
Canadians have always welcomed those who were selected by our government to participate in all this great country has to offer, and the appreciation was returned many times over by grateful immigrants like myself, whose proudest day in this country was receiving my citizenship papers.
The causes of the outrage that is manifesting itself in the letters to the local papers, in which Ms. Henderson alludes, starts with the disappearance of our beloved neighbourhoods.
Sadly, anyone who walks the roads in Richmond will notice the complete chaos that has taken over, as perfectly livable houses are torn down, and the lawns, flowers and shrubbery go with them, to be replaced by construction sites, that are an eyesore, constant peace-destroying crashing and banging, trucks rolling up at all hours, and a city council that refused to see this as a problem.
It is surprising that Ms. Henderson hasn`t noticed this or if she has, it just doesn`t concern her.
Secondly, there is the very real concern of the “Chinese” signs, that, regardless of all the promises of education, etc., is getting worse; as a visit to Lansdowne Mall will readily attest.
Maybe Ms. Henderson doesn`t find this situation offensive, that those who cannot speak a Chinese dialect are having their city reduced in size, as these signs creep further down No. 3 Road and onto construction sites throughout the city.
Canada isn`t perfect and our country has made major mistakes; Internment of Canadians of Japanese descent and the Chinese head tax are examples, but our governments have apologized and offered compensation, which was eagerly accepted.
So here we are, with one of the greatest democracies in the world, renowned for our compassion, tolerance, inclusivity and equality for all.
We only expect immigrants to learn the language, integrate, embrace our culture and become proud Canadians.
Alan Halliday
Richmond
