My Perspective on Multiculturalism........

Canadian Shaanxi Association 2026/Jan.22nd

By Li Li

I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would immigrate to Canada at my age. After retiring, I was living a quiet life in the ancient city of Xi'an. However, in 2010, my daughter immigrated to Canada and invited us to join her through family reunification.  My husband and I came to Toronto, Canada. Over these fifteen years of immigrant life, countless little stories have woven together the rich tapestry of my immigrant experience.

Upon first arriving in Canada, the breathtaking scenery of this foreign land filled me with excitement. Walking through the neighborhood park, surrounded by such tranquility, felt like a rare treat compared to the bustling crowds back home. Gazing at the azure sky dotted with fluffy white clouds floating on the horizon, they seemed so close. Breathing in the fresh air, the faint scent of grass, it was utterly refreshing. I instantly fell in love with Canada.

In the community park, I met elderly Chinese friends participating in neighborhood activities. Most of these seniors had been immigrants for many years. They were warm and welcoming, and we quickly became close friends who could talk about anything. Especially our friends from northern Shaanxi, Mr. and Mrs. An Wensheng, introduced us to the Shaanxi Association. From then on, we had an organization to belong to, and we joined together to participate in various events across Canada. Every summer, we attend the Shaanxi Association's summer reunion, and every Chinese New Year, we join the Spring Festival Gala organized by the association. Suddenly, all my worries about loneliness and boredom in Canada vanished. Last summer, the association organized a large-scale food festival in the park. Our president, Zhou Zhijun, a warm-hearted middle-aged man, and the volunteers had carefully selected the location and set up the venue in advance. The event kicked off amidst the thunderous beats of Anse waist drums. After the opening speeches, everyone showcased their culinary skills, laying out rows upon rows of delicious dishes. Shaanxi snacks were everywhere homemade liangpi noodles and roujiamo stuffed buns rivaled those from restaurants back home. For two hours, we feasted and chatted, the event also featured a raffle, and the cultural performances drew waves of applause. Everyone's faces radiated contentment and happiness. We played until five in the afternoon before reluctantly leaving the park.

Life in Canada is rich and diverse, yet it has truly brought home the profound longing for one's homeland that an expatriate feels in a foreign land. Looking back to the autumn of 2012, Zhongshan City in Guangdong Province and Markham City in Toronto held a friendship event at Markham Square. At that time, Zhongshan City sent a handcrafted Chinese dragon measuring 5,560 meters in length, requiring over 3,000 volunteers to participate in the dragon dance. When we arrived, Markham Square was already packed with people. The enormous dragon wound its way across the entire plaza, with over 3,000 volunteers standing at the ready in their designated positions. The scene was majestic and awe-inspiring. The mayors of Markham and Zhongshan attended the event. As the powerful song “My Chinese Heart” filled the plaza: “Mountains and rivers only appear in my dreams, my homeland I haven't seen for years, but no matter what, it can't change my Chinese heart...” ... I often hear this song back home, yet here in a foreign land, my heart was profoundly moved. Seeing those around me equally stirred to tears, I fully grasped the unbreakable bond of homesickness that binds overseas Chinese to their motherland, no matter the distance. Then the dragon dance began. Under unified commands, over 3,000 volunteers simultaneously manipulated this 5,000-meter-long dragon for a full ten minutes, bringing the event to its climax. This performance set the Guinness World Record for the longest Chinese dragon dance, and the scene remains vivid in my memory even now.

Canada is a diverse nation where people from all corners of the world and various ethnic backgrounds reside. However, truly adapting to life here remains quite challenging, especially for us seniors. Language poses a significant barrier. Fortunately, the Canadian government offers numerous English classes for new immigrants. My husband and I both enrolled in these courses, striving to overcome the language barrier and integrate into life here. We also frequently participate in various social activities to fully experience Canadian life. One event that left a deep impression was the opening ceremony for our neighborhood's new park. The Mayor of Richmond Hill was invited to cut the ribbon. He was approachable and friendly, even joining everyone in playing games. This kind of integration into everyday life by Canadian officials stands in stark contrast to the image of Chinese government officials, who are cautious in their movements and surrounded by a large entourage.

Another memorable occasion was when my husband and I attended a community council candidate's campaign speech. The candidate, a capable young man in his thirties, outlined his practical policy proposals, explained how he would improve community services, and concluded by asking residents for suggestions on neighborhood life. I immediately proposed adding a new BlueViva bus stop at the intersection of Yonge and Jefferson. He carefully noted our suggestion and assured us he would relay it to the relevant department. Shortly afterward, we received a letter from VIVA. They acknowledged our proposal and provided a detailed explanation of their findings: they had monitored ridership at the suggested location for a week and recorded only a few dozen passengers daily. They explained that adding a stop requires at least 100 daily passengers, as lower numbers would increase operational costs. They apologized, stating they couldn't add a stop at this time. Although the young man didn't win the election and our VIVA stop wasn't added, their earnest approach to handling public suggestions—providing thorough explanations even when unable to accommodate them—stands in stark contrast to how public feedback is typically handled in China.

Of course, different national circumstances bring distinct cultural lifestyles. I feel fortunate to have immigrated to Canada from China in my later years, experiencing a completely different cultural atmosphere with its joys and concerns. Adaptation, of course, involved a process of adjustment. While Canada is a multicultural nation, I've come to appreciate firsthand how meticulously the Canadian government cares for immigrants. Its commitment to equality and inclusivity across all ethnicities is truly commendable.