Representing Canada the right way.

Paul and Kerem at Derby Reach Park.

We as Canadians have a lot to be proud of.  We live in a great country, which boasts freedoms, spectacular vistas, and incredible people.  We get to share the wonders of Canada with foreign students, who come here to study, learn English, and broaden their worldview.  It would be great to say that their hosts present to them all that Canada is, but unfortunately, that is not always true.  To some, they present a much darker picture of this wonderful place we call home.

Kerem, the boy on the right, is from Turkey; he is an international student who has come to Canada to learn about our ways and to get a good education.  He is currently staying with a homestay family that treats him as one of their own.  They do everything for him they did with their own children, and he feels the love and care they share.  My friend, Paul (left) was looking after him for respite purposes as his host family was away for the weekend.

Kerem arrived in Canada last year for his grade 10 year.  He wound up in one of the maritime provinces.  He did not have a good experience at all there.  In spite of the majesty of where he found himself, his host family did not take him to places where he could revel in one of the many things that makes our country so great.  They would not provide rides for him into town unless he paid them for the privilege, and offered only meager rations for food.  In short, he was a cash ticket to them and nothing more.

Each of us has the opportunity to be an ambassador for Canada when we meet others from another country.  It doesn't matter whether they come here or we go there.  The things we do, what we say, and the way we act all describe what Canadians are all about.  I am glad he has come here to BC and has met homestay caregivers that can truly show him why our country is so great.  It is sad though that his experience has been tainted by the selfish actions of others, who couldn't see the gift they could impart because of their greed.  Canada, we are better than that.

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