The Honourable Donald H. Oliver, Q.C.

Senator, the Senate of Canada

at

the Grand Opening of the

Centre of Integration of African Immigrants

July 23rd, 2009

New Westminster, British Columbia

Good afternoon ... I am delighted to be here today for the official Grand Opening of the Centre of Integration of African Immigrants' new location. 

I thank Senator Yonah Martin, my new colleague in the Senate of Canada, for her kind invitation to attend this event.  I also thank the CIAI for giving me this opportunity to speak with you today.

I will speak to you about how you, as newcomers to Canada, can contribute to our country's ever-changing society, and what tools you need to successfully integrate into Canada's workforce.

But first I would like to say a few words about the importance of a community centre such as the CIAI and why the services it offers are essential to the successful integration of immigrants in Canadian society.

          In Canada, and in other countries around the world, large cities are confronted with rapid changes in their population.  The integration of immigrants into the social embroidery of the host-city is not a natural process.  It takes work and dedication.

          Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, are the bedrock of Diversity and integration.  As Professor Brian Ray writes: "These cities are where the cultural diversity of today's newcomers, as well as the challenges of living together as a community, are brought together in neighbourhoods that are truly multiethnic rather than homogeneous urban villages."  He adds that "to achieve an inclusive society, research indicates that structures supporting aspirations and upward mobility are fundamental."

          The CIAI is such a structure!

          A community centre like the CIAI is a crucible of integration.

The Centre of Integration for African Immigrants serves to bridge the gap between African and Afro-Caribbean communities and the Canadian society.  The CIAI has been doing tremendous work in that area since its foundation in 2001.

The CIAI is there to help newcomers to Canada better settle into their new communities.  It contributes to breaking down barriers that both immigrants and Africans are faced with.  It offers job readiness programs, social opportunities, and educational sessions for members of both the African and Afro-Caribbean communities.  It strives to provide a pleasant and professional environment where immigrants feel welcomed and included.

The CIAI provides both young and old Blacks with an exceptional open forum where they can discuss with their peers the concerns they face living in our Canadian society, their common heritage, as well as their life and career aspirations.  The Centre gives you the opportunity to learn from others who have been through similar situations and have overcome adversity.  It helps Blacks find jobs and integrate their new community.

The new state-of-the-art facility where we are presently will help the CIAI better offer its various programs to members of the African Diaspora in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.  This 8,500 square foot building includes a 3,000 square foot multi-purpose room including a commercial kitchen, as well as 4 classrooms, 2 computer labs, 1 resource room and various private counselling and meeting rooms.  The CIAI is now well-equipped to serve its clientele.

Since its foundation, the CIAI has successfully provided employment services to African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants.  Some of the many initiatives that have been organized by the centre over the years include:

•-      job search workshops

•-      essential skills workshops

•-      summer student jobs programs

•-      job finding assistance for youth; and

•-      skills upgrading for new immigrants and refugees

The Centre has also been organizing programs in local schools to educate Canadian students about Black history.  It has also coordinated various cultural awareness programs for immigrants which showcased multicultural activities and events, such as intergenerational drumming circles.  The CIAI has also been offering outreach services to seniors who are immigrants by helping them integrate into society and avoid isolation.

As you can see, the centre is, as I said earlier, a solid support structure for new immigrants to Canada - helping you access jobs, integrate Canadian society and play an active role in your community.

Integration, in the broader sense of the word, is the process by which immigrants become accepted into society, both as individuals and as groups.  The success of integration is a responsibility shared among more than one particular group.  It rests upon the shoulders of immigrants themselves, the host government, institutions, communities, corporations, and so on.  These many different entities (bodies) must engage in a sustained mutual interaction. But the first step to greater integration must start with you.

To be successful in fully integrating Canadian society, you need to look at yourself in the mirror.  Acknowledge your differences and the value of your Diversity. And understand the power and the privilege that Diversity has in Canadian society and in the workplace.

At this time, I would like to share with you a few lessons I have been taught over the years, and that I have tried to live by.  These lessons have been the cornerstone of my life - they have guided me throughout different stages of my life: as a child, law student, lawyer, businessman, senator and social activist.  I believe that these "life principle" can guide you in your quest for greater social integration.

          While the CIAI can open doors for you and expose you to a window of opportunities, the journey must begin with you.

First - never stop learning. Be curious.  Seek new knowledge.  Education is by far one of the most powerful forces that the individual has in navigating through the course of his/her life.  Whether you are a newcomer to Canada or a 2^nd or 3^rd generation African-Canadian, education is key in the marketplace.  And it is crucial in the promotion and development of rational thought and critical analysis.

Your education and all the knowledge you have acquired is one of the most important tools that you will use in your life.  It will make it easier for you to be an active member of Canada's workforce.

          Secondly, understand the power, and the privilege of your ethnicity.

Living in the Vancouver area, most of you know first-hand that Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world.  For example, the results of the 2006 Census, released by Statistics Canada just last April, show that more than 200 different ethnic groups now call Canada home and that more than 200 languages are now spoken in Canada.  The Census further revealed that 83.9 percent of the immigrants who arrived in Canada between 2001 and 2006 were born in regions other than Europe - a dramatic departure from the immigration patterns of just three decades ago. 

          Even more telling, more than five million Canadians now make up Canada's visible minority population, representing 16.2 percent of the total population in Canada.  And the rate of growth for the visible minority population between 2001 and 2006 was 27.2 percent - five times faster than the 5.4 percent increase for the population as a whole.

          If current immigration trends continue, Canada's visible minority population will continue to grow much more quickly than the non-visible minority population. According to population projections, members of visible minority groups could account for roughly one-fifth of the total population by 2017. 

In today's global marketplace, Canadian companies have an upper-hand on many other countries because of the number of immigrants from around the world who have made Canada their home. 

Your cultural and ethnic backgrounds bring a wealth of advantages to businesses, universities and organizations.  Nowadays, companies have jumped on the bandwagon of Diversity.  Your African ethnicity is a valuable commodity for corporations - it is really a very powerful asset.  Today's global economy makes it fundamental for companies to have in-house individuals who speak the language and understand the culture of their international clientele.  With a diverse workforce, companies are more efficient when developing and marketing its products and services.  You have the power and the privilege of making your workplace more competitive on the global market - all because of your cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

As Visible minorities, your role is to recognize what you bring to the table.  Some may argue that being Black hinders your access to jobs.  Others like myself and many in this room today, understand (acknowledge / know) that your ethnic background is a valuable asset.  Do not hide behind it. Be proud of your heritage and share it with others.

In doing so, you teach others about yourself and your culture.  This gives birth to Diversity and tolerance.  It is the best way of achieving inclusiveness and equality.  And these two characteristics are key qualities of strong nations, inclusive workforces and united communities.

          Once you have embraced your heritage - and your individuality - you need to be confident.  Stand tall and stand proud. Believe in yourself and be comfortable with who you are.  It is important for you to follow your own lead and be confident in the choices you make and the goals you set. 

But don't be reluctant to seek the advice and the view points of your friends and family when you need to make important decisions.  For instance, when you come to the CIAI, ask the centre's personnel for their professional opinions and wise counsel.  The Centre's friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you.  To help you find employment.  And to help you facilitate your social integration.

          Take advantage of it!

          This brings me to another lesson that I was taught early in life - be courageous.  Never refuse a challenge and always be courageous enough to ask tough questions.  You should never hesitate to ask any burning question that you may have, regardless of where you are and who you are with.

You must also have the courage to be wrong.  Great leaders are such because they are courageous.  They are willing to be wrong and they are willing to take on the responsibilities of leadership.

          If you, yourself, are the only person that you ever lead, do so with courage.  Not everyone was born to lead a country, a corporation or an organization.  But you are responsible for your own self-governance.  To do so successfully, one must be courageous.  Courage is an admirable quality that will help you go far in life.  Take risks.  Accept challenges.  And lead your life courageously.

          The last lesson I will share with you today is the importance of having a well-executed plan.  This is crucial to your success and to your integration into Canadian society.  When using the services offered by the CIAI, make sure to come prepared and to know what you want and where you want to go. 

          It is often said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  This is a bit of a cliché, but it is the truth.  The Centre is here to help you execute your plan and to achieve your goals, as long as you have a well-thought out plan.

But never forget that nothing will ever happen if you don't execute this plan.  Once you have pictured yourself as you dream it, do not let anyone tell you that your goal is unachievable.  If you set your mind to it, you can achieve it. 

I truly believe that Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world.  The situation may not be perfect, but our fight for racial equality has made important strides forward.  Imagine - our neighbours to the south have elected an African-American president.  President Obama's victory alone has had an immense impact all over the world in helping advance the cause of Blacks everywhere.

His victory has sent a strong message of hope and inspiration.  And the world heard it loud and clear: "Dream big because nothing is out of your reach."  As newcomers to Canada, there are endless possibilities before you.  Set yourself an objective, stick to it and surround yourself with the right people.  This is your winning combination for a successful integration into Canada's society.  And the CIAI is your support system - it is here to help you achieve this goal and to guide you through it.

But you must start with yourself -believe in your abilities.  Be confident and trust your judgement.  I believe that if you equip yourself with the right tools - an education, courage, organizational skills and confidence - and if you have a plan ready to be executed, you will more easily integrate your new environment.  You have the ability to write your own success story - together with the CIAI.

I would like to end my remarks today with a quote by President Obama taken from a speech he gave in Ghana a few weeks ago.  He said:

"In my country, African Americans - including so many recent immigrants - have thrived in every sector of society. We've done so despite a difficult past, and we've drawn strength from our African heritage. With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams..."

    With the programs and services that the CIAI provides, I am confident that you can also thrive in your life's work, find a good job and successfully integrate in your new home country that is Canada.