Transcripts for Canada: Day 1

Transcript: Day 1, Video 1

Canada: Day 1 reflects the varied experiences of newcomers to Canada. It presents first-hand accounts of uncertainty, fear, excitement and hope— the mixture of emotions that can surround a newcomer’s arrival in Canada, from Confederation in 1867 to the present.

As you explore Canada: Day 1, perhaps you will be reminded of family and friends who have made a similar journey to Canada.

It may be that through someone else’s story you recognize your own.

Transcript: Day 1, Video 2

British immigrant children arrive at Saint John, New Brunswick. Between 1868 and 1924, 80,000–100,000 poor or orphaned children arrived in Canada as Home Children from Britain. Those pictured were the first to arrive in Canada after the First World War.

Transcript: Day 1, Video 3

Two young Kosovar refugees following their arrival at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, May 6, 1999. The two boys were part of a flight of 267 refugees fleeing the war-torn Yugoslavian province of Kosovo.

Transcript: Arrival, Video 1

For some, leaving home is bittersweet and painful. For others, it means hope and opportunity. It starts with goodbye—goodbye to all that is familiar as you prepare for the reality of a new land, a new culture, a new language and a new life.

Last photo taken of the three Bouphaphanh families together in Vientiane, Laos in 1977. The following year, 1978, Chairuth Bouphaphanh and his family fled to Thailand and then came to Canada as refugees.

Transcript: Arrival, Video 2

Immigrants to be deported, Québec City, 1912. Canada’s immigration policy at this time considered some immigrants “undesirable” based on disability, political views, on racial, ethnic or religious affiliation, or on geographical origin.

At different times, particular nationalities, ethnicities, religions or types of workers were considered to be preferred immigrants. After the Second World War, Canada’s immigration policies reflected greater awareness of the concept of universal human rights. While Canada’s immigration policies still restrict who may or may not immigrate, discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or gender has been eliminated.

Transcript: Encounters, Video 1

The experience of coming to Canada is shaped by encounters. Some are memorable while others pass without notice. When in between places, the world may seem like it’s full of strangers.

Transcript: Encounters, Video 2

Some encounters will make you smile while others will bring you to tears. These moments shape your early impressions of Canada.

Colorado settlers arriving by special train in Bassano, Alberta. Photograph published in the Calgary Daily Herald, March 12, 1914.

Transcript: Finding your way

The process of settling in and establishing a life in Canada can be disorienting. A simple task such as buying food might be wondrous or confusing. Familiar foods might be scarce.

Slowly, you try to find your way, with a little help from strangers, family and friends.

Transcript: Conclusion

Settling into a new country means a chance to experience different activities and traditions.