Honourable colleagues, I rise again to speak, ignoring the advice of my former seatmate — former Senator Braley, may he rest in peace. He said, “Don’t speak too often. People will get used to the sound of your voice.” I’m ignoring that advice today.

Honourable senators, I rise today to speak as the critic of Bill S-215, An Act respecting national immigration month.

I would like to begin by commending Senator Gerba for her efforts as the bill’s sponsor and for her ongoing commitment to making Canada a more inclusive place for all. Senator Gerba’s own journey is a testament to the positive impact of immigration.

Bill S-215 seeks to designate the month of November each year as a national immigration month across Canada, allowing us to formally recognize and celebrate the significant contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make in shaping Canada’s society, culture, economy and overall strength.

Honourable senators, we are living in increasingly challenging and divisive times. The public sentiment around immigration is more negative today than I have witnessed in nearly five decades of living in Canada. That is why now, more than ever, it is important to remind ourselves that Canada is a nation built by immigrants and that immigration has shaped the fabric of our society.

Immigration, when managed responsibly, is a driving force for economic growth and innovation. It addresses labour shortages, contributes to the development of our industries and enhances our competitiveness on the global stage.

Honourable senators, my love affair with Canada began long before I set foot on Canadian soil. As a young girl in the Catholic boarding school Convent of Jesus and Mary in northern Pakistan, my world was often confined to the school grounds. But occasionally, our teachers would bring in documentaries, and suddenly our classroom would transform into a window to the world.

Out of all the countries in the world, it was always the documentaries about Canada — supplied by the Canadian embassy to our school — that ignited my imagination. Canada called to me. I promised myself I would visit one day.

My dream became a reality in 1980. In fact, just recently, I found myself standing beneath the same northern lights that had fascinated me as a child. When I stared up at the sky, I was overwhelmed with emotion for the journey that brought me here.

However, it is important to acknowledge that not all immigrants come primarily for economic reasons. I arrived in Canada as a bride. My husband had promised my father that we would return to Pakistan soon after, but life had other plans. The Russians invaded Afghanistan, and my hometown of Peshawar, the closest to the Afghan border, suddenly became unsafe. The war in Afghanistan crossed the border, and the streets and homes in my beloved Peshawar, known as the city of flowers, were suddenly filled with bloodshed. Peshawar became the epicentre of violence and terror.

Then came the martial law imposed by General Zia. The atmosphere became increasingly difficult and stifling for women and girls, with the rise of an ultra-conservative religious element. After much discussion, my husband and I decided that we did not want to raise our daughters in an environment where they wouldn’t flourish and thrive. By then, Canada had become home, and I realized, having lived here, I couldn’t live anywhere else.

Honourable senators, my story is just one among millions of immigrants who have been welcomed into Canada and who, in turn, contribute to its prosperity and cultural richness. Canada offers a society built upon the values of diversity, equality and opportunity, providing a safe haven for individuals to pursue a better life. The opportunities here are boundless, and the values of inclusion and respect empower each of us to thrive and contribute to the broader community.

As a Toronto senator, I am profoundly proud of my city. Toronto isn’t just diverse; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of inclusion. Imagine walking down any street in our city: Every other person you meet has a story that began in another part of the world. Nearly half of Toronto’s population was born in another country, bringing with them a wealth of experiences, traditions, languages and perspectives.

Toronto’s diversity isn’t merely a statistic; it fuels our innovation, enriches our culture and strengthens our community. You can taste it in our restaurants, hear it in our music and see it in the faces of our neighbours and friends. But what truly sets Toronto and, indeed, all of Canada apart is not just the presence of diversity but how we embrace it. I was reminded of this every time my mother would visit me from abroad. She referred to Canada as “home.” She would visit my brother in the States and tell me about how safe she felt when she came to Canada. This was not just because of the politeness she encountered; it was the genuine warmth that made her feel that she belonged here, even as a visitor.

Honourable senators, designating November as national immigration month allows us to do the following: Celebrate the achievements and contributions of immigrants who have chosen Canada as their home, acknowledging how their hard work and dedication have enriched our economy and communities; educate current and future generations about the significant role that immigration has played in building our nation, emphasizing the importance of orderly and effective immigration policies that serve the interests of all Canadians; promote understanding, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of Canada, while reinforcing the shared values and principles that unite us as a nation; and strengthen the bonds of unity among all Canadians by highlighting the common goals and aspirations we share, regardless of our backgrounds.

Honourable senators, for immigration to work well, effective integration of newcomers is essential. It is important that we support initiatives that help immigrants learn our official languages, understand Canadian culture and participate fully in society. This not only benefits the newcomers but also enriches our communities. It is also important to remind ourselves that integration is a two-way street. While newcomers must make efforts to adapt to their new home, we as a host society must also be open and supportive. This mutual responsibility strengthens our social fabric and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Honourable senators, I support Bill S-215, and I encourage you to do so as well. By designating the month of November as national immigration month, we have the opportunity to reclaim and refocus the narrative surrounding immigration. Let us ensure that Canada remains a place where dreams can become a reality and where people of all ethnicities and backgrounds can feel at home.

Thank you.