I came to Canada when I was 12 years old....

My mother and father immigrated from Taiwan to Canada with their 4 children. Mom worked as housekeeper; my father worked as a janitor. They raised their family while making minimum wages. They cooked every meal and lived simple. We were blessed with a country that welcomed us, where education was subsidized, healthcare was free and opportunities abound. I was surprised to find out that library books were free to borrow. We furnished our home with perfectly usable furnitures we’d pickup from curb side. It was easy life compared to where we had came from.
I believe while Canada is full of opportunities, it is the perspective of self-reliance I learned from my parents that allow me to benefit from the opportunities. I used to assume everyone had such perspective. Now I know it is not so. I think it is one important perspective I wish to share with those in need – equally as important as other social determinants of health.