What is it to be host? To welcome someone? Someone with a different background, culture, tradition, language and perspective? What would hospitality look like with a complete stranger? Can Canada reclaim it’s hospitality culture to immigrants and people from other cultures?

 I don't know about you, but the news in the world is overwhelming, scary and uncertain. With Trump's inhumane deportations in the south to the anti-immigrant rhetoric in Canada, there's only so much negative news that we can listen to. 

That's why it's time for some good news! In this engaging and uplifting and solo episode, Andrea will explore the remarkable journeys of immigrants in Canada who are carving out their new lives with resilience, determination and creativity.

Like sticking a band-aid on a broken bone, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slapped a large band-aid on a broken issue. On October 24^th, Trudeau cut Canada immigration levels by 20%. Does this have anything to do with the increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric coming from Canadian racism and the “Reclaiming Canada” movement? Yes. And it was the wrong move.

We all have accents, whether we realize it or not. And in Canada, those who come from outside the borders often are penalized and judged for the sound of their voice. Who we are can often get lost. But what if who we are saves us and keeps us pressing forward, empowering us to be proud and loud of a voice that is our own?

That’s what happened with our first guest of season two, Gurasis Singh - immigrant to Canada and founder of the ‘My Thick Accent’ podcast.

It's October and it's time to vote!! Starting in the Province of BC, Canadian Provincial elections are among us. And it is not without surprise that we are pro-voting!

What is the engagement at the polls for New Canadian voters? And what even are the political parties? Is the Green Party only about climate change? Which party reflects the majority of Canadians? What demographic of people do Conservatives want to provide tax cuts for? And can the Liberal Party keep their promises?

In a recent study, more than 50% of immigrants surveyed that they have little to some knowledge of the Canada's truth of the genocide and assimilation of Indigenous Peoples. As immigrants to Canada, we come with immense privileges in accessing community resources and government supports. But a big part is missing when we are not taught the truth and the reality that the Original People experienced and continue to experience in Canada. Becoming 'Canadian' is becoming an ally to Indigenous people.

Let's say your father is from Mexico. Your Mother is from Jamaica and you are raised in Scotland. You move to Canada to settle and make roots. But what do you root to? Your father's heritage? Your mother's? What about your Scottish upbringing? This is a Third Culture Kid.

How do you define yourself? Is it based on where you originated from? Your ancestors? Your race? In a colonial system, why must we have to defend who we are? Isn’t how we self-identify enough?