I was truck driving when the “first international driver hires” came over the ocean in early 2000. It was a nice touch. Now, years and years later, it has become a little too much. Like, a way, way too much. Case in point, who are “they” always talking to on cell phones? Talking, talking, talking. While driving, in washrooms, fueling, in shops, stores, and the list goes on and on of their use of cell phones, ear buds, and headphones. (I am sure the motoring public will agree.) Good thing that cell phone plans have superior international rates.

Before being called a racist, I have been to 32 different countries in the world. Love to travel. I admire and appreciate it very much. My trucking income has been good to me and the family. We’re blessed to travel. With their highly populated countries, each person has to grab their limited space of land when they even go for a walk. Pushing/shoving is a way of life. I fully understand the culture differences.

However, there is one fact that is missing. As Canadians, we are told to “change” and I understand that we need to “change”. But here is the one fact that is missing from the immigrants. The new comers are not being expected, mentored, coached, advised, encouraged, or “required” to assimilate into our culture and/or our Canadian way of life. It’s totally missing. There would be a steep rise in our country’s acceptance if there was a governmental, educational, and work-related approach to requiring their assimilation in “our” culture. By “golly gee” , we would certainly be expected to assimilate into their culture if we emigrated over to “wherever”. Remember, I have travelled a tad here and there.

Krystyna, a beautiful column and very much appreciated. I am being very sincere. Although a bit “one-sided in scope”; all is good in the hood.

In closing, I wish you well and a Happy New Year. A timely article as 2024 is my retirement year next fall. After 50 years of handling commercial truck and bus equipment through Canada, and into the USA, Mexico, and Guatemala, I am done. Your article just convinced me even more. The DEI expectation is NOT helping in any way. Unless assimilation is expected from immigrants, DEI will continue to be received negatively from “already settled” Canadians.