Is NRI, new immigrant happy to be in Canada?

 

Toronto, Oct. 30, 2007
Tejpal Brar/Gary Singh, LA

Most of the NRIs, new immigrants say Canada has lived up to their expectations, saying freedom, rights, security and prospects for the future are among the things they most like about their new country.

More than 80% said, they were pleased with their decision to come Canada. Most of the qualified new immigrants have the difficulty to finding an adequate job.

Most difficult part for qualified NRIs, cited when seeking employment, lack of Canadian work experience was mentioned most often, followed by lack of contacts in the job market, lack of recognition of foreign experience and qualifications, followed by language barriers.

One young guy from Canad wrote: Hi I am not an immigrant. I was born in Canada. My parents immigrated from Italy in the 50s. Many of my friends are new immigrants from India, Pakistan and Japan. The most unfortunate thing I've found is people who have huge expectations and are extremely disappointed when they actually live here...

Another person response to above paragraph:

Just tell him (Mr. ???) that you you are in Canada now.

Ask him to differentiate between life of Italy, Canada, India & Bangladesh.

Ask him to differentiate between the countries in the point of social security.

Ask him to compare about GDP and Income per annum.

Now we have example of police officer who has degree in India but he is so happy on our telephone conversation:

Tejpal BRAR, the Ist Sikh police officer in Durham Regional Police , Ontario, Canada from a Sikh family was born and raised in a small but well known village Bhinderan near Moga, Punjab, India. 1st Punjabi, Sikh and turbaned police officer Tej Brar joined the Durham Regional Police in April, 2005.

Tejpal passed his primary education from Govt. Primary School Bhinder Kalan and continued for high school in Moga at Bhupindera Khalsa Senior Secondry School Moga (1980-1987) and achieved second position in Moga district. His parents are retired school teacher and his father Lachhman Singh Brar always motivated him for best in studies. Following the footsteps of elder brother Dr. Jaipal Singh ( Ph.D) Tejpal also joined Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, College of Agriculture and achieved scholarship during his entire B.Sc.Agri.(Hons.) and fellowship in M.Sc. studies from 1987 to 1995. During his time in university Tejpal was state level Yoga Champion and achieved the highest award of the university 'Roll of Honour' in 1995. Tejpal was also best mono-actor, best 20km walker, poet, stage actor and also acted a TV artist role of traditional villager "Jaila" in TV serial "Khund Chacha" for three years that was telecasted from Jalandhar Doordarshan. Tejpal represented Punjab state at national level events in Karnataka, Orrisa, Himachal Pardesh, Hariyana, Rajasthan, Uttar pardesh, West Bengal and Madhiya Pardesh provinces of India and represented Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana 16 times in different All India Inter University level competitions in India.While a student in M.Sc, Tejpal migrated to Canada in Jan.1996 after his marriage and he is always encouraged by his wife and two children Gurnoor Singh Brar and Jessica Kaur Brar. Life is struggle for the first few years in Canada and like every one else Tejpal worked long hours in factories, drove tractor/trailer and worked as a real estate agent before achieving his goal.

Tejpal mentioned that, I myself became interested in the police when I was a teenager. I fully understand how difficult it is for the Sikh officer who wish to pursue a career in the police service. The unsociable hours, the dangers of the work itself - all these aspects of the job are very important factors within the Asian culture.

It wasn't until 2005 at the age of 33 I eventually made a move and joined the Durham Regional Police. I knew this was definitely the job for me. This was one of the happiest days of my life, it was like a dream come true. I was finally given the chance to do what I always wanted..

I was posted to a City of Pickering/Ajax where the majority of population is white. I was the only Sikh officer in the region, from day one I got on very well with everyone including supervisors and even up to this day, I have never yet come across one single person who has treated me different than anyone else. Racial abuse that I was expecting never ever came to me neither from great professional officers of the Durham Regional Police nor from the civilized citizens of the region. This has been very important and has helped me progress tremendously with my chosen career.

The Asian culture is slowly coming to terms with accepting that the Police Forces around the country are trying their best to encourage Asian and Black people to join. But that is all they can do - the rest is up to you.
Finally I would like to say thanks to Durham Regional Police who have not only given me a worthwhile job, but also made me a better person than I was. I am now more confident, professional, able to make my own decisions and organize my workload. I feel I can handle everything. My only regret is that I didn't join few years earlier.

Tejpal transferred to Peel Regional Police in April 2007, more closer to the residence and is now serving the community in the City of Brampton and Mississauga.

Tejpal Brar