I think we have all recently been made aware of a family that has been brought over from Africa. I will say, there is nothing nicer than seeing a family reunited. I am however, having a challenge with feeling happy for them.
A friend of mine is trying to bring her brother to Canada. They have been exhausting all their bank accounts, credit, etc. to get him here. Did you know that there is a $600 fee, just to apply to come over to Canada. So, they have now paid this fee several times, only to hear that they need more. Now they are told they might have a chance if they pay two years tuition up front. (Which by the way, will take them three months to get back if it doesn't go through). He has never been in trouble and has just been working odd jobs in Nigeria trying to make it. He wants the chance to come to this country as his sister and brother-in-law did, to make a better life for himself. He wants so bad to come, get an education, then go back to Nigeria and get a good job.
So, while the whole community has been supporting one family, who could not afford to come here. This one is stretching themselves to the limit, trying to get their family here, and paying for it no less. So, my question is, how is it fair that the public rallies for a family to come here for free. While no one will help a family to try and get their brother here, who is asking for anything but help?
Angela Henderson
Prince George
