Kelvin Goertzen

The MLA for Steinbach says immigrants are enriching the lives of long time residents of southeastern Manitoba in many ways. Kelvin Goertzen says we often hear about the economic benefits of immigration. But he adds newcomers have helped him to expand his horizons in other ways.

"We do sometimes focus on the economic aspect and that is important. We sometimes focus on the growth aspect and that's important. But what's lost in that, sometimes, is the value that it (immigration) brings to us as a community. I know, personally, I've had the great opportunity to become friends with people who have come from the Philippines or from Columbia and other parts of the world. That's really benefitted me because it's opened my eyes to different issues that are happening around the world and how people from different parts of the world view things."

Goertzen adds he can also see the positive impact of immigrants on his son which is a big improvement from when he was growing up.

"If I wanted to see the world, I had to get on an airplane and travel to the world. Now the world has travelled to Steinbach. When my son comes home from school, and tells me about his friends from all the different parts of the world, I can tell that is having a positive impact on him. I think it's wonderful from that perspective."