Steinbach residents celebrate Canada as a welcoming country with many freedoms

Canada Day is a time to celebrate our country and there are many events across the Southeast. 

For Steinbach resident Johanna White, she appreciates our country throughout the year, always remembering her roots while embracing life in Canada. 

“I was born in the Netherlands, Geertruidenberg,” White says as she tells her story of becoming a Canadian. “We came to Canada via the Grote Beer, a ship, in 1959 with my parents (Theo and Anna de Boer) and three brothers. There were the natural difficulties regarding language. Mom and Dad had taken some English lessons prior to coming.” 

She says her family came to Canada in search of a better life. 

“Dad found Holland to be too crowded and wanted adventure,” says White. “Mom had three sons and having had experienced the war; she did not want them to have to go into military service.” 

The family noticed many differences between the two countries and there was determination to fit in with those around them, to feel a sense of belonging in their new home. Learning the language was key, she recalls. 

“As children, we picked up the language very quickly,” White says. “Mom insisted we speak English at home so that she could learn from us. She also learned from Mr. Dressup.” 

Over the years, White has travelled across the country, taking in the scenery and meeting up with family and friends in various provinces. 

“Canada is a great country! I am so very proud to be Canadian,” she says. “We can speak freely, love freely, worship freely and travel freely. As a Canadian tourist you are welcomed around the world. Well, in most places. And the scenery in Canada is breathtaking and diverse. So many unique experiences to be had within this amazing country. The multitude of ethnic experiences lets us enjoy so many different foods and traditions.” 

As she prepares to celebrate Canada Day in her neighbourhood, White reflects on what being Canadian means to her. 

“I'm the luckiest person alive,” she says. “Thanks Mom and Dad for your sacrifices so that I can enjoy such an amazing life.” 

Isabel Ramirez also expresses strong appreciation for Canada and is working hard to obtain permanent resident status.

Isabel Ramirez looks forward to becoming a Canadian citizen. Her husband, Neil George, says the friendly and kind people in Canada make this a great country to call home. (Photo Submitted)

She says there are more opportunities for her in Canada than in her home country of Colombia. 

During her travels throughout Manitoba and other provinces, Ramirez says she has encountered so many friendly Canadians. 

One thing that stands out for Ramirez is that people are very accepting of one another, regardless of language or colour of skin. 

Ramirez is married to Steinbach resident Neil George. He came to Canada as a child, moving from England with his family. 

George is a Canadian military veteran and has done a lot of travelling. He says Canada is the best place to call home because of the kind and compassionate people. 

While the couple enjoys travelling, they are quick to point out that Steinbach is home and they always appreciate returning to their friendly neighbourhood. 

Ramirez hopes to make Canada her permanent home and works diligently at improving her English. She is becoming more fluent and says English is a hard language to learn. 

Even with lengthy process of becoming a Canadian citizen, as well as the language challenges and adapting to cold, snowy winters, Ramirez is confident it will be worth it. 

She says spending July 1st in Canada allows her to see how patriotic Canadians are, and the widespread love people have for their country. 

Ramirez and George plan to celebrate Canada Day in Steinbach, watching fireworks at the soccer park in the evening.