Doctor in Training - Life as a PhD Student

“ We would not have been Canadians if we had turned our backs on them [Ugandan Asian refugees] ”  – Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Toronto Star , September 25, 1972 In the wake of another heartbreaking story surrounding a Syrian refugee family denied entry to Canada and their tragic deaths, we are reminded that Canada is no longer on the outskirts of the current refugee crisis. With more than 60 million refugees world wide , a number that surpasses the levels of displacement following the conclusion of the Second World War, the international community is left wondering how things have taken such a dramatic turn in the wrong direction. But, what has been Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria and the droves of refugees it has created? 10,000 refugees over 3 years. The Harper government has applauded themselves for this well publicized and humanitarian endeavour but how does this compare to Canada’s history? What have been our previ...

Here's the latest from the adventure from the archives series! I hope you enjoy taking a look :) What:  A welcoming guide for Ugandan Asian refugees Who: Secretary of State and the Citizenship Branch When: December 1st 1972 Where: Canada So what: Showcases exactly what the Canadian government wanted refugees to know regarding life in Canada. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between the several departments within the federal government and local NGOs, religious groups, and volunteers in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newly arrived refugees. Here are some very interesting excerpts from the document: page 1 click to zoom " In addition, Uganda Asian committees have been set up in larger cities to assist you with your adjustment to your new homeland. They include representative of government, community organizations and the Asian community in Canada. " The welcome brochure outlines specifically how there are several Ugand...

This latest update looks at a hilarious little document I found regarding the 'interesting' things Ugandan Asian refugees in Canada like to eat! What:  The 1st monthly newsletter sent to all Ugandan Asian settlement committees across Canada Who: : This report is from Sarnia's Food Subcommittee When:    December 7th 1972 Where:     Sarnia, Ontario So What:  Showcases how interested these committees were in helping out the refugee community in any way they could. Remember these were voluntary bodies that did receive some government funding which mainly paid for the facilities and secretarial staff. This is a reminder of how well settlement operations work when local communities (no matter how big or small), volunteer groups, and the government collaborate with each other. Click to zoom As always here are some of my comments and analysis on parts of the report: The best part by far in this newsletter is the underlining and emphasis on PLA...

Hey there blog world! Here is the latest post form the Adventures from the Archives Series . This time we'll be taking a look at the initial report regarding the settlement of those refugees that came to Canada by the end of November 1972 What: Report respecting to the Special Movement of Ugandan Asians Who: From the Director General Mr. M.G. Clark of the Foreign Service to Assistant Deputy Minister of Manpower and Immigration Mr. James Cross When: December 5th 1972 Where: Ottawa So What: The report outlines the early integration of Ugandan Asian refugees in terms of employment along with the interest of the Canadian government in recruiting some of the most enterprising and business savvy refugees. The report makes it quite clear that refugees were settled across the country.   The first page of the document outlines the basics of the operation in Uganda including how many visas were issued and the general operations on the ground in Kampala Uganda. The second page ...

Hello blog world! Here is the latest instalment of the adventures from the archives series. This week features an early press release after the initial expulsion period ended on November 3rd 1972. What:  Press release on Ugandan Asian refugees in Canada Who: Robert Andras (the new Minister for Manpower and Immigration after Bryce Mackasey) When: December 5th 1972 Where: Ottawa So what? The press release makes in quite clear that there was a considerable amount of assistance on the ground for resettling Ugandan Asian such as courses under the Canada Manpower Training Program and the 12 Ugandan Asian committees set up across Canada. Page 3 - Click to zoom Page 1 - Click to zoom Page 2 - Click to zoom Take a look at this short press release to get a sense of how Ugandan Asian refugees were initially adapting to Canadian society. Some highlights and statics from the press release are: " Nearly 50% of the 2,200 Ugandan Asians who registered for employment...

Hello blog world, Here is the latest segment of the adventure from the archives series. This week's article is a cabinet submission to Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau  two days before Canada announced their decision to send an immigration team to Kampala. I encourage you to read through the actual memorandum but as always I have included some highlights below :) What: Memorandum to the parliamentary cabinet Who: Bryce Mackasey - Minister of Manpower and Immigration When: August 22nd 1972 Where: Ottawa So what: The document makes it clear that there were several motives behind Canada's involvement in the resettlement of Ugandan Asian refugees. It also highlights the complications as to whether this was just an excellent opportunity to accept a large number of highly skilled individuals, to appease Britain's pressure to get involved, or the Canadian government acting on pure humanitarian intentions. Was is truly opportunism or humanitarianism? As you'...

Hello blog world,  Here is the latest instalment from the adventures from the archives series. I was fortunate enough to be granted access to personal correspondence between the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau . I had always wondered how close these two actually were especially considering how it has taken on a life of its own within the Ismaili community in Canada.  It turns out that they were actually very close friends. Beyond the fact that the Aga Khan was a honorary pallbearer  at Prime Minister Trudeau's funeral and that Justin Trudeau commonly refers to the Aga Khan as " Uncle Karim ", these letters showcased how they were indeed good friends. Their letters were often signed off with "in friendship". The photo that I have included was from a letter PM. Trudeau had sent to the Aga Khan congratulating him and his wife at the time Princess Salima on the birth of their first child Princess Zahra .  A photo of Princess Z...