Latest news with #multiculturalism
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saleh family: 'We left Canada to protect our kids, but we'll always be Canadian'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. As Canada Day approaches, many Canadians are reflecting on what it means to belong to this country, particularly in an era so marked by economic anxiety and political disillusionment. For Will and Sana Saleh, the popular family behind the wholesome and globe-trotting channel The Salehs, Canadian identity is both deeply cherished and something worth consistent critical examination. 'Being Canadian is knowing and always being proud of where we came from,' Sana said during a recent conversation from her family's new home in Malaysia, where they relocated in the fall of 2024. 'We have set roots in Canada for seven-plus generations in the case of Will, and three generations for me, including our kids; it will always be home for us.' Their pride runs deep. It's not only the country where they (and their children) were born, but where they went to school, fell in love, married and had three children. They've shared slices of that life online, earning a following of over a million that spans continents. For their audience, the Salehs have come to represent a multicultural Canadian family with warmth, humour and heart, but one that is also honest about their challenges. 'To us, being Canadian means being part of a mosaic — not being defined by a single culture or religion, but belonging to a beautiful and diverse population of people from every corner of the world,' Sana said. But, she added, 'Our feelings have definitely changed in terms of what Canada itself has become, [though] not necessarily what it means to be Canadian. At the root of it all, Canada is an incredible place. It's just the people — or 'bad apples' — that have made it a place no longer fitting for us to raise our kids.' It's a difficult admission, but one that many racialized Canadians and newcomers might resonate with. Despite its long-held image as a beacon of diversity and politeness, Canada is certainly not immune to racism and xenophobia, both of which the Salehs experienced, along with a hefty dose of Islamophobia. Canada is an incredible place. It's just the people — or 'bad apples' — that have made it a place no longer fitting for us to raise our kids. When asked whether the country still lives up to its reputation for kindness in their experience, the pair said 'yes and no.' Sana elaborated: 'In theory, and in person — yes, most of the time. But online? No. There are way too many keyboard warriors who say how they truly feel about Canada and the immigrants that live in this country, because they can say it knowing that their identity is masked. The scary part is knowing that there are so many people who feel this way, and you could be working or shopping alongside them without ever knowing what they really think about you.' These realizations helped fuel their decision to leave Canada and settle in Malaysia — a move that's brought them safety, affordability and a sense of belonging. But it wasn't just the social climate that pushed them to go; it was also an economic and political move. You would think the healthcare system would be amazing, but it's nowhere near what we've experienced in Malaysia. 'We hope the economy can improve,' Sana said. 'For our dollar to be strong again, for housing and grocery costs to go down. Most people are struggling to make ends meet with no hope to ever own a home of their own. Taxes are so ridiculously high that you would think the healthcare system would be amazing, but it's nowhere near what we've experienced in Malaysia. Canada has also proposed over $9 billion dollars in military spending, but for what? To fight who? That money would be far better spent improving the lives of everyday Canadians. But what can we expect from a system that benefits the rich at the expense of the poor?' Along with many, their political frustrations reached a tipping point with Canada's response to the genocide in Gaza, something they describe as a core reason for leaving. 'We've said it from the beginning: Canada's stance was a huge reason why we left,' Sana said. 'Now that tensions are high between Canada and the U.S. — who is the biggest player in the genocide — we can clearly see who is 'boss' between the two. We hope Canada can stand on its own and make its own decisions, including sanctioning Israel and doing the right thing to protect the peace.' And yet, despite all this, the Salehs' love for their home country remains. They light up when sharing little moments that continue to define their Canadian identity. Will fondly remembers his dad running into Pat Quinn, the former coach of the Vancouver Canucks, during a trip to Banff. 'My dad just said, 'Oh, hey Pat,' and they shook hands as if they had been friends forever. It was a very Canadian thing.' They also speak warmly of everyday gestures that are part of the social fabric — like strangers holding open doors or helping with strollers. 'Kindness exists everywhere you go in Canada,' Sana said. Kindness exists everywhere you go in Canada. That's the paradox at the heart of this family's experience: a deep pride in their roots, coupled with a clear-eyed view of where Canada stands politically and what it still could become — good or bad. 'We love calling ourselves Canadian,' they said. 'It's just who we are. Maple syrup and all.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saleh family: 'We left Canada to protect our kids, but we'll always be Canadian'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. As Canada Day approaches, many Canadians are reflecting on what it means to belong to this country, particularly in an era so marked by economic anxiety and political disillusionment. For Will and Sana Saleh, the popular family behind the wholesome and globe-trotting channel The Salehs, Canadian identity is both deeply cherished and something worth consistent critical examination. 'Being Canadian is knowing and always being proud of where we came from,' Sana said during a recent conversation from her family's new home in Malaysia, where they relocated in the fall of 2024. 'We have set roots in Canada for seven-plus generations in the case of Will, and three generations for me, including our kids; it will always be home for us.' Their pride runs deep. It's not only the country where they (and their children) were born, but where they went to school, fell in love, married and had three children. They've shared slices of that life online, earning a following of over a million that spans continents. For their audience, the Salehs have come to represent a multicultural Canadian family with warmth, humour and heart, but one that is also honest about their challenges. 'To us, being Canadian means being part of a mosaic — not being defined by a single culture or religion, but belonging to a beautiful and diverse population of people from every corner of the world,' Sana said. But, she added, 'Our feelings have definitely changed in terms of what Canada itself has become, [though] not necessarily what it means to be Canadian. At the root of it all, Canada is an incredible place. It's just the people — or 'bad apples' — that have made it a place no longer fitting for us to raise our kids.' It's a difficult admission, but one that many racialized Canadians and newcomers might resonate with. Despite its long-held image as a beacon of diversity and politeness, Canada is certainly not immune to racism and xenophobia, both of which the Salehs experienced, along with a hefty dose of Islamophobia. Canada is an incredible place. It's just the people — or 'bad apples' — that have made it a place no longer fitting for us to raise our kids. When asked whether the country still lives up to its reputation for kindness in their experience, the pair said 'yes and no.' Sana elaborated: 'In theory, and in person — yes, most of the time. But online? No. There are way too many keyboard warriors who say how they truly feel about Canada and the immigrants that live in this country, because they can say it knowing that their identity is masked. The scary part is knowing that there are so many people who feel this way, and you could be working or shopping alongside them without ever knowing what they really think about you.' These realizations helped fuel their decision to leave Canada and settle in Malaysia — a move that's brought them safety, affordability and a sense of belonging. But it wasn't just the social climate that pushed them to go; it was also an economic and political move. You would think the healthcare system would be amazing, but it's nowhere near what we've experienced in Malaysia. 'We hope the economy can improve,' Sana said. 'For our dollar to be strong again, for housing and grocery costs to go down. Most people are struggling to make ends meet with no hope to ever own a home of their own. Taxes are so ridiculously high that you would think the healthcare system would be amazing, but it's nowhere near what we've experienced in Malaysia. Canada has also proposed over $9 billion dollars in military spending, but for what? To fight who? That money would be far better spent improving the lives of everyday Canadians. But what can we expect from a system that benefits the rich at the expense of the poor?' Along with many, their political frustrations reached a tipping point with Canada's response to the genocide in Gaza, something they describe as a core reason for leaving. 'We've said it from the beginning: Canada's stance was a huge reason why we left,' Sana said. 'Now that tensions are high between Canada and the U.S. — who is the biggest player in the genocide — we can clearly see who is 'boss' between the two. We hope Canada can stand on its own and make its own decisions, including sanctioning Israel and doing the right thing to protect the peace.' And yet, despite all this, the Salehs' love for their home country remains. They light up when sharing little moments that continue to define their Canadian identity. Will fondly remembers his dad running into Pat Quinn, the former coach of the Vancouver Canucks, during a trip to Banff. 'My dad just said, 'Oh, hey Pat,' and they shook hands as if they had been friends forever. It was a very Canadian thing.' They also speak warmly of everyday gestures that are part of the social fabric — like strangers holding open doors or helping with strollers. 'Kindness exists everywhere you go in Canada,' Sana said. Kindness exists everywhere you go in Canada. That's the paradox at the heart of this family's experience: a deep pride in their roots, coupled with a clear-eyed view of where Canada stands politically and what it still could become — good or bad. 'We love calling ourselves Canadian,' they said. 'It's just who we are. Maple syrup and all.'
CTV News
16 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury celebrates its first Multiculturalism Day
Greater Sudbury marked its inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Day on Friday to celebrate the city's growing cultural diversity. Greater Sudbury marked its inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Day on Friday. The day has been officially recognized by communities across the country since 2002 to celebrate Canada's rich diversity. 'Sudbury was built on the back of immigrants that have come here and worked hard,' said Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. Sudbury multicultural Greater Sudbury marked its inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Day on Friday. The day has been officially recognized by communities across the country since 2002 to celebrate Canada's rich diversity. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News) 'To our community and families, there's diversity that we get to thrive in and to celebrate.' Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas said it's important for the community to come together to celebrate diversity. 'We live in really tough times for a lot of people right now around the world and in our own country, in our own province,' Gelinas said. 'It becomes even more important to have strong relationships, to learn from one another, to understand one another.' Dozens turned out to the ceremony at Tom Davies Square, organized by the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association. Influx of newcomers Association president Bella Ravi said she had never heard of the day until recently. 'I was on Google a few years back, and I saw that there is such a day as Multicultural Day,' Ravi said. 'Then COVID hit and we couldn't do anything.' She said there has been an influx of newcomers to the city in the last decade. 'The last decade, it has grown, mainly because of the students initially,' Ravi said. 'But now I think our reputation precedes us now. People know it's a good place to raise a family. It's a safe place to be.' Still, she said with sour sentiments towards immigration south of the border, some of that has trickled to Sudbury. 'We have an influx, and this community was not used to that. And I get both sides of it, because when you see your community changing so fast and you're not exposed to it like you are in Toronto,' Ravi said. 'So, we are out there, trying to explain what immigration means to the economy, for our culture, for the community.' Multiculturalism will be at the forefront of Canada Day celebrations July 1 at the Sudbury Arena. CTV's Ian Campbell and Rick Wyman will be in attendance.
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Banyan Group founder Ho Kwon Ping on how businesses can foster social cohesion
Law Minister Edwin Tong said Singapore must guard its multicultural society as social cohesion does not happen by chance. This, as economic disruption and digital disinformation are deepening social divides within and between nations. He was speaking at the close of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, attended by more than 1,000 thought leaders from 50 countries. Mr Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of Banyan Group, shared how businesses can play a part in fostering social cohesion.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Businesses have a role to promote multiculturalism and cohesion, say panellists at S'pore conference
SINGAPORE - Businesses have a role to play in promoting multiculturalism, and this cannot be the responsibility of the Government alone, said panellists on June 26 on the last day of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies. Mr Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of hospitality company Banyan Group, cited how US businesses dropped DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies after US President Donald Trump issued executive orders limiting DEI programmes within federal agencies and among contractors. Speaking during a plenary session on the third and final day of the conference held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Mr Ho questioned how many businesses in Singapore would still promote multiculturalism if the government of the day does not take the lead on this. 'Multiculturalism must be a value that we deeply believe in,' he said, adding that the onus falls on the majority race or culture to promote true multiculturalism which goes beyond coexistence. Mr Ho said Banyan Group employs 15,000 associates of 96 nationalities across 25 countries. He said the company sends diverse groups of people, or 'task forces', to the opening of a new hotel. 'We go out of our way to put task forces that are there not just because of their different skills, but because of their different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.' He said consumers should keep companies accountable to their DEI policies, which should be taught in business schools. Fellow speaker Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower, cited the Singapore Government's three main pillars to ensure a multicultural society: the Ethnic Integration Policy in public housing, the use of English language as a lingua franca alongside mother tongue languages, as well as national service. Agreeing with Mr Ho, he said multiculturalism should be a goal that businesses and civil society, including religious organisations, take on. He cited how religious leaders from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh communities banded together after the stabbing of a priest at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah in November 2024, condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with the Catholic community here. Mr Dinesh said Singapore should double its efforts in promoting multiculturalism, as cohesion is important for a small country like Singapore. 'Naturally, there will be many forces that will pull us apart, perhaps now more than ever, given what's happening in the West, given the influence of social media, and therefore we should double our efforts,' he said. There are initial signs of unity in Singapore, he added, but divisive forces could potentially pull apart people if differences in race, religion, language and culture are triggered and are not managed well. Mr Ho also raised the growing issue of class divides, where he has seen income inequality widen and the 'social ethos' shift in a 'worrying' direction in Singapore, with many young tycoons here flaunting their wealth, he said. 'I don't think any of us believe in a communist society where everyone has equal wealth and equal income, but we must be a society that does not promote the flaunting of that social divisiveness,' he said. Similarly, Mr Dinesh said Singapore should pay attention to tackling inequality as the nation grows as a financial hub, attracting money from different parts of the world. 'If that is not balanced sufficiently, if society reacts in a certain way, then it will be an issue of haves versus have-nots,' he said. Speaking to the media after the plenary, Mr Dinesh said external forces such as the 'rivalry among the great powers leading to inflation and higher cost of living' could exacerbate economic differences within countries. 'We should address those issues by policy levers to make sure that income divides within Singapore is kept to a reasonable amount,' he said. He added that more should be done to engage young people who 'increasingly feel disconnected' and may not have the benefit of hindsight. Deliberate steps need to be taken to address their concerns about housing affordability and job security in the age of artificial intelligence, he said. The panel's moderator, Professor Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, asked why people are not more committed to multiculturalism. Mr Ho said one hurdle is the fear of the unknown. He suggested that travelling to neighbouring countries can help young Singaporeans who are typically more familiar with Western cultures understand Asean cultures better. The panel's third speaker, Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob, chair of the Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace and Secretary-General of Religions for Peace Thailand, said interfaith dialogues allow people to act on their curiosity and learn about other cultures. He highlighted the importance of forging friendships between religions, and reaching out to educate people on religions through the media. He also emphasised the need for open mindedness to reject the hate speech that broke out after conflicts in Thailand's southern border, citing his opportunities to interact with Muslim religious leaders and politicians. 'If we want to win this war, we need to adjust our way of thinking, our way of communication and our way of action, and especially how we collaborate.' Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
