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01 January, 2012

DISCUSSION: Value Guides for Immigrants

My home has always been open to people from all over the world and I have enjoyed the company of people from far-flung places such as Thailand, Germany, Nigeria and Timmons.  I have sometimes wondered if I should compile a reference book to help them with their stay.  One friend struggled with public transit for two months without me realizing it, because she didn't think she could talk to me about such things.  Another friend was going hungry every morning because he didn't realize we meant it when we said, "Help yourself."  This was the first thing I thought of when I read about Gatineau's value guide for immigrants.  But I never did make a reference guide for my guests.

Many people offer opinions on Gatineau's value guide for immigrants but few articles provide the links so readers can evaluate it for themselves.  I've organized this as a discussion, with links to the original document and helpful media coverage.


UNDERSTANDING THE NEWS:
1.a)
What are some reasons given for producing the document?

  • Gatineau has among the highest immigration rates in Canada
  • Municipalities have inherited an obligation to integrate immigrants
  • Differences between immigrants' behaviours can be irritating to Canadians

1.b)
What are three criticisms of Gatineau's "statement of values"?

  • The document takes a stance on issues that are not normally under the purview of civic officials.
  • The federal and provincial governments of Canada and Quebec already outline Canadian rights and responsibilities for immigrants.
  • The document is paternalistic, treating immigrants like children or cavemen.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
2.a)
Suggest a "value" from the document that you think should not be decided by a city official.

2.b)
Suggest a "value" from the document that you think treats immigrants as if they were children.

2.c)
In your opinion, do you think it is helpful or not helpful to offer "value guides" to people from other cultures?


BRINGING THE DISCUSSION HOME:
3.a)
In your home, what are some things you or your family do to help guests feel welcome?

3.b)
What would change if someone was coming to your house to live with you?






LINKS

 Gatineau: C'est dans mon objectif
Value guide for immigrants, French only
download here:

  • Note: The fact that this link was hard to find, not being linked by any of the various news articles or blogs, leads me to believe that many people did latch onto sound bites without looking at the original document.

CBC News
article:
"Immigrant guide warns against bribes, smelly food", Jennifer Hall, 5 December 2011.

audio discussion:
"Gatineau's immigrant guidelines", 6 December 2011.

Globe and Mail
article:
"Gatineau's value guide for immigrants stirs controversy", Ingrid Peritz, 5 December 2011.

Toronto Sun
article:
"Gatineau offers 'values' guide to newcomers", Guiseppe Valiante, QMI Agency, 2 December 2011

CanadaUpdates (geared towards immigrants)
article:
"Gatineau's guide to new immigrants", Harleen Kaur, 7 December 2011.



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