GG shares her experiences with immigrant women
HALIFAX (CP) - As a refugee from Haiti, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean had her own life story to share Monday when she met with a group of immigrant women in Halifax.
The meeting was held on the first day of an official, three-day visit to Nova Scotia, which coincides with African Heritage Month celebrations. Jean noted that immigrant women from developing countries often have to struggle to break out of their traditional roles as being fully responsible for children and homemaking.
"This is what I call systemic prejudice toward immigrant women, particularly from developing countries," Jean said in her opening comments at a roundtable discussion with 28 women at Pier 21, a former ship passenger terminal on the Halifax waterfront that served as the gateway to Canada for thousands of immigrants.
Jean said women in developing nations often play a crucial role in providing income while staying at home, through agriculture or other activities in small communities.
However, when they come to Canada, they often realize that they're better able to help their families by finding a job outside the home.
"They want to continue to be able to support their families and not necessarily stay at home to support the children," she said.
She said it's important for Canadian institutions to find ways to help immigrants integrate into Canadian society.
"The more women are isolated because of language and a lack of financial resources, the more they are at risk," she said.
"So settlement and integration is always a huge challenge."
The Nova Scotia government says studies indicate that immigrants who have arrived in Canada within the last decade have had more difficulty settling in than previous immigrants.
"These women have made Nova Scotia their home and become part of our province," Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Nova Scotia's immigration minister, said in a statement.
"Their experiences will help us to shape our policies and programs so that immigrants who follow will find an even more welcoming province."
Jean's husband, filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond, is also taking part in several events.
The trip marks Jean's 11th provincial visit since she was appointed as the Queen's representative in Canada.
She is scheduled to address members of Nova Scotia's legislative assembly on Tuesday.
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GG shares her experiences with immigrant women
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