The Canadian Dream

Happy Canada Day!!

Hey community, Jorge here with another article. Today, we’re diving deep, celebrating more than just fireworks and maple leaves. We’re honoring the dream that brought us to this country. As Latin American immigrants, Canada Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a powerful reminder of everything that inspired us to start a new life in another land.

Every July 1st, I don’t just slow down for the parade and the music. I pause to reflect on what Canada has meant to people like us. For those who left everything behind, this day symbolizes hope, resilience, and belonging.

This Canada Day, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the first responders out there, those putting out wildfires and responding to people in need. In May of this year, I experienced a medical emergency. Thanks to the paramedics, doctors, and the Medical Services Plan (MSP), I received fast, professional care. The MSP covered 98% of the medical costs, and I walked away feeling completely supported. I share this not from a place of victimhood, but as a grateful survivor. Despite the criticisms that exist about the Canadian healthcare system, for me, it worked beautifully. So thank you to every person who helped me get back on my feet—and thank you, Canada.

So, Why Be Thankful? Let’s Reflect on The Dream That Brought Us Here

For many of us from Latin America, whether we arrived on temporary work visas, student permits, family sponsorship, or through other pathways, Canada represented security, opportunity, and dignity. We all shared a dream:

• To work hard.

• To build a better life.

• To live in peace.

In 2020, even though I held university degrees, they weren’t enough to land a job in my field. Instead, I started working at London Drugs—ringing registers. Please don’t get me wrong: while I was grateful for the job, it hit hard. I thought, “Two degrees, yet here I am, scanning groceries.”

But here’s the thing, with minimum wage in Canada, you can survive. Not thrive, but survive. And that’s where the real education began. Budgeting, stretching dollars, and learning to live below my means. Because of that struggle, I learned discipline and financial skills that I wouldn't trade for anything. Today, I’m debt-free, have some savings, and I’m launching my own business—all while holding a full-time job. That’s the power of resilience. That’s my version of the Canadian dream.

So, How Many Latin Americans Live in Canada?

Our presence in Canada isn’t small. From 1996 to 2021, the Latin American population in Canada tripled—from approximately 177,000 to over 580,000. And that’s just the beginning. When expanded to include multicultural self-identifiers, that number exceeds 1.19 million, making up around 3.3% of Canada’s total population.

Here in British Columbia, Latin Americans make up about 1.3% of the total population, with nearly a 50% increase in our community since 2016. We’re students, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and volunteers—we are everywhere. 

Growing Without Losing Who We Are

We didn’t come here to change Canada’s identity. We came because we were looking for adventure or escaping hardship—trauma, corruption, violence—and wanted to bring forward our best: our culture, work ethic, warmth, and family values. We came to contribute, not to erase.

We’ve evolved into better versions of ourselves while keeping our core intact. We don’t forget where we come from, but we grow stronger, wiser, and more connected.

Ok so, where to go to celebrate? 

We’ve got plenty happening right here in our backyard! The region lights up with music, local culture, and family-friendly fun that reflects the heart and diversity of all communities in the Okanagan valley.

🎶 Live Music Across 4 Stages – Downtown Kelowna From 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Kelowna’s waterfront comes alive with free concerts, cultural showcases, and performances. Whether you're into salsa, pop, country, or rock, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the Latin-inspired rhythms of Major Mambo and the upbeat energy of GOLD MYND & The Reggae Revolution Band at the TD Beach Stage.

🌭 Family Fun & Community Vibes – Throughout Kelowna Explore the Made in Canada Marketplace, the C21 Family Zone, and enjoy everything from dachshund races to hot dogs and artisan booths. As the sun sets, grab a spot near Tugboat Beach and enjoy the fireworks at 10 PM.

🎉 Penticton – Gyro Park & SS Sicamous From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to Gyro Park for live entertainment, family activities, local vendors, and a special citizenship ceremony to welcome new Canadians. In the evening, celebrate aboard the historic SS Sicamous for a members-only lake cruise, ending with a stunning waterfront fireworks show at 10 p.m.

☀️ Vernon – Polson Park Festival From 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Polson Park transforms into a day-long celebration with live music, artisan markets, food trucks, and a family zone. While there are no fireworks this year, the festival offers a full, free program of local culture, performances, and community pride.

🎶 Peachland – Heritage Park Party Join the fun in Heritage Park from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a lively parade, local concerts—including Papa Thom & the Elderly Brothers and The Partimers—and booths by local groups and vendors. The lakeside setting makes it a perfect spot to picnic and enjoy the day with family.

These local events bring us together in ways that matter. They remind us that no matter where we came from, we’re here—contributing, celebrating, and creating memories in a place we now call home.

Why These Events Matter

These events don’t just bring dance and heat, they celebrate cultural contribution and community visibility. When we gather like this, we’re not merely blending in—we’re sharing our music, food, traditions, rhythm, and joy with the broader Canadian community. It’s a vibrant reminder that multiculturalism is about celebrating together.

These are the interactions that build real community. Our stories deserve to be part of the bigger Canadian narrative.

Thanks for reading all the way through. Happy Canada Day—from the bottom of my heart. See you soon with more stories and insights!