As an English immigrant of almost 12 years, married to a generation one husband I can honestly say we consider ourselves Canadian.
My sons were 9 and 11 when we immigrated in April 2000 and it was as id from day one they accepted Canada as home. They are now 21 and 23 and there is no doubt that they are integrated into Canada. Yes, of course, we still recognise we are English, we like a lot of English things and thankfully (for me) I can still watch Coronation Street! but there is no conflict that stops us from being Canadian. As soon as it was possible we became citizens, after all, why not?
And my husband who was born here to Italian parents (father generation one, mother from Italy) would tell you if asked that he was Canadian, then if asked further he would tell you he was Italian.
You do not need to forget your heritage, and I don't intend for that to happen but you can and should embrace Canada as home with all it's traditions, laws and ways.
As an English immigrant of almost 12 years, married to a generation one husband I can honestly say we consider ourselves Canadian.
My sons were 9 and 11 when we immigrated in April 2000 and it was as id from day one they accepted Canada as home. They are now 21 and 23 and there is no doubt that they are integrated into Canada. Yes, of course, we still recognise we are English, we like a lot of English things and thankfully (for me) I can still watch Coronation Street! but there is no conflict that stops us from being Canadian. As soon as it was possible we became citizens, after all, why not?
And my husband who was born here to Italian parents (father generation one, mother from Italy) would tell you if asked that he was Canadian, then if asked further he would tell you he was Italian.
You do not need to forget your heritage, and I don't intend for that to happen but you can and should embrace Canada as home with all it's traditions, laws and ways.