Searching for Home: An Immigrant Within His Adopted Country

By Jack Afonso

Jack Afonso was born in Vila Verde and immigrated to Canada with his family at a very young age, settling in Toronto. Nearly two decades later, he moved to Alberta where he currently resides. Jack is a manager by profession but his real passion is music and poetry. A father and a husband, he has written numerous songs for various community artists and has also published dozens of poems in both English and Portuguese. You can peruse through some of his work by clicking here.

Moving to a new country can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you are still a child. I know this because I was one of those children. Decades ago, my family and I immigrated to Canada from Portugal, and we settled in Toronto, Ontario. It was a challenging transition, but with time, we adjusted and made Canada our new home.

As a child, leaving behind the only home I had ever known was a daunting prospect. I was still trying to navigate my way through life, and now I had to do it in a brand new country. The biggest challenge for me was the language barrier. I spoke very little English, and that made it difficult for me to communicate with my peers and teachers. But, with the help of ESL classes and the support of my family, I slowly started to learn the language and adapt to my new surroundings.

One of the things that helped me and my family adjust was the diverse and multicultural community in Toronto. We were able to find people from different backgrounds and cultures, and that made us feel less alone in this new country. We also found comfort in the Portuguese community, where we could still celebrate our traditions and keep in touch with our roots.

Aside from the language, we also had to adjust to a different culture. Canada is known for its politeness and inclusivity, and it was a big change from the more reserved culture in Portugal. But, with time, we learned to embrace the Canadian way of life and appreciate its values.

Food was also a big adjustment for us. In Portugal, we were used to fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. In Canada, we discovered new dishes and flavors, and we learned to love them. We also introduced our Portuguese dishes to our Canadian friends, who were always curious to try new foods.

Living in Toronto for almost twenty years, my family and I created a sense of belonging and stability. We built a life for ourselves, made friends, and created memories that will stay with us forever. However, after all those years, I decided to take a leap of faith and explore more of this beautiful country. So, I decided to immigrate over 3000 km further to the west coast, to Alberta, where I have been living for the past few years.

Moving to Alberta was another challenge, but I was more equipped to handle it this time. I had already experienced a major move, and I knew I could adapt and make the best of any situation. And I did just that. I fell in love with the natural beauty of Alberta, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies. I also discovered a diverse and welcoming community here, with people from all over the world calling this place their home.

Despite being thousands of kilometers away from my home country, I have never felt disconnected from my Portuguese roots. I still participate in Portuguese events and stay connected with the Portuguese community here in Alberta. It has been a great way to keep my culture alive and share it with others. Being an immigrant has taught me to embrace diversity and to appreciate the different cultures that make up Canada.

Looking back, I am grateful for the decision my parents made to immigrate to Canada. It was not an easy journey, but it was definitely worth it. I have grown and learned so much in this country, and I am proud to call myself a Canadian. Canada truly is a land of opportunities, and I am forever grateful for the chance to call it home.

________________________________________________

Following the above article, we wanted to learn more about Jack Afonso’s experience immigrating within his adopted country. The result of that Q&A follows:

What led you to move to Alberta after settling in Toronto?

Lower Cost of Living. Toronto is known for its high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. The rent and housing prices were becoming too expensive for me to keep up with, and I was looking for a more affordable option. Alberta, particularly smaller cities like Edmonton and Calgary, offered a much lower cost of living. This meant I could save more money and have a better quality of life. In the end, it was a big change, but one that I am grateful for. I have found a new home in this province and have had so many incredible experiences that I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed in Toronto. Making the decision to move was scary, but it has ultimately been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

When you moved to Alberta, did you feel like an immigrant all over again or was it an easier process?

It was definitely an easier process compared to when I first immigrated to Canada. I had already been through the immigration process and was familiar with the culture and language. However, there were still some adjustments and challenges to overcome, such as adapting to a new city and finding a job. But overall, it was a smoother transition compared to my initial immigration experience.

Are there any major social differences between Ontario and Alberta?

There are a few major social differences between Ontario and Alberta. In Alberta, people tend to be more friendly and social compared to Ontario. This may be due to the smaller population in Alberta and the strong sense of community in smaller towns and cities. Overall, while there may be some social differences between Ontario and Alberta, both provinces offer unique and vibrant communities for people to live in.

Could you describe the Portuguese community that you encountered in Alberta?

There is a strong sense of camaraderie and support among the Portuguese community in Alberta. They often gather for cultural events such as festivals, dances, and religious celebrations. The community is also known for its strong connection to traditional Portuguese cuisine, with some restaurants and shops offering authentic dishes and ingredients. Despite being a smaller community compared to Toronto, the Portuguese community in Alberta is tight-knit and supportive of one another. They are proud of their heritage and often pass down traditions and customs to younger generations. Overall, the Portuguese community in Alberta is known for its warm hospitality and close-knit relationships.

Are you able to continue to celebrate your Portuguese heritage in Alberta? Do you feel that celebration of your culture is accepted by society there?

I am able to continue celebrating my Portuguese heritage in Alberta. There is a strong Portuguese community here and we have many cultural events and festivals throughout the year. I also feel that the celebration of our culture is accepted by society. People are curious and interested in learning about different cultures and traditions, and there is a lot of respect for diversity in Alberta. I have never faced any discrimination or challenges in celebrating my heritage here.

How connected do you still feel to Portugal? Do you ever think about moving back to work or retire?

I will always have a special place in my heart for Portugal and will continue to visit and stay connected. As Canada is now my home and after I built a life and family here, I don’t see myself fully moving back to Portugal.

Any last thoughts? 

Anyone who’s thinking about this move, or similar, it’s important to keep an open mind and embrace the differences in culture, climate, and lifestyle. Make an effort to get to know your new city and its people, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. With time, you may find that new home becomes a beloved new home. If I could go back in time, I would have done it all over again.

Please click here to peruse through some of Jack Afonso’s work in poetry, and here to learn more about his musical compositions.