Image by Detritus, Flickr Creative Commons
The history of Pier 21 (along with the forgotten Pier 2) in Halifax is an important part of Canada’s cultural experience. It’s tempting to look at this video with nostalgic eyes; as if immigration is in static motion set in one place and time.
Is it?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw3Z4MlLXHs
As the world goes through climate upheaval, populations will be displaced, thus creating a refugee problem. It’s conceivable that immigration will prove to be an evolving process for several nations moving forward.
In other words, immigration and climate change may converge, and Canada is likely going to be a major player – just like it witnessed with Pier 21.
In the process, we may see our population grow further in the upcoming decades. It stands to reason that if the world south of the equator warms, cold climate countries will benefit on numerous fronts including the availability of new fertile lands. We’re already seeing climate issues in Australia with its water drought. The Southern United States continues to get winded by an increasing number of hurricanes. In Europe, fires have sparked Greece while other Mediterranean nations like Portugal, Italy, France and Spain, all food exporters, may see their fertile lands become arid. China’s climate is doing wacky things, too.
If a new collection of huddled masses do arrive in large numbers, it would be ironic given the aftermath of the “reasonable accommodation” debates recently conducted in Quebec. The debates indirectly led to a recent symbolic piece of legislation presented by the Liberals asking immigrants to sign a document reminding them which culture is boss here.
Benign racism is nothing new in Canada. If we recall, eugenic scientists in the early 20
th century were concerned whether new immigrants, particularly from Eastern and Southern Europe, were a weaker and unhealthier species. All this (immigration and climate change wars) is compounded and made more complex by the ghosts of 9/11 who continue to haunt our memories. That tragic event plays a psychological role on how we react to and perceive immigrants and Muslims in particular.
In his own twisted way, God is displaying his dead pan sense of humor by increasing Muslim immigration to Western nations since 9/11.
Maybe he’s testing us.
