Trudeau says to be patient with immigrant integration

During a panel discussion as part of Canada 2020 with London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the example of Italian grandmothers who don’t speak much English or French in Montreal to explain why Canadians shouldn’t be “overly impatient” with newcomer integration.
“But their kids and grandkids are seamlessly and completely integrated into Montreal and the only difference is they tend to be trilingual and not just bilingual.”
Trudeau added that being afraid of immigrants is nothing new; Italians and Greeks settling in the 1950s faced discrimination as do immigrants today.
“The first generation is always going to have challenges in integrating,” Trudeau added.
“This country didn’t happen by accident,” Trudeau continued. “And it won’t continue without effort. When we think about integration and success we can’t be overly impatient.”
He also said Canadians should “keep a solid pressure” to ensure the country’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms is respected by all.
Mayor Khan called Canada “a beacon of how a civilized G7 country should treat those who are vulnerable and need help.”