Photo courtesy of Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Lilah Orkin was born in Canada and has lived in Vancouver for many years. However, she is also deeply connected to her family’s newcomer heritage. As her personal story shows, newcomers have made Canada what it is today: a thriving, vibrant, diverse and welcoming place.
Lilah’s story starts over a century ago, but it highlights how newcomers living in Canada today can contribute to the country’s future for generations.
A special thank you to Lilah for sharing her story with us. Lilah now volunteers at ISSofBC, providing vital support to newcomers who, as her grandparents did, need kindness and community support to thrive and give back.
Introduction
I often remind people that everyone comes from somewhere. Our lives are built on the shoulders of those who came before us—people who crossed oceans, faced uncertainty, and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for their children. My story, and the story of my family, is one thread in the rich tapestry of Canada’s immigrant experience.
My roots
I was born in Toronto and moved to Vancouver for university, but my family’s journey began long before that. My mother came to Canada as a baby from Poland, and my father’s family traces its roots to Lithuania, once part of the Russian Empire. These origins shaped who I am and how I see the world.
Family history
My maternal grandparents immigrated after World War I. My grandfather was an educator who spoke multiple languages, yet in Canada, he had to reinvent himself, eventually finding success in the clothing business. My grandmother never felt fully at home; her strong accent and limited English were constant reminders of the barriers immigrants face.
On my father’s side, the story is equally compelling. My grandfather left home at 18, fleeing famine and instability. He travelled to Germany, then America, following newspaper ads that promised opportunity. Later, he moved to Canada, changed his name and settled in Winnipeg. There, he met my grandmother, who had her own migration journey from Lithuania to Belgium to New York before arriving in Canada. Together, they built a life, raised a family, and contributed to their community.
Hard work and resilience
My grandparents worked long hours, often 12 to 16-hour days, running their business. My mother and her siblings did homework in the store, ate dinner there, and didn’t go home until late at night. Immigrants of their generation didn’t have the services available today; they relied on their communities for support. Their sacrifices gave us opportunities they never had.
Why immigration matters
Canada was built by immigrants, alongside Indigenous peoples who were here first. Immigration has always been about hope—people seeking safety, stability, and a better life. Today, newcomers continue to strengthen our economy, pay taxes, and fill roles that keep our society moving forward. They bring diversity, innovation, and resilience.
Most people don’t leave their homelands unless they must. They come here to contribute, not to take away.
A call to connection
Language is a bridge. Even basic communication can spark friendships and understanding. Sharing food, stories, and dreams reminds us of our shared humanity. If you’re curious about newcomers, volunteer with organisations that support immigrants. Meet people. Listen to their stories. You’ll discover that their goals—security, education, a better life for their children—are the same as yours.
Looking ahead
Population growth is essential for Canada’s future. Immigration sustains our workforce, supports services, and enriches our culture. My family’s story is just one example of how newcomers build this country. Let’s celebrate these contributions and ensure Canada remains a place of opportunity for generations to come.
Closing Thought: Everyone comes from somewhere. Let’s honour that truth and work together to make Canada stronger, more inclusive, and more vibrant.
What can you do?
👉 Donate: please support our cause this Giving Tuesday, December 2, to make the voices of newcomers heard. This holiday season, we’re raising $25,000 to support our advocacy and outreach work in 2026. Any contribution, no matter how small, is welcome. The time has never been more critical.
👉 Learn more: about how ISSofBC supports refugees and diverse newcomers across BC, the latest government plans for immigration, and our call for a positive vision for Canada’s immigration future.
👉 Make your voice heard: call or message your local MP. Tell them you expect our leaders to restate the case for immigration to Canadian people.
