157 Years of Democracy: My Canadian Story

My family came to Canada in the 1970s, to leave behind an impending threat of war in the Korean Peninsula. Although a well-stationed public servant in South Korea, when he first came to Canada, my father cleaned out cattle cars for the Canadian National Railway and later worked in a factory. My mother juggled between working and driving me and my sisters to piano lessons, tutoring, and swimming. God bless my mother.
When my parents were laid off, they opened a small flower shop with their hard-earned savings. Our early experiences as immigrants in Canada taught my sisters and I from a young age, that although a person may have humble beginnings, Canada is a land of opportunity for those who work hard and don’t give up on their dreams. My family’s story is one that many Canadians share, regardless of where they’re from.
When I was elected in 2019, I was honoured to become Canada’s first Korean born Member of Parliament. I celebrated as a poor immigrant’s daughter who found a seat of influence in Canadian politics to make life better for those who are struggling. Becoming an MP was not just about holding a seat in the House of Commons to make laws. It was a calling to put Canada and our citizens on the forefront of my aspirations. It is an honour I will cherish and accept dutifully to serve my fellow Canadians.
I celebrate the power of democracy in Canada, a system that allows all to have a voice-from the downtrodden to the strong. As penned in our national anthem, “we see thee rise, the true north strong and free”, we’ve watched Canada grow into a nation that is coveted by many countries as one of the best places to live in the world. It’s a reality created by you, and those who came before us, all who toiled, sweat and persevered with the future of our children, Canada’s legacy, in mind.
Today, as we celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday, I hope the patriotic declaration at the end of our national anthem, “O Canada we stand on guard for thee” will inspire you to reflect and strengthen your commitment to Canada’s freedom, peace and prosperity.
I’m Nelly Shin, former Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra.
Happy Canada Day.

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Nelly, thank you for sharing your family story! We first talked many years ago and I am impressed by what you have accomplished since then.