We had help from the people of Quebec and particularly the religious communities of men and women from Quebec. Later in New Brunswick more helping hands reached out to us as our minority rights were recognized by enlightened people of the majority - people who knew that building a progressive society could not be the exclusive work of the privileged few. This is what we Canadians offer to people who come to live with us today. Where other countries require new citizens to renounce past allegiance to their native lands, we do not. In Canada we recognize a fact of life.
People are what they have been.
We are all immigrants to this land. It's just that some of us came earlier than others. Ever since, hopefully inspired by their example, we have welcomed others to join with us. We do not ask new citizens to renounce their past. We do ask immigrants and refugees to be loyal to Canada and to care for Canada's heritage.