Memories of being ‘the Scottish guy’

Johnny Reid, National Post

In the lead-up to Citizenship Week 2011, Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, asked four Canadian citizens born abroad to share their thoughts on what our country means to them. In today’s last instalment, singer⁄songwriter Johnny Reid tells his immigration story.

As I embark on my journey toward Canadian citizenship, I think of it very much like a marriage.

It starts with what could be called the courting period, when, as a permanent resident, you spend time in Canada, come to know Canada and very quickly learn what it can offer you. At the same time, you learn what you can offer Canada in return.

And then, as in a marriage, you make a decision about whether you want to spend the rest of your life in Canada, and your engagement period begins.

My Canadian story began on the tarmac in July 1988, when my family arrived from Scotland. I like to say we landed on a Maple Leaf.

We left behind extended family, including my Granny, in a country where thousands of workers had been displaced by mine closures. Those were tough times in Scotland. My father had left home to find work in Africa and Asia, but desperately wanted us to be a family again. He wanted to spend time with us boys. Canada provided that opportunity. My parents’ hope was that it would also provide a greater chance of success and better quality of life for my brother and me.

Canada has certainly done its part for me. I met my wife here, had a family, and have met many Canadians who have supported me in my musical journey. Canadians have bought my records and awarded me with some of the greatest prizes available in my profession. And while going where the song-writing is has forced me to spend much of my time in Nashville, my family still calls Canada home.

The experience of immigrating to a new country has taught me a great deal.

I’ve learned that when newcomers arrive in Canada, there’s a lot to learn on both sides.

In our case, we landed in July in ski coats and gloves. My mom thought we were coming to a very cold place. For my part, I had no idea where Canada was. I didn’t know about Canadian culture, about the way of life here, what Canada was made of.

On the other hand, arriving at the age of 15 and landing in Grade 9, when in Scotland I would have been leaving school to begin a trade, my schoolmates also knew little about me. I was different. I was the Scottish guy. They didn’t know who I was or where I came from or why they couldn’t understand what I was saying even though I was speaking English.

But soon the knowledge gaps, on both sides, were overcome.

Ultimately, I believe that we are all fundamentally the same as human beings. We don’t want to be alone; we want to feel love, want to give love, want to hold onto our babies, want to be sure that the people we care about know it and that we put our arms around them.

And yet we are all different as well.

Many years ago, a cousin asked me, "What is Canada like?" I told him, "Tom, it’s like a big bowl of confetti. It’s made of different colours, different sizes, different shapes, different cultures, different religions – but when you put it together it’s something beautiful." And I still stand by that.

Through my time with Canadian people, I’ve learned that we have to celebrate differences. Ultimately, that’s the true Canadian experience.

Time has offered me a chance to get to know Canada better, and an opportunity for Canada to get to know me, too.

To be honest, that’s what I’ve done with my career. Every song that I write, every note that I sing – I look at it as an opportunity for people to get to know me.

Time has also given me a chance to reflect on the fact that Canada was built on the backs of immigrants, immigrants like my father and me.

I hope all newcomers to Canada understand that Canadian citizenship is a bit like love. You only get what you give. Come to Canada and give Canada the very best of you. And in return, Canada will give you the best of her.

(This article originally appeared in the National Post and on their website on October 21, 2011.)

Johnny Reid is a two-time Juno Award winner, multiple CCMA Award winner and is a multi-platinum singer⁄songwriter.