Given the kinds of challenges and struggles facing any refugee coming to a 
 new country, Somali Canadians remain optimistic about their present and 
 future life in Canada. The struggle to become self-sufficient and integrate 
 into contemporary Canadian society is something that will, over time, 
 become easier when certain conditions are met. Things such as employment, affordable housing, language and access to the programs and services that all those that are Canadian-born receive, will enable this group to fully contribute to Canadian society. 

The spirit of co-operation, collectivity and self sufficiency is woven deeply into the fabric of daily life of the people who have come here  as both refugees and immigrants from Somalia. Given this, their capacity to build community and to contribute to Canadian life is tremendous. 

The connections with other ethnocultural groups and partnerships with  community organizations greatly aids the settlement process. The role of 
the Canadian government in providing tangible support enabling these groups 
to become self-sufficient is critical --  this is the kind  of development 
that leads to a form of economic empowerment that will enable most, if not 
all, of the existing social problems to be solved. The removal of systemic 
barriers is critical to the success of these efforts. 

The focus for the future lies in supporting organizations giving support to 
these new Canadians. Even seniors need to have access to higher education 
in their later life. The contacts that these elders have internationally can enable economic growth through business development such as import/export and cultural exchange programs. Programs for youth are critical, particularly as a new generation born in Canada grows up influenced by the cultural values of their peers.