Much like Canada itself, the CBSA can count many among its ranks who came to this country from abroad—or whose parents did. In some ways, their story is Canada's story, and Border Voice thinks their personal experience just might give them the kind of insight that makes them good CBSAers. As an example, we present John Maric, a Chief of Operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport who has been with the CBSA more than 22 years. John offers us this very personal take on what Canada means to the newcomer—and what it means to become Canadian.

I am writing on the subject of acceptance and respect through diversity and viewing these tenets through the lens of my parents' eyes. Darinko and Mila Maric immigrated to this great country in 1963. Like most new immigrants, they were full of hope for the future, as well as a little fear and trepidation of the unknown. They came with their two children, Mike and Ivica. Their youngest, John, had not been born yet. From the second they landed, they loved this country. Canada offered an opportunity to live freely and prosperously and it allowed them to provide a fantastic life for their children.

Canada was a new land to them. It required learning the ways, values and founding principles of this greatest of nations. This would undoubtedly be a long process, as adjusting to a very new way of life requires commitment, understanding and flexibility. They would need a safe and familiar harbour to seek comfort in, for a while at least, until they were able to advance enough in this process to start feeling the roots take hold bit by bit in their new home.

Here is where the gift and acceptance of diversity comes in. While my parents both strived hard to adjust to Canadian life, they always had the comfort of knowing that Canada respected their need to have an anchor of familiarity while they went through this adjustment process. For my parents, this anchor was the Croatian community. The members of this community were striving together to make the same journey to being full partners in the awesome Canadian experience.

After I was born, you could see my parents' progress against the backdrop of this support. For example, they enrolled me in hockey at the age of five. This was a signal that they were, only a few short years after immigrating, comfortable enough in their progress as Canadians to ensure that their younger son had the full and immediate experience of all things Canadian.

My parents always ensured we were Canadians first while still respecting and honouring the past from where they came. This was a recurring mantra throughout my life. Again, this was a process and not an overnight change for them. While I was playing hockey, I also danced in a folklore group. This further helped my parents' adjustment to Canadian life, as it signalled that their roots were also respected in Canada. This acceptance made them and our whole family love Canada in the truest sense even more. Canada has always shown itself to be a patient and kind teacher to new Canadians. It is a teacher who says we want you to be Canadians first but we will also respect the roots of your culture.

Now almost half a century later, the Maric family has continued to participate wholly in the Canadian experience as full partners. My parents still keep in touch with relatives in the 'old country' but now gone is that fear and trepidation of a new land. The traditions of the country from which they emigrated are no longer an anchor in a safe harbour. They are a comforting memory from the past to be viewed with the gentle fondness that age and wisdom bring. Canada, the country to which they immigrated 50 years ago, is now home in the most authentic sense of the word. It offers all the comfort and security that can only be found in a land as free and great as this.

My parents always say their greatest legacy is that their children—Ivica, Mike and John—are Canadian citizens living in the greatest country in human history. My parents have taught me that defending the values and founding principles of this country will ensure that the freedom that drew them here all those years ago endures for a long time to come. This will in turn help to clear the way for other new Canadians so that they may also discover the safe harbour that Canada has always been to the world.