From England To Canada
In the summer of 1959, at the age of 35, Leslie Smith left his wife and two children in the small town of Wallsend, in northern england. He flew to Kitimat, British Columbia. While there he worked in an aluminum factory until an opening in a Rothmans Cigarettes factory surfaced, since he had previously worked in a cigarette factory in england he applied and was immediately accepted. He then flew from Kitimat to Toronto. For six months he worked everyday, establishing himself, he sent letters to his wife arranging their flight. Finally, on December 29th, 1959 my grandmother, her brother and their mom flew over to Canada, they flew over on the Trans Canada Airlines, and landed first in New Brunswick to refuel the plane, and then to Pearson Airport. They were only allowed to bring over what they could fit in a suitcase, my grandmother, being 10 years old at the time, left many toys, books, and friends back in her hometown.
The reason my great-grandfather moved here in canada was because there were many more job opportunities in the newer country, in fact if you asked him his answer would be “I can make more here in 2 years than I could back in england in 10 years” (Leslie Smith). According to statscan.gc.ca, the average wage in England was higher than the average wage in canada. However, in less than six months in canada he made enough money to finance a house and also to buy a car, something he never once had back home. Not to mention the vast, open land canada had to offer. It was an easy decision for Leslie bringing his family from a busy town in England to a quiet city in canada.
For kids my age in england there are many sports to play and watch, but the main sport is soccer. Being a hockey player, soccer doesn’t interest me at all. The only hockey there is the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL). Knowing how important soccer is in europe, hockey most likely won’t be televised. Although there might not be any hockey, there are many gamefish in england, such as salmon and trout, not to mention england has a huge coastline for fishing in the sea. There are also many different species to hunt in england, being an avid hunter and fisherman these two factors would make living in england tolerable. 
These two pictures are from 1959, on the left is the first ever Mini, and on the right is the 100 mile saloon car race. These pictures show how England was the year my great-grandparents left. England was a positive, innovative, and very expensive place to live. Had my grandma not immigrated to canada I would not be here today. She wouldn’t have met my grandfather and wouldn’t have had my dad. She would’ve met someone in england and i’d be living in europe right now.
To conclude, I’m glad that my great-grandfather moved here and raised his family here, Canada has so much to offer, especially nature and sports. I love everything to do with nature and I’ve played pretty well every sport. My life would be way different had they not immigrated here, although England has some pretty interesting things and beautiful landmarks and tons of sightseeing, I still prefer Canada.
Works Cited
“Average earnings of male and female employees in manufacturing, survey week 1956 to 1965, and percentage increases over previous year.” Statistics Canada, 7 Aug. 2008, www65.statcan.gc.ca/acyb02/1967/acyb02_19670756015-eng.htm. Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.
“English Premier Ice Hockey League.” Wikipedia, 26 Dec. 2016, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Premier_Ice_Hockey_League. Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.
“Freshwater rod fishing rules.” GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/freshwater-rod-fishing-rules/when-and-where-you-can-fish. Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.
Wallsend Location Map. Wallsend Location Guide, www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Wallsend.
wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting_and_shooting_in_the_United_Kingdom. Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.
Kyle, your great-grandfather was a very smart man when it came to economics. He left England and came to Canada for better job opportunities as my grandmother did as well. I find it very noble of him to come to a new country on his own leaving his family behind just to scope out a life more suitable for him and his loved ones. I find it interesting that there are so many fishing opportunities in England. I think that is one thing you would really enjoy if your family were to stay there but, overall I think your great-grandfather made the right decision coming to Canada considering there are a lot more opportunities for you to have a happy life here.
ReplyDeleteKyle, just like your family mine also left Europe to pursue everything Canada had to offer. It seemed to be a popular choice back then and it ultimately has proved to benefit most people and there families who made good use of what Canada could do for them.
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ReplyDeleteKyle, it sounds a lot like my grandparents as they also left England due to economics more opportunities. It sounds like both of us would be affected by the inability to play hockey and not having much interest in soccer. It seems like your grandparents had a well thought up plan when immigrating.
ReplyDeleteKyle, it sounds a lot like my grandparents as they also left England due to economics more opportunities. It sounds like both of us would be affected by the inability to play hockey and not having much interest in soccer. It seems like your grandparents had a well thought up plan when immigrating.
ReplyDeleteKyle it sounds as though you grandfather was a very intelligent man. Just as he did my grandparents also left England and moved to Canada. The fact that you would have a very unlikley chance of playing hockey also affects me. it was very nice getting to learn your history.
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