Friday 18 March 2016

Going off topic

Nate and I just before his Birthday
I'm diving a little deeper into my personal life here. A year ago, my son was born. He came to us with a little something extra, that extra being a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. Nate has Down Syndrome. I wouldn't change him for the world, and if anything, he's changed my world in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Now I come to the public world of the Internet because of something happening in Canada that isn't right.

I'm a firm believer of "Being Human". Religion, Race, Political Views aside, we should help each other out when we can. Canada is doing an incredible job by giving homes to thousands of refugees who are fleeing a war. We're giving them a chance at a better life, and we're opening our doors.

Which brings me to the Montoya family. The Montoya family has been in Canada for three years. Felipe is a University Professor, and Anejandra is is a dancer. They have two teenage children. The focus of this article is their 13 year old son Nico. Nico has Down Syndrome, that one extra chromosome has caused them to be denied permanent residency. Immigration officials in Canada say that that extra chromosome will have an increased impact on our health care system. However, Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability.

Now, the impact on the health care system isn't lost on me. We've been very lucky to have a health care system that has covered everything Nate's needed without costing me more than parking. However, the fact that this family is here, and already contributing to the system, makes me stand behind them 100%, and I want them to stay in this country. They came to a great country to contribute and be part of Canada, yet Canada is basing their admissibility on one chromosome. People with Down Syndrome should not be singled out and discriminated against. Not in my country.

Sorry this wasn't Jeep related, however, it's close to the heart and for the small audience I have with this blog I felt it was worth sharing.


CBC News Article
YouTube Video
Petition to the Immigration Minister

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