The common theme with every immigrant dad is they have such amazing jobs and qualifications and then they come here and the system almost grinds them down to nothing. And that’s what happened with my dad. He hasn’t had a job since he’s been here. And my sister’s been very unwell, so my mom hasn’t been able to work either. – Lamees, 23

since my mom was diagnosed with cancer a few years back, I’ve been actively helping them. My mom went on short term and then long term disability for an injury and then, discovering her cancer, things got worse. She wasn’t making much from disability, and my dad being on it too didn’t help. They had just undergone a rent hike, and were struggling to make ends meet so I felt the need to step in and help. I helped with the rent when needed, lent my mom my credit card and tried my best to fill her fridge. It was the least I could do. – Steven, 30

Three years ago, my dad divorced his wife and things got really messy, especially financially. He went pretty seriously into debt fighting for custody rights for my 13-year-old sister. During that time, he was hit by a car and left with permanent disabilities. He’s unable to work and has no education past Grade 10. Then last year, my sister’s mom passed away suddenly, leaving my dad as her sole caregiver. So, with no other family or income I decided to move home to support my dad and sister. – Rachel, 26

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