Interview with Fatma - a refugee living in Canada
Real Money Talk - A Ratehub.ca Production
Sometimes we need a reminder of how lucky we are and put things into a new perspective, and to look at money through a different lens. Right now, there\u2019s a good chance we\u2019re going into debt trying to show people we love them. Tis the season. But not for everyone.\xa0
In 2018, according to the auditor general, over 450,000 Ontarians are on what\u2019s called Ontario Works or OW. It\u2019s a prettier name for welfare. They\u2019re living in cramped apartments or subsidized housing, and stretching every dollar. They ride public transit with us and while we play games on our smartphones, they are hyper aware of the TTC\u2019s 2 hour time limit. They need to get their grocery shopping done within that time to not pay an extra $3 dollars and 10 cents, yes, every penny counts.\xa0
We pay no mind, too busy being, well, busy. We have a roof over our heads, a cozy couch, a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and netflix and chill - and yet, we find reasons to complain. But, not Fatma.
We interviewed Fatma to give you a real life perspective on what it\u2019s like and to remind us to appreciate what we already have in this time of mass consumerism we call the holidays.\xa0 It\u2019s a time when we need a strong reminder to be grateful. Christmas is about giving and after you hear Fatma\u2019s story, I believe you\u2019ll be ready to give more than you ever have. I asked Sandra, Editor-in-Chief at MoneySense to join me for the phone interview..\xa0
Fatma is a new immigrant and refugee to Canada. She\u2019s learning english, you might have to listen a little more closely to understand the full message, but it\u2019s worth it. The lessons are embedded. To start, here\u2019s a little background.\xa0
In Egypt, I was a working woman. I had assistants, a good job, a good car, my career, and my profession. I was working as a psychologist and teaching at a university. I was a working woman. I had no problem with money or budgets. I want to mention I'm a single mom and I'm proud of my twin boys. I miss the quality of life in Egypt. My mom was supporting me, I have money, job, career. I was a known person, but it seems I have to learn new things. What\u2019s done is done and let\u2019s move forward.\xa0
Life was perfect...that was until tragedy struck - forcing Fatma and her two twin boys to flee from Egypt and leave everything behind with her life on the line. She told her family she was attending a psychology conference in Canada, unable to tell the truth for fear of repercussions. Her positive attitude would save her despite the arduous adjustments.