FIRST PERSON | Hosting a radio show taught me immigrants came for Canada, not a separate Alberta | CBC News
Rishi Nagar, a Calgary broadcaster and Red FM host, says his own immigration journey shaped his view of Alberta’s place in Canada. He and his family arrived in 2008 after a six-year wait.
He first worked as a security guard at CBC in Vancouver, having previously been a television presenter in India. In Alberta, he later built a journalism career, raised his family, bought a home and took part in community work.
Nagar says he has always seen Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary as parts of the same country. He says he would not have chosen to move to Alberta if it were a separate sovereign nation.
As a radio host, he has heard from immigrant listeners who also do not want Alberta to separate. His account comes amid debate over a possible Alberta referendum and proposals for greater provincial control over immigration.
Nagar argues that people can feel strong ties to Alberta while remaining proud Canadians. The article points readers to further coverage of the referendum debate.
Key points
- Nagar and his family came to Canada in 2008 after waiting six years for immigration approval.
- He says Alberta gave him opportunities to build a career, raise a family and serve his community.
- Nagar reports that many immigrant listeners oppose Alberta separation.