Ziggy, a returning guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, shared his experience after living in Canada for over 23 years. He revealed that life was relatively easier when he first arrived — jobs were abundant and readily available. However, things have drastically changed. Today, securing a job is a challenge, and students often struggle to find work after losing their initial employment. The housing crisis has also worsened.
He criticized how many Ghanaians in Canada shy away from asking questions or seeking information. According to him, some Ghanaians carry their religious mindset into the diaspora. He cited an instance where a Ghanaian church purchased a factory building and converted it into a place of worship instead of using the space for production, which could have benefited both the community and the Canadian economy. “Indians buy factories and turn them into businesses — the government supports them. Meanwhile, we bring our church culture here,” he said.
Ziggy emphasized the importance of education in Canada, advising newcomers to prioritize school. He warned that those who neglect education often end up working multiple low-paying jobs for 12 hours a day.
“If you go to school here, the government supports you. You also need a degree for a Post Graduate Work Permit,” he explained. “Canada deports people silently, so don’t joke with your status.”
According to Ziggy, while Canada is considered a safe haven for immigrants today, that wasn’t always the case. Before the 1960s, the country primarily accepted Europeans, especially the British and Irish. It took a single prime minister’s immigration reforms to open the door to other nationalities.
Ziggy also cautioned about the mental toll life in Canada can take. He mentioned that many people sell all their belongings in Ghana to move to Canada, only to be met with tough realities that sometimes lead to depression or mental health issues. “If you’re not mentally strong or hardworking, Canada can break you,” he warned.
In a surprising twist, DJ Nyaami spoke to a white Canadian who expressed his desire to leave Canada because of the country’s high taxes — about 18% on almost everything. The man said he dreams of relocating to Ghana, having grown tired of the financial pressure in Canada.
He concluded by saying that to survive in Canada today, one must earn at least $35 to $40 per hour. He advised against moving to expensive cities like Toronto if your intention is to hustle. Ziggy also recalled a conversation with his white friend who often tells him that Ghanaians are lucky — they can always return home, but Canadians have no such option. That same friend had purchased two houses but lost them both due to financial hardship. “In Canada, if you miss three mortgage payments, you’re in serious trouble,” Ziggy noted.
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