1

Each family decided to immigrate due to their own personal circumstances. A variety of reasons influenced their decision. Nevertheless a number of common themes stood out. Many who were interviewed for this project came as children or young adults and did not participate in the decision. Several indicated that their mothers did not wish to immigrate. The following excerpts provide a representative sample of the factors that contributed to people's decision to come to Canada.

2

Henry on immigration fever
2005
The Netherlands

3

Henry Nyman was the first in his immediate family to immigrate at the age of eighteen. He had a sense of adventure and was seeking new experiences.

4

Henry on Why Canada
2005
Bloomfield, Ontario

5

Paul Van Vliet on government regulation
2005
The Netherlands

6

Paul Van Vilet's father had operated a poultry farm in Holland, which had been shut down "by the Germans." When he applied to reopen his business after the war he was denied the necessary permits because he was "too old". This encouraged the family to seek opportunities elsewhere.

7

J Westervelt shortage of farms
2005
Prince Edward County, Ontario

8

Johanna Westervelt was engaged, but couldn't get married because there was little opportunity for a young couple to find a home or a farm of their own.

9

John Heinen on lack of housing and jobs
29 September 2006
The Netherlands

10

John Heinen had completed his military service in Indonesia. There was a lot of talk about immigration among the young men. He was more interested in a career in construction than in farming, but he too found his prospects limited by lack of housing and job opportunities.

11

Jake deVries family reunification
2005
Hillier, Prince Edward County,Ontario

12

Three of the Timmerman sisters had married Canadian soldiers. When the opportunity arose their parents decided to follow them to Canada with another daughter and her fiancee to keep the family together.