Ivan Szalai

Ivan Szalai arrived at Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 23rd, 1967 on the T.S.S. Olympia, which he boarded in Haifa, Israel. He was a single man, 29 years old with two suitcases and $200 in his pocket. Ivan spoke neither English nor French and knew nobody in his chosen new country.

From Pier 21, with other freshly arrived immigrants, he was put on the train to Toronto, Ontario by the immigration officer.

Ivan was confident and determined that with his desire to learn and with his excellent work ethics he would succeed in Canada.

How challenging it was to find accommodation in a city where he knew nobody, couldn't translate the newspaper, couldn't make a phone call, wasn't familiar with the local geography and customs.

Persevere he did, - found work, learned English, aspired to get better jobs and made a new life for himself.

Ivan met his wife Helga a few years later in Toronto, where she was visiting her family. After getting engaged, Helga had to return to Europe to organize her immigration to Canada. She has landed as an immigrant at Pearson International Airport.

They got married in Toronto and worked hard to build their lives.

The "proudly Canadian" couple has retired in 2003, have 3 children and - so far - 2 grandchildren.