Former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson believes Canada has room for everyone

Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson believes there's room for everyone in Canada.

Born to poor Chinese-immigrant parents, Clarkson chronicled her inspiring journey to Canada's highest office in her memoir five years ago.

Now she's sharing the stories of others. In her new book, "Room For All of Us," she maps out the struggles and successes of 10 immigrants, including Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Rogers chief executive officer Nadir Mohamed, retired Canadian diplomat Fred Bild, and former CBC broadcaster Andy Barrie.

"Yes, of course, there are people who aren't doing well, but it's telling that so many can do well and they aren't confronted by impossible barriers to doing well. We didn't dream that Canada could be as open and as negotiable as it has been," Clarkson said in an interview.

It's a celebration of immigration success in a country she says is full of "benevolent neglect."

"What I mean is that it leaves people kind of alone. We are the luckiest people in the world, living in a country that just lets you be," Clarkson told The Globe and Mail.

She praises Canada for being so welcoming to refugees, like "because we identify viscerally with them," writes Adrian Chamberlain of the Victoria Times Colonist. "After all, our own immigrant experiences aren't so far removed. Many of us have ancestors who arrived here both unwanted and penniless."

Immigrants aren't just changed by the welcoming nation, Clarkson says. Canada is also changed for the better by each of its inhabitants.

"This is an important message: that we do not stay the same, that we do not want to stay the same, that the reason that we are different now is because we have accepted difference. Diversity doesn't mean that we simply get sprinkles of different colours onto a beige background. The colours mix in; therefore, the whole image is transformed," Clarkson wrote in the Ottawa Citizen.

"You don't create a society with people who are like you. That's so easy. No, society is made up of people you hardly want to stand in the bus shelter with. And yet you must make room for them, as they must make room for you — as long as you are all committed to a peaceful, democratic society that does not threaten life, or harm minors, or contravene the laws of nature," she said.