SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Skyscrapers dominate congested streets where millions of people commute each day in the lively Asian city of Hong Kong.
And while the special administrative region of China, squeezed between mountains and sea, has its perks, for a family of four it was time to escape.
“In August 2019, our family arrived in Summerside under the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP),” said Victor Chu, while watching the snowflakes swirl outside the window of Tim Hortons on Water Street, Sunday morning.
"We just love this small city because it’s convenient, quiet and beautiful.”
- Victor Chu
“For my two daughters, Victoria and Chloe, we wanted a different type of education system that is more relaxed but still utilizes their potential. In Hong Kong, they were overwhelmed with homework because of the stiff competition in the city,” Chu said.
Many families hired private tutors after the elementary school day had ended, on top of the assigned homework, exams and tests, so their kids could get ahead, Chu said.
“Homework doubled over the weekends, so every day my daughters were just loaded with work with no time for recreational activities. And for myself, I had worked in Hong Kong for more than 20 years and I wanted a change in lifestyle – a more peaceful life,” he said.
With the help of the P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada, P.E.I. Connectors Program and the City of Summerside, Chu and his family were able to transition smoothly.
“They helped us with the school system, medical and other basic things, such as getting a driving licence, because in our former city (Hong Kong) public transportation was abundant. There was never a need to own a vehicle,” said Chu, who has set up his own small business in Slemon Park.
“I rent an office and have hired a few English tutors to conduct classes over the internet to my clients in Hong Kong.”
Since the move to Summerside, Chu and his family now balance school at Greenfield Elementary, work and fun.
Chloe and Victoria have started ski lessons at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale, while Chu and his wife, Olivia, are hosting events in their home and finding time for each other.
“We organized a Christmas party and invited all our neighbours (from Iraq, England, Hong Kong, P.E.I., and other provinces) and played games in the afternoon, had teatime, and then did a Christmas gift exchange for the kids," said Chu.
“Then Cora Lee Dunbar (the regional program officer with P.E.I. Connectors) invited my family to her home for a Christmas lunch. This was our first Christmas in Canada and it was wonderful. We have no regrets since our move."
