Sask. winter a whole new world for newcomers

For those of us who have grown up in Canada, we likely know how to handle harsh winters. But for newcomers to the country who have never experienced it, who have never seen snow or ice, it’s a whole new world.

“Initially it was very exciting. It’s just like the pictures I’ve been looking at all my life. Then you get to shovel the snow then it turns out really different,” said Erum Ali.

Ali, her husband Umair, and their daughter first came to Canada last month from Dubai looking for work. The Ali’s said they had to endure temperatures of 55 C over there. It’s quite the change from the current temperature in Regina.

“It gave us quite a bit of a shock initially but I guess we’re getting used to it gradually,” said Erum.

“When you feel it on your face it’s very, very different. It kind of cracks you up sometimes. It’s really frosty.”

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“What I saw in the pictures, (Canada) looked beautiful, nice, lovely. When I stepped out I was like ‘Oh god,’” Umair added. “That feeling on your nose, on your face; the burning, the tingling.”

The pair admitted when they first arrived they really had no idea what kind of clothing they needed. Erum explained how they just bought a bunch of sweaters at first. They eventually realized that wasn’t going to cut it and they actually needed coats.

“I hate wearing stuff on my head but now I have to wear stuff on my head to protect,” said Umair.

With -50 C a very real possibility for the Ali’s at some point this winter, that will ultimately be a difference of 105 degrees. When asked if they’re prepared for that frigid cold, the couple responded that they are physically, but not mentally.

The Ali’s are trying to find the positives in the weather, and they look to their daughter for motivation. They said she loves playing in the snow and doesn’t seem to care how cold it is.

Umair said his health is benefitting too.

“I think the one good thing that happened is that I’ve started smoking less,” he laughed.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s just bad dressing,” said Erum.

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