A fine gift

Canadians Shahrzad Khezri, Lagois Construction Estimator, and her husband, Erfan Nozari

It’s not often that you get a chance to see first-hand, in real life on a personal scale, the beauty of something that enriches us and Canada at the same time.

The Lagois team has just been gifted with that experience ‒ not only to welcome a beautiful addition to our country but to our very own team.

Shahrzad Khezri, Lagois Construction Estimator, and her husband, Erfan Nozari, became official Canadian citizens this year in a citizenship ceremony in Ottawa.

They are young professionals who chose Canada ‒ and us ‒ as the place where they wanted to make their lives.

Shahrzad shared their own profound experience with us recently. This is what she said:

“Our journey started with a big decision. My husband and I had just gotten married, and instead of having a wedding, we decided to use that money to build a future in Canada. I applied to university, got my study permit, and Canada welcomed us by allowing my husband to come with me on an open work permit. That was the beginning of a whole new life.

“Leaving our families was the hardest part. We knew we were moving so far away that seeing them again wouldn’t be easy. Then, only a few months after we arrived, Covid changed everything. We lost some of our loved ones back in Iran, and not being able to hug them or even say goodbye is a pain we will always carry.

“Like every immigrant, we had to start from zero. I studied, my husband worked, and together we learned how to build a life in a new country. Even though we knew some English, living in English was completely different. We had to learn how people really spoke every day, get used to a new culture, and slowly find our place here. We also waited almost two and a half years for our permanent residency because of Covid delays.

“It wasn’t always easy. There were cold winters, expensive bills, lonely days, and many moments when we wondered if we were strong enough. But Canada also gave us opportunities, freedom, peace, and the chance to create a life through hard work. Those are things I will always be grateful for.

“When I took my citizenship oath, I didn’t feel like I was leaving one home behind. I felt like my heart had simply made room for another one.

“Thank you, Canada, for becoming our second home. The place that held us through both our struggles and our happiest moments. I hope you always stay as welcoming as you were to us.”

*

The rest of the Lagois team couldn’t be prouder ‒ as Canadians, as colleagues, as a company dedicated to providing the finest talent and integrity among our people.

We hope you’ll join us in welcoming this fabulous young couple.

We are now two people better.