The Cuban Sahily, known on TikTok as @sahicuban, shared a video in which she reflects on her life in Canada and the differences compared to her reality in Cuba. In her testimony, recorded outdoors with the Canadian flag in the background, she states that in this country, she has found stability, organization, and a sense of humanity that she values deeply.
"This is a country that has its issues, like all countries, but in terms of human quality, it is very good; the truth is that it is," Sahily stated in the video.
The Cuban woman recounted that many migrants idealize Canada before arriving, but some end up feeling disappointed or bored. She, however, believes that there is no comparison to life on the island: “Then, when they are here for a year or two, they say, ‘Oh, how boring, I want to go back to where there is no electricity, where there is no food, where there is no medicine.’”
Sahily recounted that, during the years she has lived in Canada, she has only experienced brief interruptions in basic services: “I’ve seen the power go out three times, and for minutes—never even half an hour. I’ve seen the water go out three or four times, and it was announced about three days in advance.”
He also spoke about the cost of living and access to food, assuring that with a regular job one can live with dignity: “Food is for everyone. There are those who want to eat very well and have to pay more, and then there's the average person, like me. I get enough to eat, I nourish myself, I eat healthy or poorly if I choose to indulge. I can afford that with a regular eight-hour job.”
The Cuban acknowledged that life in Canada may seem more peaceful for Latinos, but she values the organization: "Sometimes it's a bit boring for us Latinos, who love to party, but you can find your own way to have fun. The best thing about this country is that it's very organized."
She ended her message grateful for what she has achieved since emigrating: “I happily live in Canada, and I feel blessed. I've accomplished here what I couldn't achieve in my country, doing much more than I do here.”
The testimony of @sahicuban generated hundreds of comments on TikTok. Most agreed with his positive view of the country, highlighting stability, freedom, and respect for the rules.
Among the responses, many users emphasized that "the most important thing about living outside of Cuba is freedom," while others appreciated their honesty and sought guidance on how to emigrate or work legally in Canada.
Several agreed that Canada "remains an exemplary country to live in," although some mentioned challenges related to the climate, taxes, or the need to adapt to the language. Others stated that they felt fully integrated after years of residency: "I have been here for 17 years and I don't want to go anywhere," wrote a follower.
Sahily's experience adds to other stories of Cuban migrants who have shared various perspectives on life in Canada through social media.
Recently, a Cuban in Toronto shared her surprise at visiting a restaurant called La Cubana, where she expected to find fellow countrymen behind the counter but was served by Chinese employees. However, she praised the taste of the food and emphasized that "globalization reaches every corner."
Another young person highlighted the challenges of starting a new life in Canada, sharing that he had been waiting five months for his work permit and advised those planning to emigrate to learn the language beforehand.
Also, another Cuban alerted her followers about checking purchase receipts after experiencing an improper charge at a store, and a resident in Canada reflected on the differences with life in Cuba, from endless lines to the punctuality of public transportation.
On her part, a young woman who has been living in Canada for four years stated that she has never considered returning, despite the initial challenges: “I have struggled to get ahead, but the one thing I have not considered is turning back.”
The testimonies of Cuban migrants in Canada, like that of Sahily (@sahicuban), showcase various aspects of emigration: challenges, cultural contrasts, and lessons learned, but also gratitude for living in a country where, according to many, personal effort translates into real opportunities and a better quality of life. While blackouts, shortages, and lack of opportunities persist in Cuba, many compatriots like Sahily have found a more stable and dignified life in Canada.
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