On the flight from San Francisco to Calgary, my American-Chinese seat neighbour was candid about the population density of Hong Kong and China. As we approached the runaway, the vast snow-covered open land prompted him to comment that we should import people from the two countries to lighten their weight.

He was in Calgary on a business trip, a complete demographic change from decades ago when his countrymen came looking for work in the Canadian railways and mining companies or as day labour. They are still arriving but now moving into affluent neighbourhoods and leaving their impressions in the technical, educational and financial institutions of present Canada.

CALGARY:

Two weeks in Calgary and I could see the reason that, despite the foothill (Rockies) temperature of persistent, niggling cold, the city is attracting Asians. It is unflappable, freezing at times, and at the same time offering opportunities for entrepreneurs…