Errol and Delphine Francis
Errol and Delphine Francis were both born and raised in Uganda and held fond memories of life in East Africa. They reflected on a very comfortable life with warm weather and a great balance between work and family life. Errol completed his high school and pre-university courses in Uganda and began a career in the travel industry in Uganda. Delphine completed her teaching certificate abroad and returned to Uganda to become a teacher trainer at the Shimoni Teacher Training College.
Delphine was 7 months pregnant when the expulsion decree was announced. Since both Errol and Delphine held Ugandan citizenship, they were admitted for resettlement in Canada. They both flew into the Longue Pointe Military base in Montreal and then were relocated to the YMCA in Montreal. Delphine quickly landed a job within just a few days as a tailor in a shop close by. They both recalled an overwhelming amount of support in Montreal from immigration officials and Canadians as they received winter clothing and other items for their newborn.
Within a few months the couple moved to Toronto in August of 1973 as Errol had secured employment in the travel industry. Delphine took up a position as a teacher in the Catholic School Board. Over the years the couple raised their children in Canada and progressed in their respective careers. They are happily retired and pass their time traveling and spending time with family and friends.
This oral history was conducted in Errol and Delphine’s home in Toronto, Ontario.
Interview Audio:
Part 1:
Part 2: