I'm a first gen Canadian, born to European parents. Neither of my parents spoke a lick of English when they arrived here in the late 50's. Heck, they didn't even speak the same language as each other when they met. They both worked the tobacco fields of southern Ontario; hard work for sure.
In the neighbourhood where I grew up, we were the exception... all my friends and neighbours were already 2nd gen and I got a lot of heat from them regarding my mom and dad's accents. Our next door neighbor actually called my dad a "deepie". They didn't like the fact that here we were, new Canadians living in the same neighbourhood as these 2nd,3rd or 4th generation Canadians. I guess they just couldn't understand that my folks were more than willing to work hard for a better life for their family.
My Dad taught himself to read English and never took a dime he did not earn from anyone.
I suspect that the vast majority of new Canadians have exactly the same desires coming to this country. Yes exceptions always exist, but that is what they are, exceptions.
HH