Building the Canadian Mosaic: Citizenship Judge’s message to new Canadians

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:36:54 +0000

Susan Ali’s journey toward Canadian citizenship began in 2009, when she arrived from Trinidad and Tobago as a permanent resident. Since then, she’s built a life, a career, and a sense of belonging, embracing her dual identity as both Trinidadian and Canadian.

“I feel that I belong in both places,” Ali shared, reflecting on her evolving sense of identity. Her advice for newcomers: “Embrace this place, respect its laws, and appreciate the welcome Canada extends.”

On Oct. 25, Ali joined 27 others from 17 countries at Newcomer Women Services Toronto (NEW) to celebrate an important milestone in their lives-becoming Canadian citizens. For these new Canadians, the citizenship ceremony symbolized resilience, adaptation and growth. Sara Asalya, NEW’s executive director and a 2018 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award winner, addressed the group, sharing her own family’s journey to safety in Canada after fleeing war.

“Whether you arrived seeking refuge, pursuing a dream, or reuniting with loved ones, you have worked hard to earn this status,” she said, recognizing their collective strength.

The ceremony, timed to coincide with International Women’s Month and Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month, honoured NEW’s origins. Founded in 1984 by Latin American women, NEW has helped immigrant women transition to Canadian life for nearly four decades.

Citizenship Judge Rochelle Ivri, drawing from her experiences as the child of immigrants from Jamaica, Cuba, and Guatemala, acknowledged the challenges newcomers face and emphasized that their journeys contribute to the Canadian mosaic. She encouraged new citizens to embrace their responsibilities while recognizing their roles in Canada’s story of resilience and diversity.

Community leaders also offered inspiration. MP Han Dong urged newcomers to engage positively in Canada’s growth, while MPP Vincent Ke shared his own immigrant journey, encouraging the group to leverage their talents and connect with their communities. “By choosing to make Canada your new home, you strengthen our country,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a welcoming message from Indigenous representative Sherry Saevil: “You are new Canadians; you walk on the lands of my ancestors, and your ancestors have come with you as well. This is your home.”

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