While many Canadians celebrated their country with parades and other festivities, those gathered in the Westmount Recreation Centre on Saturday morning did something more personal – they became citizens.
It was a ceremony attended by people who came from all over the world – Congo, China, Lebanon, Syria and more. They were united in their happiness at taking the final step towards becoming official citizens of the country they now call home.
Wakanda Kasongo came to Canada from Congo almost 12 years ago. She was surrounded by her husband and four years as she prepared to swear her loyalty to the Queen and the laws of Canada.
“I’m so happy because this is a culture of peace. I feel so secure here,” she said. “This is a great, great day for me. I feel more secure here than I was before.”
Anibal Aloka came to Canada from Syria five years ago, a year into the civil war in that country, though they had decided to leave even before then.
“This is my dream since I was 19,” he said. “It took a lot of time to come here. I try to do something interesting with my life here. I think it’s a big value in Canada, the law (is evenly applied).”
Another newcomer from Syria, Jad Nazha, came to Canada at the age of 16. Now 21, he’s studying economics at HEC Montreal. He said many Canadians made the adjustment easier for him and his parents, all of whom have had to learn English and French.
“It’s been great, it’s been really easy,” he said. “A lot of people really helped me integrate into society. I made friends who I consider really close. It was a great experience overall.”
