Canada had a few more citizens to help celebrate its birthday this past weekend after 72 permanent residents became Canadian citizens at a ceremony held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba.   

On June 27, 72 new Canadians were welcomed into the fold after taking the citizenship oath at a swearing in ceremony, which was attended by more than 150 people.

"(Citizenship) is something that is important to so many new Canadians and is something you will be glad you did," said Lito Taruc, president of the PCCM.

Judge Harold Gilleshammer was on hand to conduct the citizenship ceremony.

Citizenship judges are appointed for three-year periods and are responsible for making decisions with regard to applications, presiding over ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

Gilleshammer said citizenship is an important gift.

"It’s because of these people here today that we are celebrating the expansion of the Canadian family," he said.

Gilleshammer said prior to the ceremony, prospective citizens must display a knowledge of Canadian history and geography as well as learn about Canada’s political system during a written citizenship test.

Prospective citizens are tested on topics such as the right to vote and right to run for elected office, procedures related to elections, rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen.

Gilleshammer, himself the son of immigrants to Canada, said welcoming immigrants is a custom almost as old as Canada.

"Our open door policy has been around as long as the country itself. It isn’t surprising that Canada celebrates its diversity — this is what distinguishes up from the rest of the world — that tradition and customs of other nations become the fabric of this one nation."

Maples MLA Mohinder Saran, Tyndall Park MLA Ted Marcelino, MP for Winnipeg North Kevin Lamoureux and Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) were also in attendance.

Each year about 170,000 people apply to  become Canadian citizens. The June 27 ceremony marked the 10th anniversary of Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
 

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