Proud new Canadians take citizenship oath

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This article was published 10/12/2009 (6085 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s newly minted Culture Minister Flor Marcelino didn’t just attend Wednesday’s citizenship ceremony, she renewed the oath she took in 1986 as she shared in the common experience of 28 new Canadians.

The new Manitobans, who came from 13 countries near and far, officially became Canadian citizens, receiving Canadian flags as well as their citizenship certificates.

Marcelino, who immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 1982, reflected on her experience taking the oath of citizenship. "As I valiantly sang O Canada with tears flowing from my eyes, I had made a vow that I would try my best to be a good citizen of the country that has accepted me and my community."

During Wednesday’s recitation of the oath, the minister raised her right hand and renewed the oath she took almost 24 years ago. Later, Marcelino said she was honoured to host her first citizenship court ceremony as the minister responsible for multiculturalism. "I’ve been to so many citizenship swearing-in ceremonies, but this is very special for me."

The ceremony featured ear-to-ear smiles, rounds of applause, a chorus of song and several emotional speeches. "Your presence here today confirms that you have the courage and the wisdom to make the necessary adaptations, that you’ve made a conscious decision in favour of Canada. Well today, Canada is declaring in favour of you," said citizenship Judge Harold Gilleshammer as he presided over the event.

Gilleshammer also read aloud a few remarks that had been submitted anonymously by proud new citizens prior to the ceremony. "To me becoming a Canadian citizen means the greatest achievement of my life as an immigrant," one said.

Among Manitoba’s newest citizens are Samuel and Jackie Smal, and their children, Andries, 14, Stephan, 11, and Carina, 10. They emigrated from South Africa in 2000. At the time, they were unsure whether they would stay in Canada for more than a few years. They stayed, even though they still have family in South Africa, living in Gillam before moving to Winnipeg a year ago.

Samuel Smal said his family feels much safer in Canada, referring to South Africa’s high murder rate. "Initially when we landed in Gillam we didn’t even lock our doors." Smal’s children were all very young when they came to Canada; 10-year-old Carina was just a baby then. "I’ve always felt like I was part of Canada so the ceremony was just more official," said Andries, who was six when his family arrived in Manitoba.

Smal said he has always considered his children to be Canadian.

jennifer.pawluk@freepress.mb.ca