Special citizenship ceremony

Well, Friday the 16th was a fabulous day at the Supreme Court. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, welcomed 17 new Canadian families representing each province and territory in a special commemorative citizenship ceremony.

Many notable people were present to see the families get sworn in and become Canadian citizens. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverly McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Senior Citizenship Judge Michel Simard welcomed the families and spoke eloquently on what Canadian citizenship means to them.

I was present at the ceremony as the representative of Strategic communications. For me, it was an inspiring and very moving event. I was amazed by the stories that I heard of the courage, perseverance and sacrifice that many of the newcomers had demonstrated in coming to Canada. Some of them had travelled great distances looking for peace from war, some looking for freedom, some seeking the respect and acceptance they knew Canadians would provide. Most of them had to say goodbye to friends, loved ones and familiar surroundings.

Canadian citizenship was legally and officially created on January 1, 1947, when the first citizenship act came into effect. Until then, people living in Canada were considered British subjects living in Canada.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean told those at the ceremony:

As someone who came to Canada early in life, seeking freedom and hope, I know deeply and personally the value of Canadian citizenship. As each of you is welcomed into the Canadian family, I hope you will take an active role in the ongoing task of building this country.

Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin had this to say:

I am honoured to greet some of Canada’s newest citizens in the very same building where the first Canadian citizenship ceremony took place in 1947.

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