Citizenship Ceremony In Ottawa
As of this morning, 12:30…I am Canadian!
We arrived at the Sciences and Technology museum around 11:00 am. It didn’t start very well: it was raining and there had been a power outage and we queued in the dark. Have you ever tried to sign a bunch of papers with the help of a flashlight? Not my best signature, I’d bet. I signed the media release (because the ceremony could be taped), certified that I wasn’t a criminal, handed out my permanent resident card and was finally allowed in the museum’s auditorium. Feng and my friends sat at the back and I was at the front, along with all 117 citizens-to-be… from 49 countries!
We waited in the dark for a while but eventually, the power came back. Phew. The clerk introduced herself and we all rose for the judge, her honor Suzanne Pinel to enter.
The judge’s speech, part of it in French and part of it in English, was very moving. She welcomed us all in Canada, and stressed on our new rights and responsibilities. She also acknowledged that the road to come to Canada may have been difficult and she thanked us for choosing it as our new home: “you can be whatever you want here and you have already succeeded to me”.
Citizenship Court Judge led everyone in reciting the Oath of Citizenship, as we all stood, the right hand risen:
I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.
Then, we all received our citizenship certificate, the citizenship card, a small Canada pin and a Canadian flag from the judge. We even got free museum passes! Judge Pinel took the time to congratulate us all one by one, and said something nice to each of us.
We all rose again to sing “O Canada”, the national anthem… my first time singing it as a Canadian. Judge Pinel invited all the kids to come on stage to sing (she is also a famous children entertainer!) and I saw a few wet eyes here and there.
No more permanent resident card for me. I’m now the proud owner of a Canadian citizenship card, plus a letter from M. Harper (I definitely wouldn’t vote for him but anyway…). Next step? Chaging my SIN card next week, and applying for a Canadian passport.
Can you believe that? I’m Canadian! Thanks Canada for adopting me, I promise I’ll be good.
 Juge Suzanne Pinel |
 Getting my Citizenship Card And Certificate From The Judge… |
 I Am Canadian! |
 Not A Permanent Resident Anymore… |
 Vive Le Canada! |
 O Canada And The Letter From M. Harper |
Related posts:
- Citizenship Exam Day In Ottawa
- The Pros and Cons to Canadian Citizenship
- Thanks for the Party… Eh!
- I Belong Here… And There Too
- Happy Birthday, Canada!
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Leave a comment!
Congratulations.
Pardon me for not following your how to be Canadian citizen series, but how long does it take to be a Canadian citizen? Here in Denmark it takes 9 years to be a citizen and it’s not easy.
Congratulations ! It must be feeling something different now.
Congratulations my dear !!!
Canada’s newest citizen is looking good. I’m proud of you !
Grosses bises xxxx
Yes, it is emotional to see people to receive their citizenship. Yet, I wonder where and what some were thinking. I see the fotos and see how some were dressed. Where in heaven’s name did they think they were going? To the pub? The garbage dump? One’s dress, even when poor, reflect the importance of the activity one is engaged in. They seem to be oblivious to the importance of the Citizenship ceremony. HM must be appaled.
Congratulations Zhu! You look radiant and very happy!