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 articles:
- 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!
31 Comments »
8 Pingbacks »
-
[…] days after the big ceremony, I still have to pinch myself from time to time. I. Am. Canadian. God, I […]
-
[…] outgrown my permanent resident status and I wanted to belong fully, if only on paper. After taking the oath, I wanted to hug Canada, kiss the ground and shout “it’s mine too!” I’ve never been the […]
-
[…] years later, Feng and I are still together. I moved to Canada, became a Canadian citizen and we have explored dozens of countries […]
Leave a comment!
Congratulations! You look so happy, hehe!
May you have a wonderful life there. 
Congratulations Girl
I love these pictures, you look so happy
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you
Sounds like a very nice ceremony and I’m so happy for you!
I’m sure Canada will be proud of you — you’ve been a very good ambassador for long!
@the writer — It’s easier in Canada I think. It takes 1095 days of physical presence in Canada as a permanent resident. Basically, you can hope to apply for citizenship after 4 or 4 years in Canada, plus one year processing time. I have been in Canada longer than that but I was on work visa at first, not a permanent resident.
@Cuckoo — It feels… home.
@barbara — Thank you Barbara!
@DANIEL WILLIAM SULLIVAN — All maybe one of two citizens were dressed nicely, as far as I saw yesterday. But everyone has a different point of view on that… also note that the ceremony is at 11:30, so a lot of people may have to rush back to work after etc. I wish I could have had a nice little dress (I actually considered it) but it was cold and rainy, plus I knew I wouldn’t be going straight back home after and there were no way I could spend the day were just this dress! So it’s a mix between looking proper for this occasion and being practical…
@Guillermo — Gracias!
@Lizz — I am happy, and I think it shows.
@Agnes — THank you!
@Bluefish — Thank you chère montréalaise!
@RennyBA — Thank you Renny. I hope to continue showing my love for this country, the same way you do it with Norway!