Last Thursday morning was the citizenship ceremony. Over the past few years, it has settled into an annual event at the CNE in which the immigration officials get out of the office for a ceremony here to swear in some new citizens to Canada. This year we had 56 newcomers from 26 different countries. Along with the presiding judge of the ceremony, the CNEA president, our local MP, and the director of the immigration office, I was part of the platform party. I offered welcoming remarks to the new Canadians, introduced the two tenors who performed, and then was allowed a few closing remarks. I am allowed the opportunity to speak each year for two reasons: I am the GM of the fair, and I became a Canadian citizen at the 2000 CNE. In my remarks, I expressed confidence that the new citizens will make wonderful new lives for themselves here in Canada. I also suggested that, although they officially became Canadians that day, that the fact of being Canadian might sneak up on them in expected ways:
“When you are speaking with someone from your country of origin and they question your repeated use of the word ‘eh’, you may be reminded that you are Canadian. If, in the depths of February, someone complains about the blizzard howling outside and you find yourself replying, ‘You know, I really like the change of seasons,’ then you may be reminded that you are Canadian.”
I guess I am old-fashioned enough that I get a little emotional about this sort of thing. I know it sounds like a cliche, but you really do see hope on the faces of these new Canadians — hope and pride and warmth and affection for each other. It is a little-known new tradition at the Ex, and I hope future years will be better attended by the general public.
Written by: David