Citizenship ceremony in Stratford welcomes 31 new Canadians
People from 15 different countries became Canadian citizens at ceremony Wednesday
Thirty-one people from 15 different countries became Canadians Wednesday at a ceremony in Stratford, P.E.I.
People from 15 countries pledged allegiance to the Queen, received their certificates of citizenship and were officially declared Canadians. They also sang the national anthem as Canadians.
"Like all other people here today, I was waiting for this day for a long time," said Ali Siadat, who moved to Canada from Iran five years ago. "Now, I'm just happy, full of excitement to be here and become a Canadian citizen formally."
Siadat said he faced many challenges when moving to Canada, including learning a new language and experiencing Canadian winter. In the end, he said it was all worth it.
"I chose Canada as my home, as my new home, because I found Canada is one of the best countries in the world, maybe the most peaceful ones — the most diverse country in the world, with lots of friendly people, lovely people."
Azizun Nahad became a citizen Wednesday after moving to Canada from Bangladesh eight years ago.
Her daughter Dihan Ahsan became a citizen six years ago, and said she is very happy her mother is now a Canadian too.
Ahsan said the people she's met in Canada — specifically P.E.I.— have made all the difference.
"The people here [are] very helpful and caring. And when we came here first, I had nobody here. So, people here are so friendly and helpful and I didn't feel like alone, by myself," said Ahsan.
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey encouraged the new Canadians during the ceremony to become engaged citizens, including exercising their right to vote.
Siadat said being able to vote is one of the things he is most excited to do as a Canadian.
"I would like to be a part of the community who want to make a better country, who want to develop the quality of the country. And it's so exciting."
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