New Canadian

Welcome to our new Canadian! Nader finally got his Canadian citizenship on May 28, 2010. (I know I am late in posting this). Nader and I did not get to sit near to each other, so my limited photos turned out poorly. The photo above was taken after the ceremony.

The ceremony was held in a high school gym just 1 block away from our house on a Friday morning. The judge came from Victoria, but he used to live in Kamloops. I can't remember what his name was. He made an incredible speech about what it means to be Canadian. I was moved.

It was really neat to take part in the oath of citizenship. I have never made such a declaration, as I was born Canadian. It states:
I swear (or affirm) 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.

After saying the oath, each person becoming Canadian that day received their certificate of citizenship and shook hands with all the dignitaries. Then we ate cake.

Nader was so excited to apply for a passport that he did so right away, and got it within 3 weeks! Now he really wants to take a trip to the US, but that won't be for a little while yet. We have lots of other things planned for now!

If you ever have the chance to attend a citizenship ceremony, I highly recommend it. Its really neat to see people who have worked hard to become Canadians have their dreams fulfilled.

xo Nicole