Canada welcomed 140 new citizens at a ceremony at the Parksville Community Centre on Aug. 30.
Coming from more than 21 different countries, the new citizens shed tears of joy as they sang their new national anthem and took the oath to pledge allegiance to Canada. The ceremony was presided by Deb Grey, Order of Canada, who congratulated the new citizens.
“It’s a proud moment for you all,” said Grey. “It’s a day of merry that you will never ever forget. So as long as you live, you will always remember this day. And I would argue and I would probably win this argument, too. That this is even more important perhaps than your wedding day. Why? Because many marriages sadly fail but this is permanent. So you’re in this for life.”
Those thrilled to become new Canadian citizens included Anthony Erojo and his wife Yuriyo, and Mae Kho.
“It’s hard to explain how I feel but it is one of the most important days of my life,” said Erojo, who came to reside in Canada from Davao City in the Philippines in 2009. “It’s been a long road to get here but it’s worth it. It’s a big decision. Me and my wife are very proud of our decision. I am very proud of being a Canadian.”
Erojo’s wife is of Japanese origin. By becoming Canadian citizens, Erojo said they no longer have to deal with two different national identities.
Kho has always dreamed of coming to Canada. She also came from the Philippines and started to work in Canada as a live-in caregiver in 2008. She said it has taken her 10 years to finally get her Canadian citizenship.
“I know I have a better future her for me and my son and I can help my family back home,” said Kho.
“I very happy and very proud to finally become a Canadian citizen. Everything came together and it’s God’s will that we’re here now.”
Other guests who welcomed the new citizens included Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, Parksville Mayor March Lefebvre, Qualicum First Nation chief Michael Recalma, Oceanside RCMP Detachment Commander Marc Pelletier and Oceanside Auxiliary Constable Michael Dally.