New Canadians
A total of 44 candidates from 11 countries become Canadian citizens in ceremony
A special citizenship ceremony at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown Thursday, saw 44 candidates from 11 countries become Canadian citizens.
Thursday night was a pivotal moment in the lives of Zhiyu Li and Ze Chao Tian.
The Charlottetown couple finally joined their young son, Paul, in becoming Canadian citizens during a special citizenship ceremony at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
A total of 44 candidates from 11 countries said the oath, signed their citizenship forms and sang the national anthem as part of the hour-long ceremony.
As Li walked across the stage, she said she felt amazed at finally having this dream come true.
“It’s hard to describe,” reflected Li just moments after the ceremony. “You feel really proud, and we waited for that for a year, so it’s been a long wait to finally become citizens.”
“It’s so exciting,” added Tian. “I have three diplomas, and every time I walk across the stage I have a different feeling, but this time it was totally different.”
Li and Tian Li are from China but met in Charlottetown at the Study Abroad Canada Language Institute five years ago.
They said they want to live here because the people are nice, it is not crowded and they feel Canada has a good educational system — all things they want for their son.
“It’s really peaceful here,” said Li. “We want (Paul) to get a better education, and here I think it’s better for children to live.” Order of Canada recipient, Wayne Hambly, presided at the ceremony with words of wisdom, encouragement and welcome to new Canadians.
“Our history is now your history. Our laws are now your laws. Our identify is now your identify. Our responsibility to be a good and faithful citizen loyal to Canada is now your responsibility.”
“Prince Edward Island is a wonderful place,” continued Hambly. “A place of peace and security. I trust that you will do your part to make Prince Edward Island and Canada even better.”
John Mayaleh and his mother, Suzan Nayfeh, also became Canadian citizens during the ceremony after living in P.E.I. for six years.
“I was really happy because I have been waiting for this moment for quite a while now,” said the 16-year-old Charlottetown Rural High School student. “The feeling that it’s actually happening is unbelievable like you almost think it’s a dream.”
Mayaleh and Nayfeh, originally from Syria, were excited to receive their certificates and the intangibles that come with it. “It gives me more freedom to study wherever I want now,” said Mayaleh who is looking to study heritage carpentry and hopes to travel all over his new country.
Nayfeh, too, hopes to do some travelling both in their new country and to their home country.
“I haven’t seen my family or seen my country in about six years now. All the stuff that is happening kind of kept me away from it,” said Mayaleh.
The event was hosted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and was in partnership with CIBC (in recognition of CIBC’s 150th birthday year alongside Canada’s 150th birthday).
“I’m so proud to be Canadian,” said Monique Giroux, VP at CIBC sponsorship marketing and strategic partnerships. “You have chosen a country that rejoices and celebrates all aspects of diversity and inclusion.”