Island welcomes new Canadians

Dozens of people from around the world can now call Canada home.

“You cannot explain how it really feels, but I’m very excited and I’m very happy that I’ve finally become a Canadian.” Dwitya Rulhadi

Canada is known the world over as a land of peace and opportunity, one that proudly opens its doors to those who dream of a better life.

For more than three-dozen newcomers to P.E.I., that dream became a reality Friday at a citizenship ceremony at Ardgowan National Historic Site in Charlottetown. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the special citizenship ceremony was hosted by Parks Canada, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

Among the 39 new citizens from 15 different countries was Rabab Ahmed, who came here from Iraq via Jordan. Ahmed, who first fled her homeland in the early 2000s and made her way to the Island in 2012, said there were several reasons for leaving her home in Iraq.

“First thing is the circumstances there. Second thing is we were looking for a peaceful place, a good environment, a good culture for my kids, for their future.”

The single mother of four wanted her children to receive a good education and for them to meet people from different countries and to learn about their cultures.

She figured Canada would be a good place to settle, and said she plans on remaining on the Island.

After being sworn in and receiving her Canadian citizenship, Ahmed was all smiles.

“It’s a great day. We are very happy,” she said. “I feel like me and my kids did a very great step (coming here). It’s very important for us as a family.” Another woman who received her citizenship, Dwitya Rulhadi, moved from Indonesia to the Island five years ago.

Rulhadi, who works as a baker at MacAully’s Bakery in Charlottetown, said her husband and two children received their citizenship last year, so she was glad to be able to receive hers as well. “You cannot explain how it really feels, but I’m very excited and I’m very happy that I’ve finally become a Canadian.”

Two young Islanders who were taking in the ceremony were Rami Kaboush, 9, and his seven-year-old brother, Robbie.

“We are watching my aunt and cousins become Canadian citizens,” said Rami, adding his aunt and cousins were from Syria and he was happy they could now stay on the Island.

Robbie said he was happy for his family and said Canada is a great country.

“In Canada, there’s no war. They moved here because in their country, Syria, there was war and they came here.” On of the cousins the Kaboush brothers were there to see was Sandy Alrabaa. Alrabaa said she came to the Island in 2012 because she had family here and said it was important for her family to be together.

It feels “awesome” to now be a Canadian citizen, she said.

“I feel really happy.”