New Canadian citizen Cameroon-born Bibiane Nanda Wanoji, centre, proudly poses with family and friends. Photo copyright Black Ottawa Scene

Thursday 22 August, 2019

Fifty people from twelve different countries were conferred with Canadian citizenship at a special swearing-in ceremony in the Horticultural Building of Ottawa’s Landsdowne Park last Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Citizenship Judge Hon Ranier Sfeir. Keynote speaker was Yasir Naqvi, Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Canadian Citizenship, who encouraged the new citizens to, not only protect their rights as Canadians, but also ensure they defend the rights of others. Special guests in attendance were: Elder Thomas Lauttit, First Nations; Sarah Evans, Capital Pride; and Joanne Lau, transgender advocate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a congratulatory goodwill message to the new Canadians via tele-video. The singing of the Canadian national anthem: “O Canada” was led the Tone Cluster choir.

To qualify for Canadian citizenship, an individual must be a permanent resident and must also be physically present in Canada for three out of the last five years.

 

All photos copyright Black Ottawa Scene