Wednesday 25 June 2025
100 individuals from 39 different countries conferred with Canadian citizenship at YMCA National Capital region
In a packed hall at the National Capital region YMCA on Argyle Avenue, 100 new Canadians from 39 different countries were conferred with Canadian citizenship by the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In a ceremony presided over by Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir, they swore their allegiance and loyalty to their adopted country and received their engraved citizenship certificates. Among the dignitaries present were Hon Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development); Trevor McAlmont, President & Chief Executive Officer, YMCA NCR and Sébastien Martin, Senior Director, Employment and Newcomer Services and Camping, YMCA NCR. Songstress Monique Messier gave the evening a major lift with her rendition of “This is my Canada” in both official languages, while retired RCMP officer Corporal Craig Kennedy thrilled the guests with an inspiring “O Canada” national anthem in both official languages.
Black Ottawa Scene was there to document this memorable occasion for our readers.
