Fifty people become Canadian citizens during Canada Day ceremony in Kitchener

Fifty people were sworn in as Canadian citizens on Canada Day during a citizenship ceremony at Kitchener City Hall.

The afternoon ceremony included new Canadians originally from a variety of countries. Many were joined by family members as they recited the Oath of Citizenship, sang “O Canada” for the first time as citizens and shook hands with local politicians, police officers and judges.

“The best way to demonstrate our celebration of Canada Day is with the citizenship court,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “The reality is, other than our First Nations, everybody has come here and at some point, became a Canadian citizen and so, to see people’s faces light up as they take the oath, as they come across and shake hands with you, it’s just a magical day.”

Vrbanovic, who immigrated from Croatia, said he still remembers his own ceremony and keeps his citizenship card in his wallet.

“We had our citizenship ceremony in 1974 and that is an important moment for our family and one that we’re immensely proud of,” said Vrbanovic. “Yes, I’m still proud of my Croatian roots. [I] still go back and do stuff between Canada and Croatia, but Canada is home now and [I’m] just thrilled to be able to celebrate it and to serve our community as mayor as we celebrate Canada Day.”

For families like that of Venudhar Goné and Mounika Bairneni, the ceremony marked a dream realized.

“It’s very emotional for us — in a beautiful and wonderful country like Canada, which allows freedom of expression and you can be whatever you want,” said Goné. “It respects you as you are. So that’s the greatest part and it’s a dream. It’s a dream to become Canadian. There’s no other country in this world I would choose other than Canada.”

The couple said they first landed in Regina and were especially fond of the prairie landscapes. Their son, Smaran, said his favourite things about Canada were “Tim Hortons and poutine.”

After the ceremony, the new citizens were able to join others in Carl Zehr Square to continue the celebration, with a live concert of multiple performances, including rock band Sloane, a Canada Play area with multiple carnival rides and inflatables for families and children to enjoy and food vendors.

This year marks Canada’s 158th birthday.