The CN Tower has forged many memories over the years, but few so precious as those gained by 38 new Canadians on Thursday, June 26.
Coinciding with the tower’s 38th birthday – and Canadian Multiculturalism Day – those 38 men and women were sworn in as Canadian citizens in a small room beneath the downtown landmark.
The 38 new Canadians were sworn in by Judge Lillian Ruth Klein, who reminded them that while they have completed their journey to citizenship, their journey as Canadians is just beginning.
"Citizenship means immersing yourself in being Canadian; it means working with other Canadians to build a better future," she said.
The new citizens hailed from 20 different countries, and the roads the newly-sworn-in Canadians took in securing their citizenship were as diverse as their backgrounds.
"Many of you had a difficult journey to reach this milestone in your life," Klein said. "We salute your courage."
Deep Bansal first came to Canada from India to attend school seven years ago.
"I came as a student with a study permit and then got a work Visa," he said. "It’s a beautiful country – I love the people here and I like the freedom."
He now works as an engineer and can enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.
"It’s a great feeling today; it’s a great joy for me to be Canadian," he said.
Bansal’s path to becoming a Canadian citizen was time-consuming, but it was certainly less arduous than that travelled by Samira Haibe. She moved from Somalia seven years ago under difficult circumstances.
"I came as a refugee and had been living in a refugee camp," she said. "Canada was a way out and a place to come for a better life and future."
Haibe admitted to having a difficult time adjusting to life in Canada at first, as she faced numerous cultural barriers.
"The weather was different, the food was different, everything was different," she said. "The hardest part was I couldn’t feel more integrated at first because I didn’t speak the language, but then I went to school to learn and I made friends."
After spending seven years here, she is thankful for the opportunity the country has given her by opening its doors in her time of need.
"I’m very happy to be here," she said. "The winters are still so cold, but this is a great place to be."