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119 immigrants from 36 countries take Oath of Citizenship |
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Written by Delon Shurtz
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Friday, September 18 2009, 9:21 PM |
A South African woman took home more than a few souvenirs after visiting her sister in Lethbridge several years ago.
Vanessa Jensen took back a fiance after meeting him during her visit to Lethbridge and the couple were married before moving to her new home on a farm near Cardston.
After living in Canada for nearly five years, Jensen finally became a Canadian citizen, along with 118 other immigrants who took the Oath of Citizenship during a special ceremony Friday at the University of Lethbridge.
“I’ve definitely been looking forward to it,” Jensen said moments before the ceremony began. “All my family back home is excited for me.”
Howard Tennant, former president of the University of Lethbridge, and recipient of the Order of Canada, presided over the ceremony and reminded the immigrants that even though they were about to become Canadian citizens, they should always remember their roots.
“Do not forget your heritage as you live and work as a Canadian,” Tennant said.
He also reminded them that taking the oath means they are pledging a lifelong commitment to Canada.
“Take it to heart. These are not merely words.”
And in return, Tennant pledged their new country would be committed to them.
“I promise you that Canada will do its very best for you.”
Tennant also urged them not to be apathetic when it comes to politics and exercising their right to vote.
“I implore you to vote in each election.”
Sitting among the crowd of people from Sudan, France, Afghanistan, Iran and 32 other countries, was Sameer Deshpande, who also took the Oath of Citizenship.
Deshpande, sitting with his wife, Amrita, and their two small children, left India and came to Lethbridge to teach at the U of L in the faculty of management. After living in Canada for six years, the citizenship ceremony was really just a formality for Sameer, but he recognized its significance, nonetheless.
“It’s a good feeling, no doubt,” he said. “It also shows my intention to stay here for a long time.”
Lethbridge has become a popular destination point for immigrants all over the world, and while citizenship ceremonies are often held at City Hall with far fewer immigrants, larger ceremonies such as the one at the U of L are becoming more common to deal with greater numbers of people immigrating to Canada, said Caroline Lemieux, citizenship and immigration representative.
She noted four citizenship ceremonies with more than 100 people in each are often held weekly in Calgary.
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