Becoming Canadian citizen ‘a dream come true’

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This article was published 16/10/2015 (3886 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Equality and freedom were the main themes in Judge Jim McCrae’s remarks at Thursday’s citizenship ceremony.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman. Each of us — man or woman — is equal under the laws of Canada,” McCrae said during the ceremony at the Keystone Centre.

“In Canada, it also doesn’t matter the colour of your skin, or your religious beliefs … or with whom you associate. What does matter, and it matters a lot, is that you participate in the life and in the ongoing development of your country, Canada.”

A total of 137 people took the oath of citizenship yesterday, many with excited friends and family in tow for the special event.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Renu Santdasani, who became a Canadian citizen yesterday, joining her son, who took the oath the day before at École New Era School. Santdasani’s husband became a Canadian citizen two months ago.

“It’s a big year,” said Santdasani, who is originally from India. “It’s a lot for me. Great opportunities, safe, secure place.”

Over the course of two days, 337 people became Canadian citizens in Brandon. Two ceremonies were held at École New Era School on Wednesday, followed by yesterday’s event at the Keystone Centre. Ceremonies were also held at CFB Shilo in August.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada did not publicize any of the recent ceremonies due to the current federal election campaign. Officials at yesterday’s ceremony referred questions to the main CIC office.

“This is such a special assignment that I have that I don’t want to take anything away from the joy that people are going to feel … no negatives for me,” McCrae said.

CIC spokesperson Theodora Jean provided an emailed statement.

“During an election period, federal departments and agencies curtail their issuance of proactive communications such as media advisories,” the email stated.

In McCrae’s address to the new Canadians, he welcomed them to our free and democratic country.

“I know that some of you people are here because you’ve been able to escape things like hardship and poverty and danger and tyranny and perhaps persecution,” McCrae said. “Others are here because family members are already here, perhaps you fell in love with a Canadian … All of you are going to become part of the Canadian family.”

He spoke about the country’s volunteerism and urged them to be generous with time, talent and experience. He also encouraged people to acknowledge Remembrance Day every year.

“Please teach your children of the importance of that day and all that it means,” he said.

Angelynne Tesorero, originally from the Philippines, became a Canadian citizen as her husband proudly watched.

“It means it would be better opportunities for me and for my family,” she said. “We get to live in a diverse and multicultural country that gives importance to freedom, health and security of its citizens.”

Tesorero’s husband, Junar Bautista, said the quality of life is what drew them to Canada.

“There’s more opportunities and we’re thinking about the future of the kids, too,” he said.

The couple has a two-year-old child and a baby on the way.

“Health care is free here. I can’t complain, it’s way different from what we have in the Philippines,” Bautista said.

Mayor Rick Chrest attended the event, along with Brandon West Progressive Conservative MLA Reg Helwer.

“I always felt it was one of the most moving and auspicious functions I ever attended,” Chrest said. “To see these people and these full families becoming Canadian citizens … and typically having worked pretty hard to get here … is amazing.”

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