Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Marie Aristoteles greets officials after taking the oath of citizenship, Thursday afternoon at Waverly Park School. The native of the Philippines was among 72 people to receive full Canadian citizenship in the ceremony. (COLIN CORNEAU / BRANDON SUN)
Audience members raise their hands to take the oath of citizenship, Thursday afternoon at Waverly Park School. The people were among 72 people to receive full Canadian citizenship in the ceremony. (COLIN CORNEAU)
It’s the moment Marie Aristoteles has been waiting for ever since she set foot on Canadian soil five years ago.
Aristoteles, along with 71 others from more than 20 countries, officially received Canadian citizenship on Thursday afternoon.
"I’m so happy, this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and my son," Aristoteles said Thursday at the citizenship ceremony, held at Waverly Park School.
"After all the hardship and sacrifices before coming here, and when we came here there were a lot of challenges … I find Canada is the best. It’s one of a kind."
Aristoteles, who is from the Philippines, came to Canada in March 2007 with the hope of a better life for her children.
"For every immigrant who comes to Canada, I think that’s really what we want," she said.
"We love it here … It’s greener pastures for us. It’s more security, and a good future for our kids — a better life and better opportunities."
Aristoteles’ son, Phil Oman Aristoteles, 16, also received Canadian citizenship Thursday.
Citizenship Judge Harold Gilleshammer spoke to the excited crowd about what it means now that they are Canadian.
"We have many rights and freedoms unknown in many countries around the world," Gilleshammer said.
"The right to live free from discrimination and persecution, the right to vote and hold office, the right to live and work in any province or territory, the freedom to practice our own religion, and freedom to express our opinions."
Gilleshammer was appointed citizenship judge five years ago and has met thousands of new Canadian citizens.
"The one thing that seems to resonate at all of the ceremonies is the great love they have for Canada, and the joy they have at becoming a Canadian citizen," he said.
The new Canadians stood proudly to recite the Oath of Citizenship before receiving their official certificate from Gilleshammer.
Mayor Shari Decter Hirst and provincial Immigration Minister Christine Melnick were there to congratulate the newcomers.
Kelly Hodgins, originally from England, said it was a relief to pass the written test Thursday morning.
"I was nervous this morning, very apprehensive," Hodgins said. "I’m more relaxed now that the test is over."
Hodgins, along with her husband Ben Hodgins and two children, Harry, 14, and Ellie, 10, came to Canada five years ago. They now farm near Shoal Lake.
"It’s a better quality of life, better prospects for our children," she said. "I wouldn’t want to live back in England. I don’t mind going back for visits, but I wouldn’t want to live there.
"We’ve got so much freedom and it’s a lot more relaxed, without a doubt."
Citizenship ceremonies happen twice a year in Brandon.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 8, 2012
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It’s the moment Marie Aristoteles has been waiting for ever since she set foot on Canadian soil five years ago.
Aristoteles, along with 71 others from more than 20 countries, officially received Canadian citizenship on Thursday afternoon.
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It’s the moment Marie Aristoteles has been waiting for ever since she set foot on Canadian soil five years ago.
Aristoteles, along with 71 others from more than 20 countries, officially received Canadian citizenship on Thursday afternoon.
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