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Thirty-one residents of the North Shore region originally from all over the world became Canadian citizens during a special ceremony held at Two Mountains Town Hall last Tuesday, the day before Canada Day. The new Canadians were from Algeria, Germany, Belgium, Burkino Faso, China, Morocco, Romania Senegal and Turkey.
Man from Senegal now Canadian
Among those who became new citizens was Sadio Sissokho, who first came to Canada from the African nation of Senegal in 2003. Sissokho lives in St. Jerome and plays percussion in the Quebec-based worldbeat music band Ouanani. "It is a delight for me to be recognized by Canada and accepted as a citizen," he told the North Shore News.
"It warms my heart. I am truly happy to be here in Canada and Quebec and I would like to thank all the people who assisted me." According to Jean Arsenault, a member of the band who attended the ceremony, Sissokho decided to upgrade his status from permanent resident of Canada to full citizenship after he was denied entry to the French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon during a band tour because he wasn't a Canadian citizen.
Roots of citizenship
According to Canadian citizenship and immigration regulations, the taking of the oath of citizenship is the final step in the process of awarding citizenship. Anyone who who was already a Canadian citizen could also take the oath. Among those who did so was Two Mountains mayor Marc Lauzon. George Springate, a former Quebec MNA who is now Canada's chief citizenship judge, presided over the ceremony. After the oath was administered and citizenship certificates were handed out, Springate spoke. "Allow me to wish you the most cordial of welcomes to Canada," he said.
"We are very proud, in fact we're excited, that you decided to come here. You have chosen the best country in the world." Springate explained how Canada initially decided to implement its citizenship program. "After World War II, Paul Martin Sr. went to Europe and he went to cemetery after cemetery where young Canadian men and women lie and he thought correctly that something should be done to commemorate their deaths. And it was Paul Martin Sr. who came back to Canada and pushed through Parliament and the Senate, that being the House and the Senate, that Canada henceforth from 1947 give out or have its own citizenship. That's how it all began."
Importance of Charter
Noting that Canada has had a Charter of Rights and Freedoms since 1982, Springate said it allows Canadian citizens to think what they wish and "you cannot be arrested for what you are thinking. You can believe what you wish. You have liberty of expression. You have freedom of association, freedom of assembly. That charter protects you and me from abuses of the state and abuses of officers of the state. But that charter cost us dearly. More than 105,000 young men and women in world wars or in Korea or in others so that you and I can walk in peace.
"It's because of them, and rights have to be fought for daily," he continued. "We have to defend rights and the charter is an exceptional document. Canada is a land of charity and compassion. Canada gives you a second chance when things go wrong. But Canada asks you to participate, donate of your time, contribute, volunteer, to become part of Canada, vote, look after the environment. And Canada asks you to treat your neighbours with respect, with dignity. In other words, treat your neighbours the way you wish to be treated." Springate, whose parents immigrated to Canada, said they came for the same reasons as all those who had just taken the oath of citizenship.
Land of opportunity
"My parents came to Canada so that their children, my brothers and sisters and I, could have a better life. And that's what you want - to give your children a better life. My parents always told me, though, that Canada was filled with opportunities - golden opportunities that Canada offers. But Canada doesn't offer guarantees. It is up to you to forge your own way. That's what my mum and dad told me and my brothers and sisters and they were right. I have had a golden life, and it is thanks to my mother and father who came to Canada." From humble beginnings, Springate has had a long and illustrious career in a wide range of occupations, including law enforcement, professional football, law, education and politics.
'You are Canadians'
"And it's not because I'm better than anyone else - it's not true," he said. "But because my mother and father, like you, came to Canada to give their kids a better chance. Everywhere I've travelled in this world, people have always asked me the same: 'Where are you from?' Canada I'd say, and they hugged me and embraced me and they wanted to know more about Canada. And so now when you are travelling, people will be asking you the exact same question they asked me: 'Where are you from?' And I hope you will tell them with pride 'I am a Canadian. Je suis un Canadien.' That's a wonderful, wonderful statement to make and the people will hug you. They'll want to know more about your Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, you are Canadians."
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