It wasn’t hard to spot some of the new Canadians in the park at the Historic Cochrane Ranche site on Sunday … just follow the people wearing their hearts, literally, on their sleeves.
“He did the shopping,” Sophie Hayes – decked out in a whimsical red and white polka dot dress – said with a laugh, as she pointed to husband, Mike, in his red Adidas sneakers with white stripes and a pair of patriotic red pants.
The Calgary couple moved to Calgary from Jersey in the Channel Islands in 2012 and wrote their citizenship tests earlier this year.
This weekend, they were two of 25 area residents invited to take the oath and officially be sworn in as Canadians under the blazing Cochrane sun, in front of scores of family, friends and supporters at the town’s annual commUNITY picnic.
Cochrane was given approval by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada to host the ceremony, which is the final legal requirement to become an official citizen of this country.
The celebration got underway at noon, with retired Cochrane Family and Community Support Services CEO Susan Flowers bagpiping a group of dignitaries, including Citizenship Judge Joe Woodard and Conservative MP Blake Richards (Banff-Airdrie), across the grass and onto an outdoor stage
Hayes’ parents even made the trip from the United Kingdom to take part in the special event.
“We are over the moon that this was different,” said Mike of the outdoor service, adding many people are sworn in simply at the citizenship building in Calgary. “To have this is very unique.”
Cochrane resident – and fellow new Canadian – Steve Parsons agreed, it was wonderful to have so many friends in the audience for their family’s memorable day.
“It’s just nice to do it where you live,” he said.
Parsons and his wife, Jana, have lived in Canada for 15 years, and he works as professor of biblical backgrounds at Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and College. The family moved from Texas when their daughter, Kseniya, adopted from Russia, was just two years old.
“We’re finally citizens,” said a beaming Jana. “It’s been a long time.”
Parsons – who also dressed in a radiant red button-up shirt – said he is proud to call Cochrane, and now officially Canada, home.
“Home is where we are,” he said. “It’s where we put down our roots.”
Woodard, who presided over the ceremony, told the group of citizens to enjoy the accomplishment.
“Today, Canada is bigger and better than it was 29 minutes ago,” he said. “This is one of the very few days who make us who we are.
“Welcome to your new homeland.”
