On Sunday, the Cochrane Historic Ranche Club House was packed as people gathered to participate in and witness the final journey of Canadian Citizenship. For 25 people from 10 different countries, the day marked the end of a journey spanning years to realizing the dream of officially becoming citizens of this great nation. For each, the reasons for coming to Canada are different. For some, the reasons are better job opportunities or to be closer to family, for others it is escaping homelands that are more turbulent and uncertain than life here. Brazilian couple Karynne Braga and Thiago Braga Da Silva Pinto say Canada was a chance at a new start away from a nation with less opportunity and filled with corruption. Both have been lived in Cochrane for two years, five in Canada, and believe there are better opportunities here for both them and their children. They were all smiles on Sunday as they had the opportunity to celebrate their new citizenship in the community they now call home. While the Oath of Citizenship is mostly ceremonial, it bears with it serious responsibilities and undertones of the duties becoming a Canadian citizen entails. Aside from stating a promise to adhere to Canadian law, something everyone must abide to in this country whether they are citizens or not, it also compels new citizens to fulfil their duties as Canadian citizens. It is the latter part that holds the most meaning. It asks that newcomers to this nation work to help all Canadians safeguard the democratic principles that govern our nation; protect our freedoms; and live in harmony with their neighbours. Canada is a country of many nations. While there are those who denounce our multiculturalism as a failed experiment, it is what makes our country unique and as a whole stronger. No, it isn't perfect, and at times can amplify our differences, but it also allows us to stand tall as a nation that welcomes all without discrimination. The sentiment of all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion, living in peace and working toward a common goal is no more evident than during a citizenship ceremony. On Sunday, people with entirely different backgrounds sang our anthem, swore allegiance and donned the same enthusiasm and smiles while they joined Canada in citizenship. Born and raised Canadians never have to make the same oaths as new Canadians, instead they inherit their responsibilities without ever promising to adhere to them. For the most part that works, but there are some who would try to erode the principles of this nation and deny those wishing to join our community. To those people we ask only one thing, do your actions help to defend and uphold what makes this country great. We would say no because working against unity only serves to feed chaos. We welcome those who completed their citizenship journey this week and wish them the best as they weave themselves into the fabric of the quilt that makes Canada beautiful while recognizing many did so long before they took the oath.
