New Citizens Reflect on Being Canadian
Soo Chung Kim
What is the one place you would like to visit or discover in your new country? Which part of Canada would you like to travel to?
I look forward to going to Quebec City because I have never been in a French culture before. I’m excited to do that.
– Soo Chung Kim, British Columbia
We’re looking forward to traveling to the Okanagan. We’d also like to go to Chilcotin, BC. We’ve heard it’s very beautiful there.
– Segundo, Elisa, Ysabelle Uergara, British Columbia
Segundo, Elisa et
Ysabelle Uergara
Now that you are part of the Canadian family, how do you feel?
It’s emotional. We’re very happy and incredibly proud. It’s an indescribable feeling. This is such a milestone for our family.
– Segundo, Elisa, Ysabelle Uergara, British Columbia
I’m ecstatic! It’s been my dream for a long time to be Canadian. I was born in Germany but I’ve always felt Canada is my home. I will be representing Canada in the PanAm Games and I feel it’s how I can do my part as a Canadian citizen.
– Jasmin Glaesser, British Columbia
Jasmin cycled in the Women’s 3,000m Team Pursuit event at the Pan Am Games. She became a Canadian citizen on September 30th, and this is her first competition for Canada.
Jasmin Glaesser
Gold metal
cyclist 2011
Pan Am Games
As a new Canadian, what is the one thing that makes Canada a special place to live? In your opinion, what makes Canada stand out as a country?
The one thing that makes Canada so special is the freedom. It’s as simple as that.
– Soo Chung Kim, British Columbia
The diversity of the country and the freedom.
– Elshaday Timkat, Ontario
Now that you are a Canadian citizen, how meaningful is voting to you?
Elshaday Timkat
We are going to vote as soon as we can. We’ll definitely vote in the next election. We’re excited to get our voter card in the mail.
– Segundo Uergara, British Columbia
It’s very important. It’s our responsibility as citizens to vote.
– Rashid Abdul, Québec
Why did you decide to become a citizen of Canada?
It’s a peaceful country, with loving people.
– Rashid Abdul, Québec
Maral Ali Mirzaei
It gives me a feeling of security. I really love Canada. Everything here—from the day that I came to Canada, went to school and went to university—these were just steps to move forward. But this one step is really different—it opens doors to the world. I’m not only part of this country; I’m part of the whole world.
– Maral Ali Mirzaei, Ontario
What is the one thing you like the best about your new country?
The government treats us well
– Rashid Abdul, Québec
Freedom of opinion
– Marloize, Québec
Paul, Richard, Hazel, Vashu,
Gemma and Cherryl Bautista
As a new citizen of Canada, what is the first thing that you wish to do for your country? Or for your community?
I am a student in radiation studies. The first thing in my mind when I chose the program was that I wanted to work for the government and for this country, because I know radiation is really important for hospitals, government, industry and agriculture.
– Maral Ali Mirzaei, Ontario
I would like to volunteer in my community to give back.
– Hazel Bautista, Ontario