By Cecilia Nasmith
The family of Canada welcomed 38 new members, as a citizenship swearing-in ceremony was held in Cobourg Friday.
It was the fourth such ceremony held in Northumberland County in recent years, Northumberland chief administrative officer Jennifer Moore said, and this one took place in the grandeur of the Victoria Hall Concert Hall with Judge Rodney Simmons presiding in both official languages.
Judge Simmons brought an unmistakable enthusiasm to the role that no doubt had its roots in his own family's move to Canada from Pakistan when he was a youth in order to built a better life.
“My presence before you today is a testament to what a great country Canada is,” the judge declared.
The ceremony represented the final step of a journey each of the 38 honourees had begun when they made their own decisions to come to Canada.
“Many of you have travelled far. You have had to struggle to make a new home here. You have had to adapt to a new culture, a new climate and, for some of you, a new language. You have been working or studying, or perhaps doing both.
“You have learned about Canada and have, no doubt, been taking part in the every-day activities of your community. You have embraced this country and are now about to take this exciting new step to become Canadian citizens.”
Judge Simmons described what this would be like, with rights and freedoms now guaranteed to them that are not found in many other countries.
“You have the right to vote, and to run as a candidate. You are free to live and work in any province or territory. You have freedom of expression. Women and men are equal under the law.
“Canadian citizenship also comes with responsibilities – the responsibility to vote, to serve on a jury when called upon, to obey the law, to take responsibility for oneself and one's family.
“Canada is a bilingual country and has two official languages, English and French. You and your family have the opportunity to learn English and French, and I encourage all of you to do so, as this will allow you to experience all Canada has to offer,” he urged.
“Being Canadian means standing up and saying, 'We are ready to make a difference, to help others, to respect others, to work with our neighbours to build a better city, province and country. The future of Canada depends on all of us together.'”
Judge Simmons was joined by three special guests – Cobourg Mayor John Henderson, former Northumberland-Quinte West MP Paul Macklin and Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate – in calling up each individual new Canadian for congratulations, certificates and information packages, as well as Canadian flags and lapel pins.
Each offered his own congratulations afterwards.
Macklin, a lawyer who represented the riding from 2000 to 2006 (and also served on the Queen's Privy Council), said he was glad to greet the group as fellow Canadians, and to be part of their receiving the most precious gift Canada can offer.
“I am sure you could tell me better than I could express how proud you are to have that certificate in your hands,” he said.
To be a Canadian is to have a home that is peaceful, safe and secure, Macklin continued.
“You have the freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly.
“This week, you saw a free and democratic exercise to choose a government that will lead this country. Now you too can fully participate in an election of this government or, or course, be a candidate yourself.
“Let me encourage you to become fully involved in this community and to get the most out of being a Canadian citizen. I wish you every success for your future.”
Bob Crate – an avid hockey player and president of his local Royal Canadian Legion branch – was elected to Trent Hills council in 2010. He now serves as Trent Hills mayor and is winding up a term as Northumberland County warden.
He offered congratulations to the new citizens on obtaining what he termed an extraordinary privilege - “the privilege granted to people like you who commit to our Canadian values of democracy, inclusiveness and respect for our differences.
“In turn, Canada is enriched by your skills, culture and experiences.”
Canada's vibrancy comes from its people, Crate said - their history, perspective and input.
“This ceremony today will become part of our history, a reminder that every Canadian has an origin, and each one of those stories is important in its telling. And with every telling, we expand upon the strength of our nation.”
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson was elected to council in 2010 and served a term as deputy mayor starting in 2014, before being acclaimed as mayor in 2018. He gave his greetings in both official languages.
“You have chosen to become citizens of what, in my opinion, is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” Henderson stated.
“I can only imagine how you must feel today – certainly full of pride, with dreams for a bright future,” he ventured.
“Most of you have come here from afar and have overcome significant challenges to make your new home in Canada. The decision you have made to come here has no doubt meant significant sacrifice, hard work, learning a new language and adapting to a new culture.”
Canadians are known as much for their kindness as their maple syrup, he said.
“Yes, Canadians are indeed kind and polite, but our politeness is not without purpose. For the vast majority of Canadians, we see ourselves as being inclusive, multicultural and diverse. We do live in a democratic country where our individual rights and freedoms are recognized and respected,” Henderson said.
“I hope you remember this day as a very special moment, because indeed it is.”
Judge Simmons noted that the 38 new Canadians came from 27 different countries.
“It certainly gives you pause at this part of the ceremony to reflect on the fact that we started off with 38 people coming from 27 different countries, but we are ending with 38 people from one country,” he pointed out.
“In this country, diversity is our strength, and we truly hold precious the qualities of respect and tolerance and kindness,” the judge said.
“As you take your rightful place in our society, proceed with the confidence that you are valued. You now share in making Canada stronger and more vibrant. Your success is now our success.”
The singing of the national anthem followed, with musical accompaniment by a contingent from the Concert Band of Cobourg – whose parade into the room in their white pith helmets and red jackets accented the sense of occasion.
A reception followed in the adjacent Citizen's Forum, a time for coffee, cake, congratulations and photos.
