Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto Hosts Citizenship Ceremony for 28 New Canadians
On October 25th, 28 candidates from 17 countries gathered at Newcomer Women Services Toronto’s Fairview location to celebrate a significant milestone: becoming Canadian citizens. The timing of Friday's citizenship ceremony was particularly fitting, as it coincided with Women's History Month and Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month. Founded in 1983 by a group of Latin American refugee women, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) aims to empower newcomer women and their families in building a life in Canada, by connecting them to social and economic opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging.
Joining this special occasion were Citizenship Judge Rochelle Ivri, Member of Parliament Han Dong of Don Valley North, Member of Provincial Parliament Vincent Ke of Don Valley North, Cree Indigenous representative and education advisor, Sherry Saevil, and Sara Asalya, Executive Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto.
The official ceremony began with a video message from the First Nations of Canada, welcoming the newest cohort of citizens and calling for action to build relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. This message emphasized the importance of learning about the land and the First Nations communities who originally inhabited it. Judge Ivri echoed this sentiment as she extended warm greetings and congratulations to the candidates. She highlighted the collective responsibility to move forward and build a legacy of truth and reconciliation.
Sherry Saevil, introduced to conduct the opening rights on behalf of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, recounted her ancestors' prophecies about the arrival of individuals from many nations to Canada, using eagle feathers as a metaphor for one's life journey.
“...I always bring my eagle feathers, and my eagle feathers are very important to me; they represent learnings and lessons. Sometimes our eagle feathers remind us that we have taken many journeys. For you here today, your journey started from your home and your culture. But now that you've landed here in Canada, this will be your home for the rest of your life.”
Under the theme “Women at Work: Economic Growth from Past to Present,” Judge Ivri highlighted the contributions of Senator Rosa Galvez, an expert in pollution control and president of Parliament's parliamentary network on climate change, and Janella Massa, a Canadian television journalist of Afro-Latin heritage. She presented these women as examples of how diverse stories shape Canada. Facing the audience, Judge Ivri acknowledged the various reasons that brought today's candidates to Canada, including the pursuit of better opportunities or fleeing persecution. Drawing from her own experiences as the child of immigrants from Jamaica, Cuba and Guatemala, she recognized the obstacles newcomers faced and emphasized that the journeys of these new citizens are now part of something larger than themselves – “…the Canadian mosaic and family.”
The citizenship ceremony featured speeches from local MPs and provincial representatives, all highlighting the importance of Canada's diverse heritage and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. MP Han Dong of Don Valley North emphasized Canada's strengths in self-correction and inclusivity amidst its imperfections, urging new citizens to engage critically in shaping Canada. “As Canadians, we have the responsibility to be positive and seek constructive solutions to problems. Don’t be cynical. Be critical and share your suggestions with a local representative to help shape Canada the way you envision.”
Vincent Ke, MPP for Don Valley West, expanded on the role of new citizens by sharing his own immigration story. He encouraged the candidates to leverage their talents to engage with their communities and cultivate a future reflecting shared values and aspirations. “By choosing to make Canada your new home, you contribute to the strength and vibrancy of our country and its communities. By taking the Oath of Citizenship, you join the Canadian family, enriched by your presence.” MPP Ke also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to IRCC and Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) for their involvement in this meaningful ceremony.
Sara Asalya, Executive Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, reflected on her journey to Canada with her family, fleeing her war-torn homeland. She underscored that the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants testify to the “immigrant spirit” that has brought them to this moment. “As you take this important step, I congratulate each of you, whether you arrived seeking refuge, pursuing a dream, continuing your studies, or reuniting with loved ones. You have chosen Canada as your new home, and you have worked hard to earn this status.”
Reflecting on her own journey from permanent resident in 2009 to Canadian citizen, Susan Ali from Trinidad and Tobago expressed how her new citizenship expanded her sense of identity:
“I feel very privileged as a new Canadian and feel that I belong in both places. I’ve felt that I belonged here since 2009.”
When asked what advice she would give to her past self upon arriving in Canada, Ali said, “Embrace this new place; have respect for the laws of the land. Respect the country. They are gracious enough to welcome us.”
For another participant from the Philippines, two simple words captured his feelings about finally becoming a Canadian citizen after 38 years: “Very good.”
Sherry Saevil concluded the ceremony with a poignant reminder to the new citizens: never lose sight of who you are, where you came from, and where you are going.
“You are new Canadians; you walk on the lands of my ancestors, and your ancestors have come with you as well. This is your home.”
Written by: Cleisha-Bernise Springer
