New Canadian citizens welcomed to Steinbach in special ceremony

A special ceremony was held at Summer in the City to welcome immigrants from the region who received their Canadian citizenship during the past year.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière was on hand, acknowledging the strength and bravery of each new citizen.

“I just have so much respect and for all of you and everything that you've been through to get to this point in your lives,” she said. “First, just to have to make that very difficult decision to leave everything you've ever known behind, your country, your home, your family, your friends. And then to have to make new lives for yourselves here in Canada where the culture, the weather, the language, might all be very different than in your countries of origin.

“But you've made those sacrifices for your families, for a chance at a better life and better opportunities which is really inspiring. And so, I truly hope that Canada and Canadians have lived up to your expectations and that the sacrifices have been worthwhile, and I also want to thank you for everything that you've brought here and everything you've contributed here, your talents, your strengths, your cultures. I also want to thank you in advance for everything that you will continue to contribute in the years and in the decades to come. You truly do make this city, this region, this province and this country better. So, thank you for choosing us. Congratulations again and welcome home.”

Eastman Immigrant Services Program Director Freddy Muganza was beaming as he looked at the large number of new Canadian citizens at the ceremony.

“This shows that we’re doing a great job,” he said. “People love this place. That means, if someone decides to live in this place, that means the people are very good, the communities are welcoming. So, we really appreciate everyone; the people, the services, the dignitaries, the government as well because without them, we do nothing.”

Freddy Muganza, program director at Eastman Immigrant Services

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen also spoke at the ceremony.

“Something special happened this week, Canada passed 40 million people for the first time. Of course, in its history as a nation, that was a significant milestone. And much of that growth is driven by immigration here in southern Manitoba specifically, and Manitoba more generally. I've lived here my entire life in Steinbach. I grew up here. I can tell you that this community is entirely different than the community that I grew up in, and I would say it's better. It's much more diverse. There are many more people bringing their experiences from around the world here."

Steinbach’s mayor, Earl Funk, also welcomed the new Canadian citizens.

“Thank you so much for picking Steinbach and making Steinbach such a great place. When we come together like this, all different nationalities, all different cultures, and we start to learn about each other, we start to accept each other. We've become richer people, we've become better.”

Provencher MP Ted Falk acknowledged that immigration can be a difficult journey.

“I'm sure that you're going to experience over time, even with the separation from some of your loved ones left behind, you're going to feel that you make the right choice because Canada is a great country, Steinbach is a great community, Provencher is a great part of our country. So, I want to welcome you here.”

-With files from Adi Loewen.