New Canadians get citizenship, hockey jerseys at world juniors ceremony

New Canadians from 14 different countries came together for a special citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The event was timed to coincide with the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, showcasing the unique blend of cultures and nationalities that make up Canada.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir warmly welcomed the 26 participants to what she called the “temple of Canadian passion.” She humorously remarked that becoming Canadian also means becoming an expert in offside rules, a nod to the country’s love for hockey. Sfeir highlighted the dedication of the new citizens, noting that they had to score 15 out of 20 or higher on their citizenship test, which she playfully referred to as a group of “wonderful nerds.”

In addition to officially becoming citizens, the new Canadians were also presented with red Canadian hockey jerseys at the ceremony. The event was attended by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, federal Minister of Families Jenna Sudds, and Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower. Mayor Sutcliffe expressed the significance of tying the citizenship ceremony to a hockey event, stating that there is nothing more important to Canadians than hockey.

Minister Sudds, who represents Kanata–Carleton, emphasized the unifying power of the national sport. She encouraged the new citizens to embrace their journey as Canadians, surrounded by the excitement of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Sudds drew parallels between the players on the ice and the new citizens, praising their hard work, perseverance, and talent that they bring to the country.

As the new citizens took their oath and sang the national anthem, some admitted their lack of familiarity with hockey’s offside rules. Gonzalo Lozano, originally from Colombia, humorously expressed his struggles in learning the sport. Olusola Matthew Babatunde, who moved from the U.S. six years ago, shared his excitement to watch hockey that night, even though he didn’t have a favorite team. He jokingly stated that he belongs to the winning team, hinting at his support for the Canadian juniors.

The evening concluded with the Canada juniors securing a 3-2 victory over Czechia in pre-tournament play. The ceremony served as a symbolic moment of unity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate their new Canadian identity against the backdrop of a beloved national pastime.