Getting citizenship on Canada Day is ‘icing on top of the cake,’ says new citizen

Derek Normanton’s journey to Canadian citizenship began with a simple visit to a friend in Truro, Nova Scotia. After experiencing the beauty and charm of the province, he knew he wanted to make it his home. It took him 14 years, but on Tuesday, Normanton finally became a Canadian citizen at a ceremony held at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax.

The museum, which served as an immigration terminal from the 1920s to 1971, has been hosting citizenship ceremonies since 1999. Normanton, along with 48 other individuals, received their Canadian flags, took an oath, and proudly sang “O Canada” as they officially became citizens of the country.

Normanton, who works for the Municipality of East Hants, expressed his gratitude for the privilege of being a Canadian. He described Nova Scotia as a diverse place with friendly people and open spaces, making it a fantastic place to live. He planned to celebrate his newfound citizenship by indulging in some sushi, a fitting way to mark the occasion.

Another couple, Brad Pease and Ieva Paegle, decided to make Halifax their home after falling in love with Nova Scotia’s coastal landscape, culture, and people. Having lived in B.C. for a few years, they saw the move to Nova Scotia as a great opportunity for their family to experience diversity and different adventures together. They applied for citizenship in January and were thrilled to officially become Canadian citizens.

Maria Quency De Souza, a nurse who has been living in Canada for six years, also became a new citizen at the ceremony. She expressed her joy at achieving this milestone and shared that Canada had always been her dream country to live in. Quency De Souza will celebrate this special day with her family and friends, grateful for the opportunity to call Canada her home.

The ceremony held on Canada Day was a fitting celebration of diversity, unity, and the shared values that make Canada a welcoming and inclusive country. As more individuals like Derek Normanton, Brad Pease, Ieva Paegle, and Maria Quency De Souza become citizens, the rich tapestry of Canadian culture continues to grow stronger and more vibrant.