{"id":59537,"date":"2019-08-07T16:11:34","date_gmt":"2019-08-07T20:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=59537"},"modified":"2019-08-16T11:11:04","modified_gmt":"2019-08-16T15:11:04","slug":"new-canadians-take-next-step-in-citizenship-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2019\/08\/new-canadians-take-next-step-in-citizenship-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"New Canadians take next step in citizenship journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWelcome to the Canadian family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the heartfelt words were spoken, applause rang out through Brock University\u2019s Goodman School of Business Atrium, symbolizing the country\u2019s embrace for its newest citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nineteen people from eight countries received their Canadian citizenship during a ceremony held on campus Wednesday, Aug. 7 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a special moment in time for Bincy Thomas, her husband Bimins Kurian and their three children: Cera, 6, and Celesta and Cian, 7.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bimins Kurian and wife Bincy Thomas, along with their children Cian, Celesta and Cera, became Canadian citizens during a ceremony held at Brock University Wednesday, Aug. 7.<\/p><\/div>\n

The family came to Canada from India in 2013 and was thrilled to take this next step in their journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve made a good home for ourselves here,\u201d Thomas said, adding the family settled in Welland and is thankful to have other relatives living in nearby communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Brock Professor Emerita Dorothy Griffiths (BA \u201973), the ceremony\u2019s presiding official, who offered the words of welcome to the newest Canadians after leading them through their Oath of Citizenship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such a wonderful joy to be part of a day that is forever going to be in their memory,\u201d said Griffiths, who is also a Brock alumna. \u201cThis is the day they joined this country and their dreams officially came true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Brock President Gervan Fearon said the University is honoured to be a part of the milestone event in the lives of the new citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat it means to me to be Canadian is to contribute to the betterment, vitality and interest of other Canadians of this great country and, indeed, humanity,\u201d he said. \u201cI look forward to seeing the outstanding things you\u2019ll do and am honoured to recognize each one of you now as part of the giant mosaic that we call Canada.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Delivering remarks on behalf of IRCC, St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle told the families that as the country\u2019s newest citizens, they will help to shape \u201cour collective future as a nation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brock President Gervan Fearon hands out Canadian flag pins to Canada’s newest citizens during a ceremony held at the University Wednesday, Aug. 7.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cNew Canadians strengthen our country in many ways,\u201d he said. \u201cYou bring your ideas, experiences, talents, culture and your passion. We welcome everything you have to offer. I have no doubt you will contribute to making canada an even stronger country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch urged the group to use their experience to help other newcomers ease their transition into the country by working with agencies such as Niagara Folk Arts and the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy challenge to you is to go forward and to pay it forward,\u201d he said. \u201cAs you become Canadians, do what is probably the most Canadian thing you can possibly do: welcome other people to Canada and volunteer your time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ceremony\u2019s procession also included Amos Key, Jr., Brock\u2019s Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, and veteran John McPhearson, both who offered words of encouragement to the new Canadians.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t