Fifty people from 21 countries took the oath of citizenship at a Canada Day ceremony in Edmonton, where unity was a central theme amid ongoing discussions about Alberta separation.
Journey to Citizenship
For the Banwait family, the Wednesday ceremony marked the culmination of a seven-year journey. Damanjit Banwait first moved to Canada from India in 2017, leaving his wife and child behind with plans for them to join later. After four years apart, he became a citizen earlier this year and proudly watched his wife, Avneet, take the oath on Canada Day. The couple also welcomed a newborn months ago, their first child born on Canadian soil. “It was for the future of our kids,” Avneet said.
New Citizens Share Their Stories
Onyinye Muorah, an internationally trained pharmacist, said she came to Canada because she saw a need for professionals in her field. Describing the moment she swore the oath as “surreal,” she was joined by her sister Vivian, who is not yet a citizen. “It gives me hope that one day I could be a Canadian citizen. That could be me,” Vivian said.
Unity Amid Separation Talks
The ceremony carried added significance as Alberta prepares for an October referendum allowing residents to vote on whether to consider separation from Canada. Justice James Clover, who presided over the event, quoted Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, who said at the first citizenship ceremony 80 years ago: “The unity of Canada is vital to the continued existence of Canada.” Clover noted that the citizenship designation was a call to unify the country after the Second World War, overcoming vast geography and regional divisions.
Political Reactions
NDP MLA David Eggen said, “Canada Day takes on a special meaning, and citizenship takes on a special meaning.” Fellow MLA David Shepherd reminded new citizens that they can now vote on matters including separation and immigration policies that affect those who come to Canada to build new lives. When asked about Alberta separation, Onyinye Muorah said she doesn’t believe secession is likely but sometimes wonders if she chose the wrong province. Still, she hopes Alberta stays in Canada and would love to keep living in Edmonton.
