I spent the morning today watching my wife get sworn in as a Canadian citizen. I consider her more Canadian than the NHL and the CBC, at least she's been here through all of "that" business. The ceremony was interesting to attend, especially for a born and bread Canuck. It's very seldom many of us get to go to one of these things, but of course with the increasing number of new immigrants coming to Canada, I suppose this will soon be more popular.
The morning started standing in line with the other new Canadians. There seemed to be a buzz of energy in the crisp, fall air. The sun was keeping us warm, some people held Tim Horton's coffees for a bit of added warmth, and perhaps a patriotic, morning caffeine fix too.
We were allowed to enter 25 St. Clair Avenue East at 8:00am. We all stormed in and filled the elevators where we were whisked up to the second floor. A short walk down a long hall later and we were in the ceremony room. Heather sat in the middle section facing where the Justice would sit. I was escorted to the sidelines, where other guests and previously landed family members sat eagerly anticipating the proceedings.
I could tell Heather and the other honourary hoseheads were getting antsy. We all began to clock watch, itching to start the process these people had long waited for. Then I began to notice that people were unapologetically, trickling in late. This began to bug me. Here we are at a very special day in the life of immigrants to Canada, a day they are suppose to be excited and proud of, a day when they will truly be Canadian (even more so than Molson!). Most of the people appeared to be excited, but about a quarter of them showed up late! One woman was nearly half an hour late, and the proceedings could not begin until everyone was in attendance.
I have concluded that any new immigrant who has been permitted Canadian status, and the right to become a Canadian citizen, must arrive to their swearing in on time. There should be very few exceptions to this rule. You will have 30 days to provide a just reason and proof why you were late. If you can not prove this, you will be deported instantly. I am a punctual person, not an anal one, but I prefer to steer away from tardiness. Let's fact it, it's just plain lame to arrive to something of this magnitude late!
My other observation was how some people and their children were dressed. Remember that these are people who have already obtained their Landed status, which takes about a year to obtain, and costs loads of money. They have lived in Canada during this time, so they are not new to our dress codes. Surely parents can have their kids dress in slacks and a nice shirt, nothing too fancy or expensive, a shirt and slacks won't break the bank. They should also comb their hair, some of these kids looked like they had just gotten out of bed. Some of the adults looked like they hadn't slept. One guy actually appeared to be asleep in the front row!
The process was long and tedious as each person's documentation had to be checked. As we waited, an older Korean/Canadian woman who was there with a friend getting sworn in spoke with us. In a thick Korean accent, she explained why they can't play hockey. She smiled and suggested that each time a Korean skates into the corner, he stays there and opens a corner store. It was a cute Canadian/Korean joke.
It is important for every new Canadian to recognize what is happening, that this is a very important moment in their lives. It should be taken seriously and they should feel honoured that our country has welcomed them with open arms.
So to all you new Canucks. Welcome home! Now pass the maple syrup please.
Dave
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