Latest news with #newCanadians
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Fifty people become Canadian citizens during Canada Day ceremony in Kitchener
Fifty people were sworn in as Canadian citizens on Canada Day during a citizenship ceremony at Kitchener City Hall. Fifty people were sworn in as Canadian citizens on Canada Day during a citizenship ceremony at Kitchener City Hall. The afternoon ceremony included new Canadians originally from a variety of countries. Many were joined by family members as they recited the Oath of Citizenship, sang 'O Canada' for the first time as citizens and shook hands with local politicians, police officers and judges. Canadian citizens Oath of Citizenship Kitchener City Hall New Canadians after their Oath of Citizenship at Kitchener City Hall on Canada Day, July 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'The best way to demonstrate our celebration of Canada Day is with the citizenship court,' said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. 'The reality is, other than our First Nations, everybody has come here and at some point, became a Canadian citizen and so, to see people's faces light up as they take the oath, as they come across and shake hands with you, it's just a magical day.' Vrbanovic, who immigrated from Croatia, said he still remembers his own ceremony and keeps his citizenship card in his wallet. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic citizenship card Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic showing his citizenship card from 1974, June 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'We had our citizenship ceremony in 1974 and that is an important moment for our family and one that we're immensely proud of,' said Vrbanovic. 'Yes, I'm still proud of my Croatian roots. [I] still go back and do stuff between Canada and Croatia, but Canada is home now and [I'm] just thrilled to be able to celebrate it and to serve our community as mayor as we celebrate Canada Day.' For families like that of Venudhar Goné and Mounika Bairneni, the ceremony marked a dream realized. Canadian citizens Oath of Citizenship Kitchener City Hall Fifty new Canadians after their Oath of Citizenship at Kitchener City Hall on Canada Day, July 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'It's very emotional for us — in a beautiful and wonderful country like Canada, which allows freedom of expression and you can be whatever you want,' said Goné. 'It respects you as you are. So that's the greatest part and it's a dream. It's a dream to become Canadian. There's no other country in this world I would choose other than Canada.' The couple said they first landed in Regina and were especially fond of the prairie landscapes. Their son, Smaran, said his favourite things about Canada were 'Tim Hortons and poutine.' After the ceremony, the new citizens were able to join others in Carl Zehr Square to continue the celebration, with a live concert of multiple performances, including rock band Sloane, a Canada Play area with multiple carnival rides and inflatables for families and children to enjoy and food vendors. This year marks Canada's 158th birthday.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukrainian mom made ultimate sacrifice for Canadian life - leaving husband behind: ‘Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Erin Horrocks-Pope is an award-winning journalist who works as a project manager of strategic development at the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLCT) in Toronto. She helps new Canadians connect to the community through various initiatives and opportunities. A selection of the organization's participants have agreed to share their Canadian lens in as-told-to accounts for Yahoo News readers. I never really thought about Canada until war broke out in my country. I never really thought about anywhere beyond our city. We had a happy, stable life in Kharkiv, Ukraine. I lived there with my husband, daughter, mother, and mother-in-law. We had everything we needed: work, family, routine, peace. Then, overnight, everything changed. Being close to the border, Kharkiv was occupied by Russian forces on the very first day of the war. The sounds of bombs and sirens replaced the quiet hum of our neighbourhood. We had no time to process, only to act. We packed our car with the five of us, our pets, and our important belongings and drove to a designated safe zone. My husband, an IT engineer, was not eligible to leave the country due to martial law, and my mother-in-law chose to stay behind in a safer part of Ukraine where she had family. So, a difficult decision we never thought we would ever have to make was made. I left with our daughter and my mother, carrying only the essentials and the unbearable weight of uncertainty. We first went to Paris, where a friend helped us find temporary shelter. But very quickly, we realized that language would be a barrier. I had some basic English, and my daughter's English was strong, but neither of us spoke French. Every small task became a challenge. Then, we heard that Canada was offering a special program for Ukrainians. The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program offered three years of support, including the right to work, study, and live in safety. Before we arrived, we studied everything we could. Canada seemed like a country built on fairness and care. A country that values the environment, social support, and technology. But life in Canada also would also come with cultural differences. In Ukraine, we are raised in a collective spirit, community comes first. In Canada, people are encouraged to build their lives independently. It's not wrong, it's just different and would take some time to adjust. One of the hardest things was starting over. From Paris, we searched for housing in Toronto, Ont. but most listings said no pets were allowed. We had already made the difficult decision to leave our parrot behind due to airline restrictions, and we couldn't bear to leave our cat, either. After many setbacks, we finally found a condo in North York that accepted pets. Our cat, in a way, helped us choose our new home. The stress was overwhelming. And we carried grief with us, too. My daughter's best friend, Arseniy, was lost to the war. They had grown up together. He was like family. That kind of loss… it changes something in you forever. Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day. We found our footing slowly. Language classes were our first step. The Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC) in North York became our lifeline. The staff weren't just teachers, they were mentors, therapists, and friends. My mother, Kateryna, who was 66 when we arrived, had never studied English before. The first classes were online, and she hated them. It was hard to convince her to try again. But then she met Teacher Lama at MNLC. Somehow, with patience and kindness, she created a space where my mother felt safe to learn. In just two and a half years, my mom went from zero English to being able to shop, visit a doctor, and use the bank on her own. For me, as her daughter, that's one of the proudest moments of all. Another major support during our transition was the Canadian education system. Especially St. Jerome Catholic School, who welcomed my daughter with warmth, encouragement, and the structure she needed to adjust emotionally and academically. It was one of the key foundations that helped us rebuild a sense of normalcy. Once I regained my footing, I wanted to give back. I began writing simple guides for other newcomers on how to find work, register for school, and access support and shared them through the Agapas Centre, led by Olga Ivanova. Later, I joined a skilled trades program at JVS, thanks to the encouragement of Eman Ismail-Elmasri, an inspiring professional who helps newcomers thrive. That experience gave me purpose again and connected me to a greater mission. Thanks to my teachers at MNLC, Teresa, Nadya, and Ivan, I was introduced to York University's Bridging Program. I studied business, adapted my previous education to the Canadian market, and graduated with an official York University Business Certificate. That ceremony was just a few weeks ago. I cried the entire day. Because for me, it wasn't just a certificate, it was proof that we had made it this far. That journey also led me to Monica Anne Brennan, Associate Director of the Internationally Educated Professionals program at York. Her leadership, like Eman's, has already helped thousands of newcomers find their footing. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with people who give so much of themselves to help others succeed. What makes Canada unique, in my eyes, is one word: willingness. So many people, teachers, social workers, and neighbours genuinely try to help. It's not always perfect, but you can feel the effort. You can feel the care. There are still things I'm not ready to talk about. The situation in Kharkiv has become worse again. The shelling, the destruction… it's relentless. My daughter and I follow the news every day, grieving in silence, trying to stay strong. I never imagined I would have to start over anywhere, let alone on the other side of the world. I never imagined I would rebuild my life with my daughter and my mother by my side. But we did. And we are still standing together, healing, learning, and hoping. And that is what Canada has given us: not just safety but the chance to move forward with dignity, purpose, and hope.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukrainian mom made ultimate sacrifice for Canadian life - leaving husband behind: ‘Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Erin Horrocks-Pope is an award-winning journalist who works as a project manager of strategic development at the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLCT) in Toronto. She helps new Canadians connect to the community through various initiatives and opportunities. A selection of the organization's participants have agreed to share their Canadian lens in as-told-to accounts for Yahoo News readers. I never really thought about Canada until war broke out in my country. I never really thought about anywhere beyond our city. We had a happy, stable life in Kharkiv, Ukraine. I lived there with my husband, daughter, mother, and mother-in-law. We had everything we needed: work, family, routine, peace. Then, overnight, everything changed. Being close to the border, Kharkiv was occupied by Russian forces on the very first day of the war. The sounds of bombs and sirens replaced the quiet hum of our neighbourhood. We had no time to process, only to act. We packed our car with the five of us, our pets, and our important belongings and drove to a designated safe zone. My husband, an IT engineer, was not eligible to leave the country due to martial law, and my mother-in-law chose to stay behind in a safer part of Ukraine where she had family. So, a difficult decision we never thought we would ever have to make was made. I left with our daughter and my mother, carrying only the essentials and the unbearable weight of uncertainty. We first went to Paris, where a friend helped us find temporary shelter. But very quickly, we realized that language would be a barrier. I had some basic English, and my daughter's English was strong, but neither of us spoke French. Every small task became a challenge. Then, we heard that Canada was offering a special program for Ukrainians. The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program offered three years of support, including the right to work, study, and live in safety. That offer felt like a door opening in the darkness. Before we arrived, we studied everything we could. Canada seemed like a country built on fairness and care. A country that values the environment, social support, and technology. But life in Canada also would also come with cultural differences. In Ukraine, we are raised in a collective spirit, community comes first. In Canada, people are encouraged to build their lives independently. It's not wrong, it's just different and would take some time to adjust. One of the hardest things was starting over. From Paris, we searched for housing in Toronto, Ont. but most listings said no pets were allowed. We had already made the difficult decision to leave our parrot behind due to airline restrictions, and we couldn't bear to leave our cat, either. After many setbacks, we finally found a condo in North York that accepted pets. Our cat, in a way, helped us choose our new home. The stress was overwhelming. And we carried grief with us, too. My daughter's best friend, Arseniy, was lost to the war. They had grown up together. He was like family. That kind of loss… it changes something in you forever. Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day. We were welcomed in a way I didn't expect when we arrived in Toronto. At the airport, someone gave us a guidebook in Ukrainian, filled with information and support. That small act meant so much. It told me we weren't alone. We found our footing slowly. Language classes were our first step. The Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC) in North York became our lifeline. The staff weren't just teachers, they were mentors, therapists, and friends. My mother, Kateryna, who was 66 when we arrived, had never studied English before. The first classes were online, and she hated them. It was hard to convince her to try again. But then she met Teacher Lama at MNLC. Somehow, with patience and kindness, she created a space where my mother felt safe to learn. In just two and a half years, my mom went from zero English to being able to shop, visit a doctor, and use the bank on her own. For me, as her daughter, that's one of the proudest moments of all. Another major support during our transition was the Canadian education system. Especially St. Jerome Catholic School, who welcomed my daughter with warmth, encouragement, and the structure she needed to adjust emotionally and academically. It was one of the key foundations that helped us rebuild a sense of normalcy. Once I regained my footing, I wanted to give back. I began writing simple guides for other newcomers on how to find work, register for school, and access support and shared them through the Agapas Centre, led by Olga Ivanova. Later, I joined a skilled trades program at JVS, thanks to the encouragement of Eman Ismail-Elmasri, an inspiring professional who helps newcomers thrive. That experience gave me purpose again and connected me to a greater mission. Thanks to my teachers at MNLC, Teresa, Nadya, and Ivan, I was introduced to York University's Bridging Program. I studied business, adapted my previous education to the Canadian market, and graduated with an official York University Business Certificate. That ceremony was just a few weeks ago. I cried the entire day. Because for me, it wasn't just a certificate, it was proof that we had made it this far. That journey also led me to Monica Anne Brennan, Associate Director of the Internationally Educated Professionals program at York. Her leadership, like Eman's, has already helped thousands of newcomers find their footing. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with people who give so much of themselves to help others succeed. What makes Canada unique, in my eyes, is one word: willingness. So many people, teachers, social workers, and neighbours genuinely try to help. It's not always perfect, but you can feel the effort. You can feel the care. There are still things I'm not ready to talk about. The situation in Kharkiv has become worse again. The shelling, the destruction… it's relentless. My daughter and I follow the news every day, grieving in silence, trying to stay strong. I never imagined I would have to start over anywhere, let alone on the other side of the world. I never imagined I would rebuild my life with my daughter and my mother by my side. But we did. And we are still standing together, healing, learning, and hoping. And that is what Canada has given us: not just safety but the chance to move forward with dignity, purpose, and hope.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukrainian mom made ultimate sacrifice for Canadian life - leaving husband behind: ‘Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Erin Horrocks-Pope is an award-winning journalist who works as a project manager of strategic development at the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLCT) in Toronto. She helps new Canadians connect to the community through various initiatives and opportunities. A selection of the organization's participants have agreed to share their Canadian lens in as-told-to accounts for Yahoo News readers. I never really thought about Canada until war broke out in my country. I never really thought about anywhere beyond our city. We had a happy, stable life in Kharkiv, Ukraine. I lived there with my husband, daughter, mother, and mother-in-law. We had everything we needed: work, family, routine, peace. Then, overnight, everything changed. Being close to the border, Kharkiv was occupied by Russian forces on the very first day of the war. The sounds of bombs and sirens replaced the quiet hum of our neighbourhood. We had no time to process, only to act. We packed our car with the five of us, our pets, and our important belongings and drove to a designated safe zone. My husband, an IT engineer, was not eligible to leave the country due to martial law, and my mother-in-law chose to stay behind in a safer part of Ukraine where she had family. So, a difficult decision we never thought we would ever have to make was made. I left with our daughter and my mother, carrying only the essentials and the unbearable weight of uncertainty. We first went to Paris, where a friend helped us find temporary shelter. But very quickly, we realized that language would be a barrier. I had some basic English, and my daughter's English was strong, but neither of us spoke French. Every small task became a challenge. Then, we heard that Canada was offering a special program for Ukrainians. The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program offered three years of support, including the right to work, study, and live in safety. That offer felt like a door opening in the darkness. Before we arrived, we studied everything we could. Canada seemed like a country built on fairness and care. A country that values the environment, social support, and technology. But life in Canada also would also come with cultural differences. In Ukraine, we are raised in a collective spirit, community comes first. In Canada, people are encouraged to build their lives independently. It's not wrong, it's just different and would take some time to adjust. One of the hardest things was starting over. From Paris, we searched for housing in Toronto, Ont. but most listings said no pets were allowed. We had already made the difficult decision to leave our parrot behind due to airline restrictions, and we couldn't bear to leave our cat, either. After many setbacks, we finally found a condo in North York that accepted pets. Our cat, in a way, helped us choose our new home. The stress was overwhelming. And we carried grief with us, too. My daughter's best friend, Arseniy, was lost to the war. They had grown up together. He was like family. That kind of loss… it changes something in you forever. Even here, far from the bombs, we feel the war every day. We were welcomed in a way I didn't expect when we arrived in Toronto. At the airport, someone gave us a guidebook in Ukrainian, filled with information and support. That small act meant so much. It told me we weren't alone. We found our footing slowly. Language classes were our first step. The Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC) in North York became our lifeline. The staff weren't just teachers, they were mentors, therapists, and friends. My mother, Kateryna, who was 66 when we arrived, had never studied English before. The first classes were online, and she hated them. It was hard to convince her to try again. But then she met Teacher Lama at MNLC. Somehow, with patience and kindness, she created a space where my mother felt safe to learn. In just two and a half years, my mom went from zero English to being able to shop, visit a doctor, and use the bank on her own. For me, as her daughter, that's one of the proudest moments of all. Another major support during our transition was the Canadian education system. Especially St. Jerome Catholic School, who welcomed my daughter with warmth, encouragement, and the structure she needed to adjust emotionally and academically. It was one of the key foundations that helped us rebuild a sense of normalcy. Once I regained my footing, I wanted to give back. I began writing simple guides for other newcomers on how to find work, register for school, and access support and shared them through the Agapas Centre, led by Olga Ivanova. Later, I joined a skilled trades program at JVS, thanks to the encouragement of Eman Ismail-Elmasri, an inspiring professional who helps newcomers thrive. That experience gave me purpose again and connected me to a greater mission. Thanks to my teachers at MNLC, Teresa, Nadya, and Ivan, I was introduced to York University's Bridging Program. I studied business, adapted my previous education to the Canadian market, and graduated with an official York University Business Certificate. That ceremony was just a few weeks ago. I cried the entire day. Because for me, it wasn't just a certificate, it was proof that we had made it this far. That journey also led me to Monica Anne Brennan, Associate Director of the Internationally Educated Professionals program at York. Her leadership, like Eman's, has already helped thousands of newcomers find their footing. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with people who give so much of themselves to help others succeed. What makes Canada unique, in my eyes, is one word: willingness. So many people, teachers, social workers, and neighbours genuinely try to help. It's not always perfect, but you can feel the effort. You can feel the care. There are still things I'm not ready to talk about. The situation in Kharkiv has become worse again. The shelling, the destruction… it's relentless. My daughter and I follow the news every day, grieving in silence, trying to stay strong. I never imagined I would have to start over anywhere, let alone on the other side of the world. I never imagined I would rebuild my life with my daughter and my mother by my side. But we did. And we are still standing together, healing, learning, and hoping. And that is what Canada has given us: not just safety but the chance to move forward with dignity, purpose, and hope.
