Navy hosts citizenship ceremony

RAdm Nigel Greenwood officiated a citizenship ceremony at Duntze Head which saw 58 people become Canadian citizens.

In the bright sunshine at Duntze Head last Thursday the Navy hosted a citizenship ceremony welcoming 58 new Canadians.

RAdm Nigel Greenwood served as the guest presiding officer administering the Oath of Citizenship ceremony.

Last October the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced that recipients of the Order of Military Merit would be added to the list of people able to administer this ceremony. RAdm Greenwood was admitted to the Order of Military Merit at the Officer level in 2004 and then promoted to Commander of the Order in 2010.

A quintet from The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific played as candidates from 22 countries and their families arrived.

Under the guidance of Clerk of the Ceremony Monica Ujimoto, RAdm Greenwood administered his role.

“I am proud to be here today representing Canada and welcoming you as new citizens,” said RAdm Greenwood. “Your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strength. As new Canadians you can serve this country in your own way, and each of your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strengths. Together we can build a society which, to many, is considered the best in the world,” said RAdm Greenwood.

Representatives from each of the three levels of government welcomed the new Canadians.

New Canadian Terence Mitchell of Grenada said, “It is a blessed day to be Canadian. I am extremely proud. I feel fabulous.”

Many in the group included families. Nine year old Miles Packham from London England and his parents Richard and Andrea were among the groups of families. “This is a great opportunity. I love Canada and now I am a part of a great country.”

All new Canadians were encouraged to sing O Canada loud and proud for the very first time as a Canadian citizen.

A reception in the garden of the Admiral’s house followed the ceremony.

Shelley Lipke, Staff Writer