HALIFAX – On Friday, five-year-old Anaya Mandal radiated joy as she waved a small Canadian flag, celebrating her father Ashis Mandal's Canadian citizenship during a ceremony at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. The event welcomed 30 new Canadians from 18 different countries, marking a significant milestone for Mandal and his family.
Attending the ceremony alongside her mother, Sneha Majumder, Anaya's excitement was palpable as she witnessed her father's oath of citizenship—a moment that filled their family with immense pride and happiness. “I’m so, so happy,” Anaya exclaimed, a sentiment echoed by her mother, who said, “We’re all so happy.”
The special citizenship ceremony was led by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and coincided with Citizenship Week, which runs from April 12-18 each year. This week is dedicated to celebrating the rights and responsibilities shared by all Canadian citizens. The event also featured a prayer and drumming performed by Angela Doyle-Faulkner, with citizenship judge Joan Mahoney presiding over the ceremony.
During her address, Mahoney expressed gratitude to the new citizens, stating, “I know that you could have chosen to live just about anywhere in the world and you’ve picked Canada, and we’re grateful that you did.” She acknowledged that while Canada may not be perfect, it boasts a democratic system where individual rights and freedoms are upheld, fundamentally rooted in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms—a document celebrating its 44th anniversary on that day.
Reflecting on his journey, Ashis Mandal described becoming a Canadian citizen as a great honor and a poignant family moment. He articulated that their decision to leave India for Canada was driven by a desire for a community that values respect and collaboration. “I wanted my daughter to grow in this environment… This is the reason we’re here and I’m very happy to be here,” he expressed.
Shomoukh Wael Mejjallid, 23, who immigrated to Nova Scotia from Saudi Arabia in 2012, shared her feelings of safety and opportunity in Canada. “I walk down the street, I feel so safe here. I have so many opportunities here, I can live my life here properly without being judged,” she noted. She emphasized Canada’s support for women, stating, “I am a powerful woman here and I can do whatever I want.” As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, she expressed relief that gaining citizenship allows her to advance in her military training.
Her mother, Najla Hejazi, recently became a citizen and was visibly moved during the ceremony. Hejazi revealed her dream of living in Canada began at the age of 14, and she felt that dream was fulfilled now that her family members have become citizens.
Olukemi Fasaye, who donned a vibrant red traditional Nigerian dress, described the ceremony as deeply emotional. “I feel so blessed. Yesterday I was thinking about being a Canadian citizen, I was emotional about it. I remember my first day here, and now being a Canadian citizen… I would say it’s the best thing that has ever happened,” she expressed. Since moving to Nova Scotia in 2019, Fasaye has developed a strong affection for the province, citing its warm and welcoming community as a significant factor in her happiness.
Looking ahead, Fasaye expressed her commitment to using her newfound citizenship to give back to her community. “I want to impact lives, extend my love to others, those that need support and attention… Just give to people, to give back,” she said.
This ceremony, filled with joy and a sense of belonging, represents a significant step for these individuals as they embrace their identities as Canadian citizens.
