Latest news with #JoanMahoney
CTV News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
‘We are better because you are here': Citizenship ceremony in Halifax welcomes 51 new Canadians
Sherah Obien, a new Canadian citizen, is seen in a photo from July 1, 2025. (CTV/Vanessa Wright) Canada Day has an even more special meaning this year for a group of people who received their Canadian citizenship. A total of 51 people from 18 different countries took part in a citizenship ceremony Tuesday held at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax. The ceremony brought together the families and loved ones of those becoming Canada's newest citizens to hear speeches and musical performances. 'Whether you arrived just a few years ago or decades ago, starting today, you're part of shaping the next chapter of that story,' Lena Metlege Diab, the federal minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, told the group at Tuesday's ceremony. 'Whether you came looking for economic opportunities to reunite with family or fleeing conflict, you have worked hard and shown resilience to reach the moment.' 'You chose Canada, and today I'm delighted to say that Canada is voting in favor of you,' says citizenship judge, Joan Mahoney. Sherah Obien, originally from the Philippines, says the experience of getting her Canadian citizenship was one she's waited for patiently. 'It's very emotional for me. It's amazing that I'm finally a Canadian citizen. I feel that all my hard work has been paid,' says Obien. After getting married and buying a house in Nova Scotia, Obien says she has decided to stay in the province, making her one of many in attendance. 'For those of you that are choosing to stay in Halifax, a special thank you for choosing Halifax. We are better because you are here,' says deputy Mayor, Toni Mancini. The gravity and responsibility of being Canadian could also be felt, as Mahoney explained a few of their rights. 'We have freedom of speech and freedom of thought. We have the important right to vote. And of course, you gain this right today and I hope you will take advantage of it at your first opportunity. You also have the right now should you choose to run as a candidate in a future election,' says Mahoney. Brad Pease and his family previously lived in Denmark, but have since settled in Tantallon, N.S. 'We're very proud to be Canadian now. It's nice to have roots in a place. I've lived as a guest or visitor for over 20 years and other countries. So, it's very meaningful to have roots and knowing that we're planning to stay here for a long time,' says Pease. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Cision Canada
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Minister Diab to participate in a Canada Day citizenship ceremony in Halifax
HALIFAX, NS , June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, in her first ceremony as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 51 of Canada's newest citizens from 18 different countries at a special Canada Day citizenship ceremony. Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney will preside over the ceremony. The ceremony will be available for live viewing on YouTube. Notes for media: Media are asked to register in advance to attend in person, by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with [email protected] by Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m. ET. Please include "RSVP for Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony" in the subject line of the email. Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. AT. Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony. SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada
