THUNDER BAY – Now that Harpreet Bhullar is a Canadian citizen, he wants to make an impact in his new country.
Bhullar, along with his wife and two daughters, was among 34 people from 14 different countries on Friday to take the final step to becoming formal Canadian citizens by swearing the oath of citizenship at a ceremony held at the Lakehead University faculty of law.
“As a Canadian I want to contribute to the wonderful, wonderful community. The kind of reception and welcome I got from this community, I definitely want to give it back in whatever way I can,” he said.
Bhullar and his family emigrated from India in search of a new life in Canada. One of his daughters aspires to be a judge while the other dreams of becoming a cardiac surgeon. He is looking an entrepreneurship opportunities.
In order to apply to become citizens, those who immigrate to Canada have to hold permanent resident status for at least six years, be able to communicate in either of the nation’s official languages and have knowledge about the country and the significance and privileges that come with citizenship.
The new citizens are now able to vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections, as well as seek office. They can also apply for a passport, be called for jury duty, work for the federal government, seek employment in any province or territory and be educated in English or French.
Farshid Shams, an assistant professor of business administration at Lakehead University, was another of the new citizens to be sworn.
Shams had Canadian friends and colleagues while studying for his masters in England, learned more about the country and decided to come over.
The openness to people coming from all over the world makes the country feel like a welcoming place.
“Multiculturalism is a very important aspect. You have a sense of belonging to this great family and you’re not seen as an alien,” Shams said.
“That makes Canada like a mosaic of all different cultures and that enriches the profile of this country.”
While they have lived in Canada for the past number of years, the swearing in ceremony will be milestone in the lives of the country’s newest citizens.
“When we left home, this is what we were looking for. Everything starts today,” Bhullar said.
“This day, I’ll definitely remember for all my life. This day will be a special day.”
