A special citizenship ceremony in Windsor is welcoming 48 new citizens to Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada hosted the event at Catholic Central High School Wednesday morning. Emotions ran high for many newcomers who will now enjoy official citizenship.
48 Canadians from 18 countries take the oath of citizenship in both English and French @CityWindsorON @CTVWindsor @CCHcomets @Canada pic.twitter.com/RSiZbMo4ch
— Rich Garton (@RichGartonCTV) May 9, 2018
Karla Al Majim came to Canada four years ago from war-torn Syria — Majim she tells CTV Windsor News she took the oath several months ago.
"Honestly that felt like I was welcoming my family. I don't look at Canada as a second country, I look at it as home because I felt like I've fit in the second I came here," she says.
Arabic is now the second most common language at CCH and more than 18-countries were represented at the ceremony. The Student Ambassador says that diversity is what makes Canada so welcoming.
"Being Canadian does not make you any less of what you're original nationality was," says Al Majin. "Being Canadian doesn't change that, we can hold on to our roots."
The event is always held during Catholic Education Week and officials say it is a wonderful reminder about the privilege of freedom that comes with Canadian citizenship.
— with files from CTV Windsor's Rich Garton.