Story of the Week
July 1, 2002
This story was written by Maria Enriquez, from Burlington, Ontario. Maria, her husband and their three children immigrated to Canada from Mexico and her son, Brian, was born in Canada two years ago. Maria was a lawyer in Mexico City. She is now a stay-at-home mom and, for relaxation, she crochets, sews, reads historical novels and plays with her children. The whole family enjoys seeing and doing different things together each weekend. Maria's perseverance and dedication to her tutoring ensure that she will quickly reach her goals in reading, writing and speaking.
Becoming a Canadian citizen
by Maria Enriquez
January 15, 2002, was a wonderful day for my family and me. Together we accomplished and celebrated another remarkable event.
After living 5 years in Canada, we applied for Canadian Citizenship, and some weeks later the office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada sent us a book with information about Canada. Becoming a citizen of Canada requires knowing our history and geography, and knowing our history and responsibilities of citizenship. Becoming a citizen is about participation in Canada's governmental, social and economic life.
Eight months after we received the book, my husband and I appeared for a written test in a local citizenship office. We were successful, so we received a "Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship", the final step.
At last the day came. My husband, my three older children and I went to the place for the ceremony, and some friends were with us to share this occasion. I was nervous and worried about what could happen. The Citizenship Judge was a very friendly person. He was talking for one hour about some people's experiences for rights and freedom in Canada. Then, we took the Oath of Citizenship, received our Canadian Citizenship Certificate, a small card used to prove we are Canadian Citizens, and signed the oath form.
It was an amazing experience!
[This story was taken with permission, from New Horizons, March 2002, Literacy Council of Burlington.]
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