A petition has been launched in Thunder Bay, Ontario, calling for the reinstatement of in-person citizenship ceremonies, which have been conducted virtually since the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents argue that in-person ceremonies provide a more meaningful and celebratory experience compared to online oaths.
For years, Thunder Bay , Ontario, has not held in-person citizenship ceremonies. Instead, they have been conducted virtually since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, a resident initiated a petition calling for the resumption of these in-person ceremonies, highlighting the significant difference they make compared to online oaths. \Greta Piazza, a Canadian citizen from Arona, Italy, shared her experience of taking her oath online last year.
While she was happy to become a Canadian citizen, she believes the occasion would have felt more profound and meaningful if it were conducted in person. She yearns for the shared experience with fellow new citizens, the presence of the judge, the waving of flags, and the official atmosphere. \Piazza isn't alone in her sentiment. The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA), which previously organized in-person ceremonies, estimates that they held two ceremonies annually, accommodating between 100 and 120 candidates from across northwestern Ontario. Julie Hutka, the resident who started the petition, expressed her astonishment at learning that a friend's relative took their oath online at their kitchen table. She considers becoming a Canadian citizen a monumental achievement and believes it deserves a more celebratory and public acknowledgment. \Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) responded to the petition, stating their commitment to providing both meaningful in-person and virtual ceremonies across the country. While virtual ceremonies have been the norm during the pandemic, candidates can request a change to an in-person format, and the IRCC aims to accommodate these preferences whenever possible. \Cathy Woodbeck, the executive director of the TBMA, emphasizes the joy and significance of in-person ceremonies. She hopes the government's response encourages the return of these events to Thunder Bay soon. \Meanwhile, Piazza continues to support newcomers in the city as a language interpreter services worker, reflecting on the invaluable assistance she received from the TBMA during her own immigration journey. She finds joy in her adopted home, exploring Thunder Bay's marina and the nearby Kakabeka Falls, and cherishes the sense of belonging she has found in Canada
NEWS CITIZENSHIP THUNDER BAY ONTARIO VIRTUAL CEREMONIES IN-PERSON CEREMONIES IMMIGRATION
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thunder Bay Police Chief Elected President of Ontario Police Chiefs Zone 1Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury has been elected president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Zone 1. Fleury, who joined the Thunder Bay Police Service in 2023, will serve in the role in 2025.
Read more »
Ontario Man, Three Thunder Bay Residents Charged in Cocaine Trafficking InvestigationFour individuals, including a man from Southern Ontario and three from Thunder Bay, are facing charges of cocaine possession for trafficking following a joint police operation that led to the seizure of a significant amount of cocaine, cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Read more »
Whitby Woman Wins $50,000 Early Bird Prize in Thunder Bay 50/50Natalie Swaren, a Whitby resident with strong ties to Thunder Bay, won the $50,000 early bird prize in the Thunder Bay 50/50 draw. Swaren, who was born and raised in Thunder Bay, said the win will help her with a new car and a down payment on a house. She supports the 50/50 because family members have received cancer treatment at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Read more »
Thunder Bay Police Budget Proposal Exceeds City RequestThe Thunder Bay Police Service has proposed a budget exceeding the city's requested increase, prompting discussions about priorities and potential service adjustments.
Read more »
Thunder Bay Landlord Pays Tenant $2,300 After 'No Fault' EvictionA Thunder Bay landlord was ordered to pay a tenant $2,300 in compensation after terminating their lease under Ontario's 'no fault' eviction provisions. The landlord intended to occupy the basement unit herself but instead rented it to family members.
Read more »
Top Stories from Thunder Bay in January 2024This article highlights ten significant news events that occurred in Thunder Bay during January 2024, including the closure of the Terrace Bay mill, the passing of former mayor Jack Masters, and the controversy surrounding the Thunder Bay Police response to a fatal incident involving an Indigenous woman.
Read more »