Fifteen people celebrated the last step of their Canadian citizenship journey with an in-person oath ceremony hosted at the RCMP Musical Ride Visitor Centre in Ottawa on November 22, 2023.
As citizenship ceremonies play a significant role in welcoming new Canadians, the RCMP hosted this event at the Musical Ride, a key fixture in Canadian culture and heritage. Oath ceremonies have mostly been held virtually following the pandemic, so the in-person commemoration was special for the attendees. The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the RCMP to honour the occasion during the organization's 150th anniversary year.
University student Zeinab Haouari, 19, took the oath alongside her father and younger brother. "It was great to see all the effort put into the ceremony. I felt really welcomed. It's nice to see it portrayed as a big deal, because it is a pretty big deal," says Haouari. The Haouari family migrated to Canada from Tunisia in 2018 searching for brighter futures and greater opportunities.
Judge Rania Sfeir officiated the ceremony and shared with attendees a bit of her own journey of becoming a Canadian citizen in 2009. Haouari was touched by her words. "I loved the judge's speech. Hearing that she also went through the same process made it more personal. I could tell it was from the heart."
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme gave the keynote speech, celebrating the value of diversity in Canada and acknowledging the richness it adds to our national identity. In welcoming the new Canadians, he added that key Canadian beliefs, like kindness and respect, have crossover with the RCMP's promise to model these qualities while serving communities.
For husband and father of two, Lotfi Boukerb, becoming a Canadian citizen means being able to play a more significant role in society. "To be a good citizen, to me, means to help other people. Especially newcomers because they need it. It's also being able to live in harmony with different cultures and communities," explains Boukerb. His family migrated from Algeria in 2019. He says like many newcomers, they struggled at first, but have since found their way.
Judge Rania Sfeir presented a citizenship certificate to Zeinab Haouari last November.
Memories to last a lifetime
The ceremony also included remarks from Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Monique Manatch who shared wisdom honouring the Creator and the Creations therein. The Commissioner presented her with an offering of tobacco on behalf of the RCMP as a sacred gift.
Following the oath and presentation of certificates, as well as an audio address from the Prime Minister, Retired Staff Sergeant Garth Hampson sang the national anthem to conclude the ceremony.
"I've heard the national anthem before, but hearing it when you're officially a citizen — it makes you feel like you're a part of something bigger," reflects Haouari. She says that's likely the moment she will remember most years from now.
Haouari wasn't the only person moved by the former RCMP Band member's singing. Awo Nuuh, who supports the RCMP's Anti-Racism Unit, attended the event and recalled Hampson singing at her own citizenship ceremony nearly 30 years ago. "I remember a gentleman, in the most beautiful uniform, singing the national anthem," says Nuuh. Recognizing Hampson after so many years she adds, "Some faces you just don't forget."
The ceremony was conducted in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and was among the many commemorative events marking the 150th anniversary of the RCMP.