For many aspiring Canadians, the day of a citizenship ceremony is a monumental event. It's a significant moment; an acknowledgment of our commitment to Canada and the Canadian values we hold dear. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted these ceremonies to an online format - a move that was necessary for public safety at the time. However, several years have passed since the pandemic struck and yet, the ceremonies remain online in Thunder Bay.

To mark such a momentous occasion over a computer screen feels, to me, somewhat removed from the gravity and glory of the event. The joy of becoming a citizen of a country is not just about obtaining legal status, it's about the ceremonial act of taking an oath, the shared experience of doing so alongside others from different backgrounds who have similarly chosen to make Canada their home.

The process of becoming a Canadian is an honor people work hard for and take pride in. The in-person citizenship ceremonies pre-pandemic were festive and patriotic, generating a sense of unity and pride that cannot be replicated in an online format. It gave everyone a chance to not just celebrate their own accomplishment but to also witness the multicultural diversity of our nation. I propose we reinstate the in-person citizenship ceremonies in Thunder Bay while observing necessary health measures. A hybrid model can also be adopted to cater to those who may still prefer the online format for any reason.

Let's make the road to becoming a Canadian as impactful and uplifting as it should be and celebrate new citizens the way they deserve. Please sign this petition to join the call for reintroducing in-person citizenship ceremonies in Thunder Bay.