Fel Aisah Nochefranca accepts a Canadian flag from an RCMP officer during a citizenship ceremony at HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
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Fel Aisah Nochefranca left the Phillipines for Canada in 2016 to give her children a better life.
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On Saturday, Canada’s 156th birthday, she joined 29 others in becoming Canadian citizens at a joyful ceremony in Windsor’s Sandwich Town.
“I feel great. It’s a blessing for us,” said Nochefranca, 37. She took the oath of citizenship at the HMCS Hunter alongside her husband, Lou, age 40, and three children, ages 13, eight, and two.
“Canada gave us a very good life,” said said. “We’ve been always grateful. Canada gave us good work, and my children good education and healthcare.
The Nochefranca family poses for a photo with officials after taking the oath of Canadian citizenship at the HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
“It’s for my family — I want the best for them. I know Canada can give us the best for our kids.”
Members of the Nochefranca family were among 30 people from six countries who pledged their allegiance and were able to call themselves Canadian citizens for the first time following Saturday’s ceremony.
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“Our history is now your history, our laws your laws, and our identity is now your identity,” said presiding official Chris Elliott.
New Canadians sing O Canada for the first time as Canadian citizens during a citizenship ceremony at the HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
“Today we celebrated the symbols, events, people, institutions, and values that define us as Canadians and give us our identity. This includes a celebration of our rich diversity, of the immigrants like you who help this country grow and prosper.
“Canada’s diversity is invaluable, its greatest strength. I invite each of you to enjoy this, your first Canada Day, as Canadian citizens.”
After taking the oath of citizenship, the group received and signed their certificates. They then waved small Canadian flags and sang O Canada.
A new Canadian citizen receives a Canadian flag from an RCMP officer during a citizenship ceremony at HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
“This is your moment,” MPP Lisa Gretzky (NDP — Windsor West) told the group. “You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. This is just the beginning of your journey, and I wish you so much success here in Canada.”
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“Thank you for making Canada, and for making Windsor, your chosen home. I know that our community is so much richer because of your presence.”
New Canadians take the oath of Canadian citizenship during a citizenship ceremony at HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
The oath of Canadian citizenship:
I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, his heirs and successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
Fel Aisah Nochefranca signs paperwork during a citizenship ceremony at HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star New Canadians take the oath of Canadian citizenship during a citizenship ceremony at HMCS Hunter in Windsor on Saturday, July 1, 2023.Photo by Taylor Campbell /Windsor Star
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