Canada Day 2022 shines a light on people in Canada, as well as on Canadian diversity, inclusion and equity.
At Westoba, this means recognizing our newest Canadians and celebrating what being a Canadian means to them! Meet a few of our staff that have recently received their Canadian Citizenship.
Name: Archana Krishnan
Birth Country: India
Length of time living in Canada: 5.5 years
Official date of receiving Canadian Citizenship: June 21st, 2022
What does becoming a Canadian citizen mean to you? ‘You can’t buy happiness, but you can live in Canada. And that’s pretty much the same thing’. This quote perfectly summarizes the reason I prioritized becoming a Canadian citizen – heart, health and happiness. Canada is one of the most impressive countries in the world. It is the homeland of equality, justice, freedom and tolerance. I came to Canada for love, and Canada made me fall in love with it. Today I can proudly say, with tremendous gratitude, that being Canadian is my superpower!
Name: Sophia Bernhard
Birth Country: Honduras
Length of time living in Canada: Almost 7 years
Official date of receiving Canadian Citizenship: May 26th, 2021
What does becoming a Canadian citizen mean to you? To be able to visit back home (Honduras) since back home legal age is 21 to come out of the country and its a large process and becoming a Canadian Citizen was not as much work us being a Honduran Citizen. Plus, who doesn’t want to be proud of this amazing country? Canada has taught me great things; all the Canadian people are great and super friendly. Plus, Canada has become my second home since I arrived here, for this and many other reasons why I am proud of becoming a Canadian citizen!!! And because Covid-19 did not change the big ceremony!
Name: Amarjit Kaur
Birth Country: India
Length of time living in Canada: 14 years
Official date of receiving Canadian Citizenship: June 1st, 2021
What does becoming a Canadian citizen mean to you? Citizenship gives you the right to vote in the country you live in. Canada is our permanent home now.
Name: Ksenia Zatvarskyi
Birth Country: Russia
Length of time living in Canada: Almost 7 years
Official date of receiving Canadian Citizenship: January 18th, 2022
What does becoming a Canadian citizen mean to you? I fell in love with Canada at first sight – what a beautiful and welcoming countrywith friendly people, and diverse and supportive communities!
Canada is my home, and I am proud to be a Canadian!
Name: Tushar Thakkar
Birth Country: India
Length of time living in Canada: 7.5 years
Official date of receiving Canadian Citizenship: May 9th, 2022
What does becoming a Canadian citizen mean to you? Canada is a country of immigrants. When I first came here as a student permit in December 2014, I was feeling a little different. Though it’s a great country, friendly people, the system is excellent but I did not feel like home. Different culture and environment in which it was tough for me to get adjusted. A few days were tough as I was missing home, family, friends, everyone. But once I started my study, I made new friends. I was curious to learn the new culture. Eventually I just submerged in this country and culture. Once my studies were finished I was hunting for a job and then I decided to move to Manitoba for my work permit. I got my PR in 2018 December and then I was counting my days for the citizenship. Today I am working with Westoba as a Financial Consultant and I am really grateful towards this company and towards this country to whom I am a family and for me they are the family. Days and years passed so fast with this country and today I am a proud Canadian. Thank you everyone who was there and who were with me during this journey who helped me in each and every stage of my life to grow, nourish and carve myself. Thank you, Canada, for giving me an opportunity to be a responsible citizen. Thank you Westoba for being a part of my journey and celebrating with me like a family.
