'This is your country now': 32 newcomers from 18 countries welcomed in citizenship ceremony

The City of St. John's welcomed 32 new Canadian citizens from 18 countries Thursday morning.

"Many of you come from countries that are very different from this one," Citizenship Judge Ann Janega said addressing the crowd.

"And you have made what can be an agonizing decision, to leave your home…some of you have had to escape from war-torn homelands…some have been a first-hand witness to the inhumanity and cruelty that in Canada we only hear about on the news." 

The ceremony was hosted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and was held at St. John's City Hall.

Janega called it a good opportunity for all citizens — including current ones — to reflect on what a Canadian citizenship means.

"As Canadian citizens we enjoy rights and freedoms that are unknown in many other countries," she said, referencing the right to practice religion and express opinion.

"I hope you will decide to add your talents and your hopes to the Canadian family,"  she said.

"We welcome you ...This is your country now."