Meet P.E.I.'s newest Canadians
Jesara Sinclair | CBC News | Posted: June 28, 2016 7:00 PM | Last Updated: June 28, 2016
'It just feels more like home,' says new Canadian who moved to P.E.I. for love
Just ahead of Canada Day, new Canadian citizens were sworn in on Tuesday in Charlottetown.
Three ceremonies were held this week in the lead up to the country's national day — with around 160 people from 34 countries taking their citizenship oath .
Here are a few of the people who have decided to make P.E.I. their home.
Maria Jiwion Seo
- From Los Angeles, Calif.
"It just feels more like home now that I'm a Canadian citizen," said Seo."It's wonderful that our family is now 100 per cent Canadian — it's the perfect way to start this weekend to celebrate Canada Day."
Seo moved to the Island from L.A. "for love" — her husband Brendon Brown is from P.E.I.
Her family now includes their son Dominic and daughter Audrey.
The family has another reason to celebrate this weekend — Canada Day marks Seo and Brown's fifth wedding anniversary.
Pravakar Thapa
- From Nepal
Thapa is 19 years old, and came to Canada from Nepal as a refugee when he was 12.
"It was really special to finally get my citizenship," he said. "I was a refugee so I didn't really have an identity. I finally have found my identity."
Thapa's mother and brother are also being sworn in as Canadians.
Ayessa Divina
- From the Philippines
10-year-old Divina isn't a Canadian citizen — yet — but she still got to take part in Tuesday morning's citizenship ceremony as the anthem singer.
"I love singing," she said, "because it makes people happy."
She likes signing O Canada because of its message — "Canada welcomes you here."
Originally from the Philippines, she said her family hopes to take part in a citizenship ceremony next year.
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