Speeches

Canadian Citizenship Ceremony

July 1, 2008

Welcome new Canadians. To become a Canadian citizen on July 1^st makes it so special. We are big country and being only 141 years young this year, we welcome you.

Being a born Yukoner and a Canadian means that I can speak about the love and wonder about my Yukon and my Canada.  I can only imagine what is must be like to come to this big open place and make a new home.Sometimes, when it is yours, one could take things for granted such as our space, our water, our air, our wildlife and our people. But in the end we all know it is very special.  I most often feel there is no other place as fine.

Yukoners are a curious lot by nature, whether they are originals or arrived here from other parts of the globe.  e are curious and like to ask the 5 w’s – who, what, where, when and why?

We might ask: Who are you? What do you expect from Canada? Where have you come from? When did you decide Canada was the place for you? And Why Yukon?

Some of our customs and ways are very different, but in the end we all want the same for ourselves and our families, a place to call home, peace, security and happiness. Should you find those things here, you are blessed.

So enjoy your day, enjoy your life in Canada and I hope it all you want and expect it to be. And on behalf of all Yukoners, good luck and thank you for making Yukon your chosen home.