Ceremony welcomes nearly 100 new Canadians

Bashir Hashi says there’s no better place in the world to live than Canada.

Hashi, 36, left his home country of Somalia when he was 19-years-old during a time of civil war. He moved to Thunder Bay where he worked a variety of jobs and started a family. He said he’s expecting a baby boy sometime in September.

On Tuesday, He and about 95 other people officially became a Canadian citizen at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada ceremony at Fort William Historical Park on Tuesday. After 16 years living in the country, he said he was excited to become a Canadian.

"This is home," Hashi said. "I’m from a country where people don’t have basic rights. I came here as a young boy and Canada is the best place. I don’t believe there’s any other country in the world that’s better than Canada. This is the best place to live."

Frank Gismondi, 55, emigrated from Italy 45 years ago. He said he didn’t know why it took him so long to apply. He hasn’t forgotten his Italian roots and often spends time at the Italian Cultural Centre.

After finally becoming Canadian, he said now he can say he’s a part of the community.
He wanted a better life and thought Canada could provide him that chance, he said.

"It’s a completion in my life anyway. It’s the ultimate goal," Gismondi said. "Like every other immigrant, I wanted a better life and stability in an unsure world. My dad came here first and in five years was able to send enough money for the rest of us."

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs said he knew all too well about what it takes to become a Canadian citizen.

He came to Canada from the United Kingdom and became a citizen more than 20 years ago. The mayor said the whole process is tough, but rewarding.

"You have to do testing, there’s a bunch of questions you have to answer and it is more or less like an aptitude test," Hobbs said. "I know what they are feeling today. All I can say is I felt an immense wash of pride when I was sworn in."