THUNDER BAY -- Yamandeep Malhi was only planning to stay in Canada for a couple of years after moving to Thunder Bay from India at the age of 14.
Five years later, Yamandeep is through one year of his life sciences program at Lakehead University, and and as of Thursday, an official Canadian citizen.
“I observed the education system here, and I really liked it,” Malhi said. “There was so much to do… volunteering, I played badminton, I love the environment.”
Malhi speaks with poise, and a confident smile despite only becoming comfortable with English in recent years.
“When I first came here I wasn’t comfortable speaking [English], so going to school made me outgoing with other people.”
Malhi was one of 29 brand-new Canadians who made it official at a ceremony at Fort William Historical Park on Thursday.
He was able to share the opportunity to sign the papers with his father, who owns a local Mac’s convenience store.
“At the end of the day, every parent wants their children to have the opportunity to progress, grow, and thrive,” said Judge Albert Wong, who welcomed the group of 29 Canadians on Thursday.
Wong immigrated from Malaysia as a child, and knows first-hand what it means a parent’s sacrifice can mean.
“My dad was a vice-principal [in Malaysia], and he started off here in Canada working in mines,” said Wong. “He was willing to do whatever it takes to establish a life here and to contribute to this country.”
Johngie Manuel has been living in Thunder Bay for five years after moving from the Philippines. She hopes one start a family in Canada.
“I hope they will be here. My dad and my mom are still in the Philippines,” said Manuel, who works as a personal support worker at the Thunder Bay Regional Sciences Centre. “I love to help people. My patients… I treat them like my family, because I’m all alone here.”
She says coming to Canada has been a welcome change, and she hopes it’s the first step as a part of a long journey as a Canadian citizen.
“I was really culture shocked at first, but there’s so much opportunity. It’s really nice here.”
