SKMAQN-PORT-LA-JOYE-FORT AMHERST
After 10 long years in the making, Shao Ching “Nicole” Tseng is officially Canadian.
Tseng was one of 29 new Canadians who took their Oath of Citizenship during a ceremony at Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst on Canada Day.
“I’m very happy to be Canadian,” said Tseng, who is originally from Taiwan. “I really share the same values as Canadians. Since I arrived in Canada, I was embraced by people and Canadian friends. They’re very welcoming, respectful and very grateful of the things they have.”
Those being sworn in were from 14 different countries and were also among the 1,800 people who received citizenship during ceremonies across Canada Monday. The ceremonies were hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship in partnership with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
Tseng lived in the United States for 15 years before moving to P.E.I. with her husband Geoffrey Yang.
She said the original plan wasn’t to stay in Canada but they quickly fell in love with the country and with P.E.I.
“Initially it was short term-based but the environment and the people are really nice,” said Yang, who provides community outreach with the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society. “I think people here are very welcoming. They’re very peaceful and loving and want to devote to the community nature and I really want to learn from people in P.E.I.”
David Kislingbury and his wife Verity were also two of the new Canadians sworn in on Monday.
The couple moved to P.E.I. 13 years ago after meeting a representative from the province at an immigration show in their home city of London, England.
“We wanted a change of life, we wanted to have a family, and didn’t want to do it in London, England and ended up coming here,” said Kislingbury.
The couple has had two children since moving to Canada and both have found careers on the Island. Kislingbury is a Red Seal certified HVAC technician and Verity works for the P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada.
Kislingbury said it was important to them to become Canadian citizens.
“I’ve got two boys now, they’re Canadian, so I should be Canadian too,” he said. “We feel privileged being Canadian. It’s a fantastic country. The acceptance of diversity is phenomenal that you don’t get in other countries. We certainly don’t get it in England.”
Those who took their oath were sworn in by citizenship judge Joan Mahoney.
“You made a difficult decision to leave your former homes and to make a new life here in Canada,” said Mahoney during the ceremony to the new Canadians. “Your presence here today confirms that your courage and your perseverance has been rewarded.”
