Mr. Speaker, let us imagine what it must be like to live where one's children grow up seeing violence and death every day. Let us imagine then what is must be like to arrive in Canada and find peace, safety and the warm hand of welcome.
This is exactly the story of an Afghan family of three who now live in Kitchener, Ontario who on April 14, along with 35 other newcomers from all over the world, took the oath of citizenship and became Canadian citizens. The ceremony was especially significant because it was hosted by the Ismaili community, a local Islamic group. Officiating at the ceremony was a long-time member of the community who said “When I became a citizen little did I know that 10 years later I would be swearing in new Canadians from 14 different countries”.
The road from Kabul to Kitchener is a very long one but I too am proud, proud to say that at the end of their journey there are groups all over Canada just like the Ismaili organization which welcome and support newcomers.
Kitchener may be a small community but clearly it has a big heart and is open to people who are willing to contribute to Canada and help us build a better future.