Canada

‘I’m so blessed’: New Canadians celebrate first Canada Day as citizens

By
Andrew Weichel

Published: 

A crowd cheers at the annual Canada Day citizenship ceremony in downtown Vancouver on July 1, 2026. (Canadian Immigration and Citizenship)

There were tears of joy as dozens of new Canadians celebrated their first Canada Day as citizens Wednesday in downtown Vancouver.

Sixty people took their oath of citizenship inside a ballroom at Canada Place, including Janice Walker, a Filipino immigrant who was met with boisterous cheers from her family as she took the stage.

“I’m so honoured and privileged,” she said, beaming after the ceremony.

Walker said she’s been waiting nearly seven years to become a Canadian, after first going through the long process of obtaining permanent residency.

Janice Walker Janice Walker, third from right, is surrounded by family after taking her oath of Canadian citizenship on July 1, 2026.

That was a huge step, she said, but nothing like the emotional experience she had Wednesday.

“Once you are a Canadian, it’s different—you will call it home,” she said.

“I’m here with my daughters, I’m here with my loving husband, and I’m so blessed.”

The annual citizenship ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services Terry Young, local MP Hedy Fry, and representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

The Canada Together 2026 event marking the country’s 159th birthday began shortly after, featuring a number of live performances, including by country star Josh Ross.