125 people sworn in as Canadian citizens at Central Library on Canada Day

One hundred twenty-five people became Canadian citizens Wednesday at the Central Library, marking a milestone day for newcomers arriving from around the world.

Arjun Narang, who grew up in New Delhi and first landed in Halifax in his late teens, was among them. After twelve years building a life in Canada, he said becoming a citizen on Canada Day felt especially significant. "It feels special, especially that it's on an iconic day," he said. Narang now works as a financial planner in Calgary.

Oluwatoyin Onorumfemi arrived in Kamloops, B.C., as an international student from Nigeria in 2013. After nearly thirteen years, he now calls himself not just Canadian, but a global citizen. "It just unlocks a lot of opportunities for me, travelling, you know, probably doing business all around the world," he said, working as a technician at a telecommunications company.

For Alisa Zavialova, born in Ukraine, the decision to pursue citizenship carried added weight. She pursued a master's degree and then a PhD in applied linguistics at Carleton University before deciding to help newcomers learn Canada's official languages. "We have a lot of Ukrainians here who are still on a temporary status, so they need to prepare for official exams. I decided that was probably my mission," she said.

The ceremony occurred as Alberta prepares for an October referendum on whether to remain in Canada or begin the process toward separation. Zavialova said the timing felt fragile. "For the first time, it feels extremely vulnerable and fragile. And as somebody who comes from a country that is now torn by war, we know what it means to live next to a big aggressive country," she said.