Ceremony welcomes new citizens

Eberhand Heinrich Schwarz has travelled all over the world.
Originally from Germany, he’s been involved in construction projects around the globe–from tourist hotels in South America to airport projects across the U.S.
So it wasn’t an uneducated choice when Schwarz decided Canada was the best place in the world to live.
He was one of 26 people from 13 different countries who swore an oath of allegiance to Canada at a citizenship ceremony Monday afternoon at the new Townshend Theatre here.
Obtaining landed immigrant status in 1985, Schwarz settled down permanently in his Kenora home after retiring in 1994. His decision to become a Canadian citizen was made back in March.
“I said, ‘This is for me,’” Schwarz remarked. “I like the system here, the friendly people. You find this very seldom in the whole world.
“I have walked in all the countries of the world and every time I came to Canada, I did not want to leave,” he added. “For me, this is the best country.”
Judge Frank Chauvin, who presided over the 45-minute ceremony, reminded the new citizens of the rights they have as a Canadian–and the responsibilities that go along with them.
“Canadians have worked hard to create a country where everyone is free and equal,” he said. “Canadian citizens need to respect one another, understand one another, and help one another.
“These are not merely words to be repeated [in the oath],” he stressed. “You are declaring your loyalty to Canada.”
For Rose Guinto and her family, it has been a long wait getting to Monday’s ceremony. Now living in Kenora, they were sponsored over from the Philippines nine years ago and filed for their citizenship two years ago.
“It’s very interesting to be Canadian,” she laughed, noting the whole family was very excited to finally receive their citizenship papers.
“For me, it’s for my kids’ future,” she remarked. “It might be a better opportunity for them in a different country.”
“It feels good to be Canadian,” echoed Bogdan Stalmach, originally from Poland. He has been in Canada for the last 10 years and now lives in Fort Frances with his wife, Sandra, who was already a Canadian, and their two children.
Applying for citizenship last year, Stalmach’s main reason for becoming a Canadian was to enjoy the same rights as the rest of his family.
“I’ve got freedom to vote on an election,” he said. “When she crossed the border [to International Falls], I couldn’t. This way, I am eligible to without a visa or passport.
“Basically, it’s the freedom to do whatever [everyone else can] in this country,” he said. “They give you so many more rights.”
Sandra Stalmach said she and her husband were looking forward to this day–and was openly proud of what he had done.
“I recognize it’s hard if you come from a far-off country [to do this],” she admitted. “That’s where their history is.”
Zuweri Fero Schroeder was another of the new citizens who had married a Canadian citizen before taking her oath. Bill Schroeder married his wife in 1988 while at a teaching job in Zimbabwe, Africa.
Now leaving in Keewatin, he said it will take some getting used to being married to a Canadian citizen.
“She’ll always be a bit of African girl to me,” he chuckled.
“It’s just another step in our relationship,” he added. “The kids have always been Canadian. Now we’re all together.”