Editor's note: The author refers to Don Curry's piece Opinion: Removing one of life’s most memorable days with a Zoom call
To the editor:
The article about the plan to make citizenship virtual was very thought-provoking and informative. Becoming a Canadian citizen is an achievement and an honour but having a virtual ceremony makes it seem trivial and does not do it justice.
For those of us that were lucky enough to be born Canadian, we may not realize the privilege we were born into but it truly is a privilege. If we look at the struggles of those living in third-world countries, countries where women are treated like second-class citizens or those living in war-torn countries, our way of life is a dream for many.
Those who choose Canada as their home leave familiar surroundings and often their family to achieve their dream of living in Canada as Canadian citizens. As Canadians, we should applaud their accomplishments and welcome them to our privileged society by acknowledging their citizenship in a public forum and in a manner that is welcoming and acknowledging.
Whoever supports the decision to make such a momentous ceremony a virtual event should be ashamed, these individuals should be shown how welcoming we as Canadians can be. Regardless of whether one is born Canadian or one has chosen to become Canadian, it should be acknowledged as a joyous and welcoming event that it is and a virtual ceremony is neither a personal nor welcoming event.
Shannon Brown
