Canoo Archives - Page 7 of 8 - Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Meet Canoo member Viri Sanchez. Viri came to Canada from Mexico in 2005 with the help of a friend from Calgary.

“I was so lucky to meet my friend Amanda while she was working in Playa del Carmen, Mexico,” explains Viri. “We both worked at a hotel and quickly became friends. Amanda and her family very kindly offered to host me at their home in Calgary, AB. I instantly fell in love with Calgary and the Canadian customs, the wide-open spaces, clean air, the kindness of people, [and] especially Amanda’s family. They helped me for the first two years when I arrived. It was Brenda, Amanda’s mother, who suggested I study cosmetology at a time when it seemed like I was out of options to stay and live in Canada. Thanks to this Canadian family, I found friendship, a new family and opportunities for the future. Afterwards, I started working at a hair salon, where my boss Margo, also an immigrant, was very supportive and we started the process for permanent residence.

“I feel even more so I belong in this beautiful country [after becoming a citizen]. Every time I tell someone I became a citizen, they always show me a warm smile and even hugs, congratulating me on this great achievement. I feel that now I can continue moving forward building a great life for myself and my family knowing that I am Canadian and we are welcomed. Here in Canada, I have found the best quality of life, friends, inclusion, a safe and peaceful place to build a family, and endless possibilities.”

Viri has already started using her Canoo app to explore venues in and around Calgary. “[I visited] the Glenbow Museum,” says Viri, “It showed me so much more about Canadian history, culture and heritage. I have also used [Canoo] to visit Banff National Park. Being in the mountains is always a relaxing and enjoyable experience; during summer, my husband and I go for hikes and camping, during winter, we like to snowboard. Cultural places are proof of the welcoming heart of Canada and its constant evolution thanks to multiculturalism.”

“Because we had to work hard to get Canadian citizenship, we are also making a choice to be a Canadian,” explains Viri, “When we finally become [citizens], we appreciate it with a different perspective; we see new beginnings and new opportunities, [and] we are so grateful to be accepted, to become a part of it. We were not so lucky to have been born here, but we now feel the luckiest to have found it and to be welcomed.”

Sandra Lourdes Murillo Paz moved to Edmonton from Mexico in 2010 to join her family, who had moved there a few years prior.

She received her citizenship this year and was most excited to vote. Voting is important to Sandra because it enables her to make her “new country better for everyone.”

She has already used her Canoo app to start exploring her city, including the Art Gallery of Alberta. She plans to use her VIA Rail discount and her Canoo app to explore more of Canada during the summer months.

Sandra volunteers, when she has time, in the arts and creative community in Edmonton. She believes that the Canoo program is important because it allows new Canadian citizens to explore arts and culture in Canada. “It helps me to understand the importance of arts and cultural diversity, and promotes knowledge about who we are [as a country],” she says.

Joseph Lopez arrived in Canada in April of 2009 from New Zealand. He chose Canada because of its welcoming spirit towards immigrants. Joseph became a citizen on February 21, 2018. “My life has not really changed since coming to Canada – my dreams are still there,” says Joseph, “However, I am now proud to be Canadian and [am] feeling more at home.”

Joseph loves history, whether it’s reading about Canadian history or watching documentaries. Because of this, he used his Cultural Access Pass to explore Canada and its rich history. Joseph took advantage of his one-time 50% VIA Rail discount to take a trip from Vancouver to Winnipeg to Toronto and back to Saskatoon, then Vancouver. Along the way, he visited many museums and historic sites, including Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site and Fort York National Historic Site.

“I have been using my Cultural Access Pass to visit museums, art galleries, [and] historic homes in Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Toronto,” tells Joseph, “Cultural places are important in acquiring your identity as a Canadian. Going to cultural places and spaces made me more attached to my new country. Knowledge makes you see Canada in a different way – it feels more like home. I value my Cultural Access Pass because it has helped me know more about my new country, Canada, [..] my home and native land!”

About CAP: For nearly 10 years, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) has delivered the Cultural Access Pass (CAP), an innovative, best-in-class program that gives new citizens access to Canadian culture.

Be featured in our newsletter: Tag CAP and use the hashtag #CAPCanada in your social media posts for your chance to be the next CAP member or alumni featured, or send an email to cap@forcitizenship.ca

John Albin and Geraldine Arceo immigrated to Canada in November 2012 from Pampanga, Philippines. Their first goal was to settle down; establish a stable, happy family; and “make new friends.”

They became citizens on April 24, 2018. “Life became easier for us. We enjoy everything we do. We were given the chance to travel [easily with Canadian passports]. [We are] enjoying all the privileges and opportunities for a healthy future,” says Geraldine.

John and Geraldine love spending time outdoors with their family. “[We] live and enjoy healthy lifestyles,” says Geraldine, “We love camping, road tripping, and adventures.”

John and Geraldine are taking full advantage of their Cultural Access Passes—they have visited museums, national parks and provincial parks with their CAP cards. They also plan on traveling with their family before their CAP cards expire next month.

Geraldine remarks, “Becoming a Canadian citizen is like finding a new and better home.”

Noaman Ahmed received his Canadian citizenship on February 5, 2018 with his family. Noaman had more than 12 years of oil and gas experience when he arrived in Canada in 2013, which motivated him and his family to move from Pakistan to Calgary.

Reflecting on 2018, Noaman says that it was a “fantastic year” for his family. In addition to receiving their Canadian citizenship, they visited their home country of Pakistan; Noaman completed his Master’s degree from the University of Calgary; and they have used their Canoo (formerly known as Cultural Access Pass) cards to visit many places in Alberta. In addition to using their Canoo (CAP) cards to visit popular attractions such as the TELUS Spark science centre and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Noaman and his family also received free tickets to the 2018 Calgary Stampede from the Canoo (Cultural Access Pass) program.

Noaman notes that his family loves hiking and camping, something that they started doing when they moved to Canada. He and his family have used their Canoo (CAP) cards to visit parks such as Jasper National Park. They “simply loved it.”

In regards to the Canoo (Cultural Access Pass) program, Noaman says that it feels like Canada is investing in his family as new citizens and wants them to learn about the rich Canadian culture and heritage. “Even the staff at these locations congratulate us on becoming citizens!” he explains. “[Canoo is an] awesome experience; after waiting for four years for our citizenship, this is an excellent gift. [I am] thoroughly enjoying it with my family.

“We as new Canadian citizens have sacrificed a lot for this citizenship,” says Noaman, “Leaving your country, loved ones, job, [and] friends is not easy. And because of all these sacrifices, we respect and value this citizenship and will do all it takes to grow and prosper [in] our new home, Canada.”

Meet Canoo member Jacqulin Chrystal, who became a Canadian citizen this year.

“I chose Canada because this country is world-renowned as a thriving economy with the most beautiful natural splendour and having a strong humanitarian culture,” says Jacqulin. “It is such a privilege to know that I now have a voice in choosing who will lead and steward this beautiful country of Canada!

“What I love most about Canada is the majestic beauty of nature from coast to coast to coast [and] the Canadian way of being tolerant, law-abiding and polite.”

Her favourite place to visit with her Canoo app is the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. “The very varied history of Canada is fascinating,” says Jacqulin, “Although I probably only managed to see about a quarter of the exhibits at the museum, I was captivated by the detailed information about each of the museum artifacts.

“Understanding another’s culture and how it has evolved enables one to appreciate the background and history that have formed each sector of society. It is imperative in a multicultural society that tolerance of each other’s culture is demonstrated, within the boundaries of ascribing to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“I am so grateful to Canoo for giving me the opportunity in this first year of being Canadian to visit museums, art galleries, other cultural places, as well as the national parks, so that my heart will understand and come to love my new country as my own!”

This year, hundreds of new Canadian citizens will once again experience The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! thanks to a generous gift from the Calgary Stampede. This year’s special offer gives 500 Cultural Access Pass (CAP) members a pair of free gate passes to the ten-day celebration of western heritage, culture, and community spirit.
CAP members and their guests will experience the thrilling action of the rodeo, the thunder of the GMC Rangeland Derby, exciting midway rides, nightly fireworks, and live music.

“Calgary Stampede is an important Canadian cultural event,” said Yasmine Mohamed, Manager of the ICC’s Cultural Access Pass. “We’re thrilled that the Stampede continues to welcome new Canadian citizens and create opportunities for them to celebrate with their friends and community.”

“We are pleased to continue to support the Cultural Access Pass program and welcome new Canadians to Stampede,” said Larry Lalonde, group manager, Community Engagement & Communications. “We want everyone to be able to participate in our community celebration.” Calgary Stampede runs from July 7-16, 2017. For more information visit www.calgarystampede.com.

The only program of its kind in the world, the ICC’s Cultural Access Pass gives new Canadian citizens the chance to explore, travel, and discover Canada during their first year of citizenship. The program depends entirely on a network of dedicated partners and supporters. For more information, visit culturalaccesspass.ca.

Ernesto, a lawyer, arrived in Canada from Venezuela in 2003 and just over a decade later in the summer of 2016 he became a Canadian citizen. Passionate about people, giving back, and contributing to his community, Ernesto and his family have dedicated themselves to actively volunteering and sharing the importance of helping others. His daughter was recently honoured at her high school graduation with an award from Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell for 2,500 hours of volunteering!

As someone with an interest in history and curiosity for people, Ernesto has said the Cultural Access Pass program has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about the history of Canada to feel closer to his new home. The Royal Ontario Museum has been a favourite attraction for this Toronto-based family, particularly the newest exhibit, Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story (on now until September 4th, 2017). Ernesto has valued his experience with CAP, and has said visiting these cultural attractions and allowing people to connect over similar interests in art and culture is the first step to build a more inclusive society.

Ernesto’s plans for the future as a Canadian citizen are to continue lending support to others with his volunteer work, practicing law, and continuing to explore Canada’s many cultural attractions with his family.

View the July CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Ernesto’s profile originally appeared

About CAP: For nearly 10 years, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) has delivered the Cultural Access Pass (CAP), an innovative, best-in-class program that gives new citizens access to Canadian culture. It’s time to shift CAP to the digital age. Support the ICC.

Passionate about nature and wide open spaces, Régis and Mathilde came from France to settle in Canada in 2009, and became Canadian citizens in 2016. Both Mathilde and Régis live in Montreal, a city which they describe as one of the most beautiful in the world. Mathilde holds a master’s degree in modern art’s and works at an aid agency for women. Régis holds a master’s degree in computer multimedia. He works as a Technical Director for his own business, which he founded in 2014. Lovers of travel and Canada, they help future newcomers by sharing their experiences and their advice through their travel blog; OmniTerra. Their favourite CAP attraction is the Museum of Fine Arts, in their hometown Montreal. Follow their adventures through their blog, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

View the June CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Régis and Mathilde’s profile originally appeared

Trisha moved to Canada in 2010 from Miami, Florida which was her home for 10 years. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she received her citizenship in June 2016 in Mississauga. After moving back to Canada, she decided to go back to school and learn more about sustainability, a subject she is extremely passionate about. Trisha graduated with a Master of Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo in October 2015. She also holds a Masters of Public Health and a Bachelors in Science in Chemistry and Management. Trisha is currently an Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer services. In her spare time, Trisha enjoys connecting with both nature and the built environment in all four seasons. During the winter you can find her ice skating or walking the exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Trisha’s favourite CAP attraction is The Montreal Biosphere at Parc Jean-Drapeau. She describes it as a “mystical landscape,” a term used to reflect a spiritual contentedness with the environment. You can follow Trisha’s journey’s on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

[View the May CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Trisha’s profile originally appeared]