New citizens excited to have their voices heard at the polls

Saskatoon welcomed its newest group of potential voters at a citizenship ceremony at TCU Place on Thursday.

As exciting as it is for people like Raihan Bashir to officially become a Canadian after living in the country for 10 years, he is also excited to be able to vote in the upcoming federal election for the first time.

“It is a duty, and it’s a responsibility,” he said. “We were told to be a part of this community and I think participating in the election is beneficial to everybody and the country.”

Nikhal Dua and his wife Annie Sharma also became Canadian citizens Thursday. Just like Bashir, they are eagerly awaiting the polls to open later this month.

“I was really curious and I was really excited that I was going to be a Canadian citizen before the election so that I can participate in these elections,” said Dua. “So I guess it is a really good time to become Canadian citizens.”

With his new rights as a citizen, Dua wasn’t shy about urging his fellow Canadians to get to the polls and have their voices heard.

“It is the biggest right we have in a democratic country in which we can choose a person who can represent us and can bring the change that is required in this society, in our constituency,” he said.

“I would advise to all my fellow Canadians to go out and vote because this is your chance that comes after so many years, to pick the representative who can bring a good change to our society.”

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Keenan Sorokan