One failed, 99 Awarded Citizenship.

By Mike Odongkara.

Scarborough, Ont., – A woman was denied Canadian Citizenship because she failed to bring her son for the swearing-in-ceremony yesterday. The Court Clark told her to return next month with her son.

“My son is in Ecuador, I will have to come back on September 10, 2009,” said the visibly disappointed Mariux Alarcon.

Clerk of Ceremony Mrs. Linda Ta, who called Alarcon from her taken seat in the courtroom – assured her of the procedure before the oath.

She was seated at the front row confidently thinking she was going to be sworn-in, but at the last minute, her Permanent Resident Card (PR) was return to her, and she was guided out of the Scarborough Town Centre Court.

Alarcon was one of 100 people who were in Room 380 waiting to become Canadian Citizens.

“I’ve come to love this country and I will remain to love this country. Love the old country but love Canada more,” said presiding judge Mr. Phillip Gaynor.

Judge Philip urged new Canadian Citizens to register with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to secure a cultural access pass for one year so that they can explore the Canadian cultural sites, museums, and other educational institutions. He further advised the new Canadians to respect, uphold and work within Canadian constitution, and also follow Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.During a photo opportunity, one of the newly minted Canadians sprang on Judge Gaynor expressing her feelings of joy with a V- sign and hugged him.

All in all, the day was graced with walking out with smiles on the faces of the new Canadian Citizens holding Canadian flags, and continued photo shoots at the main lobby, and outside the Scarborough Government Building.

The morning naturalization ceremony started at nine in the morning and ended two hours later.