150 new Canadians were all smiles on Tuesday at a citizenship ceremony in Montreal.

O Canada was proudly sung and the citizenship oath happily recited inside the Patro le Prevost Centre, Montreal where friends and families of the newest citizens celebrated.

Praised word by with Judge Mr. Simon Durivage, Member of the Order of Canada to NBCC, host organization, for their hard work and contribution to the community.

“Together we are better and we are stronger”, he announced.

With applause, cheers, and ‘O Canada,’ 150 of Canada’s newest citizens were sworn in with a citizenship ceremony at Patro le Prévost centre, Montreal.

Among the special guests were presences and congratulations by Mrs. Giuliana Fumagalli, Mayor of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension. Mr. George Guzmas, Editor, Publisher, Parc-Extension News. Mr. Daniel Coté, Director of development “Patro Le Prevost”. Mrs. Nazia Hossain Islam, Vice-President National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council and RCMP Cap. Serge Yelle and Ms. Samiha Hossain, Master of Ceremony.

“This a really exciting ceremony for National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council (NBCC) to be a part of,” said NBCC President Monir Hossain. “International experience and cultural diversity add so much depth and richness to our community. We are so proud that Villeray- Saint Michel Parc-Extension is home to so many newcomers, and that we attract so many people who come to VSMPE from outside the Montreal.”

Noted by Nazia Hossain, Vice President of the NBCC, said citizens from eight different nationalities became new Canadian citizens during the ceremony.

“Becoming a Canadian citizen is a wonderful thing, even a blessing from Allah,” couple from Egypt said after the ceremony. “Canada gives you opportunities, and lets you improve yourself as a person, as a professional.”

“It makes me feel so proud to take the oath at VSMPE,” where opportunities to people coming from different cultures, that speak different languages and with different traditions. VSMPE is my place of work, the place where my son and older daughter are studying.

“The people that you meet and that live here — I think this makes Canada great,” said a family from India. “Many people already have in their own family history somebody that was an immigrant. They know how to treat new people, and how to help. Canadians welcome new immigrants but not only welcome, they also do something to help. It is about action, not just words.” “

It has been a long journey for us but I’m really proud…we want a better life for them, it’s a safe place.” said a family from Mexico

Each new citizen was individually recognized at the ceremony, which was conducted by the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and each received a Canadian flag.

Once all were sworn in, group also led a singing of ‘O Canada` national anthem.

“It is a very special moment,” A young new citizen proudly said about singing the anthem at a citizenship ceremony. “I feel honoured to give back a little to the country that has given so much to me, and to help celebrate this county.”

The ceremony concluded with the opportunity for photos and a brief reception.

The special ceremony was held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council (NBCC).