Reporter: Lorna Curtis
Photos: David Sills
Photos: David Sills
Where was everyone?? Was it something we said?? Must be the
nice weather and everyone is gardening as only about 30 people were in
attendance! Perry Bamji opened the meeting.
Guests:Sanjay introduced guests - Judge Pash and Fiona Bramble
Perry gave a mini program on the Rotarian Magazine and encourages club members
to read the Rotarian. He outlined the
great PR the club has received this year.
50/50:
She also levied the following fines:
*Those who had ham,
turkey, lamb this past weekend,
*Those who did not
donate books,
*Those who have not
signed up online for car raffle shifts.
Happy/sad dollars - Jack happy, something to do with Bob
Schelle not being eaten by a shark in Hawaii. John Edgell happy because $150,000 US RI
foundation grant has been approved for a school project in Mexico. Jessica sad
as she is taking a leave from Rotary. Eugan happy as he has just returned from
a trip to Dublin where he met his 11 pound grandson for the first time. Joan P. gave a cheque in honour of the
anniversary of her father's passing. Wendy happy, son got his iron ring. Neil R happy for getting two Guinness drink
tickets at Ted Harrison’s Celebration of Life.
Announcements:
Brian Lamb - still 50 Mardi Gras tickets left – please invite friends we need
to sell these tickets in order to make this event a success!!!!!!
Joan Peggs - TC Butchard of Gardens template now available, bring them to
Rotary and they are distributed to local schools - Joan will tell you where
squares are if you need help!
Guest Speaker: John Edgell - introduced Judge Gerald Pash who was appointed Citizenship Judge for
British Columbia in 2012, following a 27 year career in radio
broadcasting. He worked for the
Department of National Defence for 22 years as a public affairs officer. He has received many awards in recognition of
his commitment to active, engaged citizenship involving health, education, law
enforcement, families, women, youth, veterans, heritage, culture, arts and
commerce. He has been a Rotarian for
over 40 years and has just moved behind the tweed curtain. He may consider joining
the Oak Bay Rotary Club.
Judge Pash asked for a show of hands from those born in Canada before January 1, 1947, and
went on to explain these people were actually not born Canadian citizens but rather
British Subjects, because until that time, there was no citizenship statute in Canada.
In 1911, the largest number of immigrants came to Canada – over 400,000. At the first Citizenship Court, Alexander
Mackenzie King was made the first Canadian citizen and is now on the $50 bill.
Some current requirements in order to become a Canadian Citizen:
- Capable of speaking some English or French (few sentences).
- Permanent residency in Canada – 1095 days in the past 4 years before applying for citizenship. Judge Pash gave some great examples as to why some people apply for exceptions to this rule.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of Canada – Judge Pash circulated sample questions that are asked. (I am sure some Canadians do not know the answer to all these questions!) His favorite duty is the Citizenship ceremony.
He sometimes asks why people come to Canada and the most frequent answers are the
right to vote, and freedoms – of thought,
beliefs, associations, rights and equality.
Amendments to the Citizenship Act received Royal Assent in 2014 and on June 19, 2014 certain provisions came into force with further provisions coming into force in 2015. (For an explanation of these amendments at the Government of Canada website, click here.) One such amendment provides that applicants will no longer be allowed to use an
interpreter to do the test.
Judge Pash reminded us that Vimy Ridge day is
Thursday. Some club members received the
Vimy Pin to commemorate Canada’s momentous victory at Vimy Ridge, France, April
9, 1917.
Judge Pash then performed a citizenship ceremony in both official languages.
a very interesting and educational program
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