Perspective

on

Citizenship

Hello.

My name is Khamile Williams and I am writing this to help you have an idea of the country you will be entering. Canada is the third largest country in the world, so it's very easy to get lost and confused. I have been a Canadian citizen for fifteen years now and I still learn many new things every single day. When you think of the term "citizenship" what comes to mind? I personally believe "citizenship" means to belong somewhere. It means being safe and being protected by others because you are one of them. It means to follow

all of the laws and responsibilities that you are given even if you believe it's wrong to follow them. I remember When I visited Jamaica for a year and I felt unsafe but I was okay knowing that I always had Canada as a home to go back to.

Canadian Citizen

Now that you are going to become a citizen of Canada it is time to start thinking about what it means to be a Canadian citizen. To be a Canadian citizen means to be free. It means that you can live in a multicultural place where there will always be some representation of where you are from. It means that you can get sick or injured

and know that you have access to free healthcare. Since I am black it is important that my color is well represented. In Canada it is. Also, since I've had asthma since I was born it was easier for my parents and a relief for me having access to free healthcare.

Active Citizen

In Canada, it's good to be active to prove that whatever country your from you can make a difference. Do things like keeping up with the politics and standing up when your opinion does

not meet others. Join clubs to help out your neighborhood. I remember when I volunteered at a leadership program at Jimmy Simpson to help the supervisors look after the children. The children in my neighborhood were able to have fun without stressing out the supervisors. Remember even the little things count and can make the biggest

difference.

Responsibilities of Citizenship

People have the responsibility to care for others, the responsibility to respect others, and the responsibility to let others have the right to their freedom of expression,religion

etc. If people were not able to have their own opinion they would not be able to be who they want to be. For Example, two men who are attracted to each other can get married because it is their choice.

Canadian

Issues