AIR CADETS WELCOME NEWEST CANADIAN CITIZENS

January 25, 2026
Cadets, News

Captain Melanie Bigras, Commanding Officer of Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 588 Eric Simms, presents a Canadian flag to a newly sworn in citizen during the presentation of citizenship certificates during the citizenship ceremony held at the Centre des loisirs de Saint-Laurent on January 17, 2026. Photo credit: Photographer : Lieutenant(N) John Wylie, Unit Public Affairs Representative.

Article written by Lieutenant(N) John Wylie, CD, Unit Public Affairs Representative

Westmount, Quebec – 25 January 2026: On Saturday, January 17, 2026, cadets from Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 588 Eric Simms proudly welcomed 46 new Canadians at a citizenship ceremony held at the Centre des Loisirs de Saint-Laurent. This was the fifth citizenship ceremony hosted by the air cadet squadron and was marked by the presence of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, Her Honour the Honourable Manon Jeannotte as the ceremony’s Guest of Honour.

Cadets from Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 588 Eric Simms join newly sworn in Canadians and special guests, including the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, for a group photo following the citizenship ceremony held at the Centre des loisirs de Saint-Laurent on January 17, 2026. Photo credit: Lieutenant(N) John Wylie, Unit Public Affairs Representative.

As part of their ongoing commitment to community service, the cadets played an essential role throughout the ceremony. They greeted guests and their families, provided musical accompaniment through their cadet band, and took on key responsibility of serving as master of ceremonies. Since 2020, the squadron has welcomed almost 250 citizens at such ceremonies. “To me it means a lot to be a part of this important moment for these people,” said Sgt Sophie Li, who served as the master of ceremonies. “I think we really showed our community spirit and how we can actively engage and help our community.”

The ceremony included the formal taking of the Oath of Citizenship, followed by the singing of O Canada marking an important milestone for the new citizens and their families. Words of welcome were shared by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Saint-Laurent, Mr. Alan DeSousa and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, Her Honour the Honourable Manon Jeannotte, who highlighted the significance of the moment and the contributions newcomers bring to their communities. Their messages underscored the importance of inclusion, service, and shared commitment to Canada’s future.

Sergeant Sophie Li acts as Master of Ceremonies during a citizenship ceremony held at the Centre des loisirs de Saint-Laurent on January 17, 2026. Photo credit: Lieutenant(N) John Wylie, Unit Public Affairs Representative.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadet program, delivered in partnership by the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada, encourages youth aged 12 to 18 years of age to develop skills in leadership, citizenship, and community service. Events such as this ceremony provide cadets with meaningful opportunities to contribute to their communities and to inspire a life-long interest in community service.

Colin Administrator

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