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Citizenship ceremony welcomes 29 new CanadiansContinued from page 1Germany at the time and I came here for thebirth, but it doesnt come anywhere near thework opportunity, he said.love I have for this country now, said Flynn. Kristbergs said the ceremony was surpris-Its a place that gets under your skin and youingly emotional for him because Canada will bewant to be a part of it.the place he calls home for the rest of his life.Flynn said many people who decide to makeKristbergs wasnt the only one who movedCanada their home, choose the province of far from home to become a Canadian.Ontario as their preferred place of residence. Weliwita Perera and his family moved toThey say that theres more people now livingOakville from Sri Lanka almost four years agoin southern Ontario from more different cul-for the chance of a better life, he said.tures, in peace and harmony than at any otherTwo key things that attracted his family totime in our history of civilization, said Flynn. ICanada were the lifestyle and education thatthink this is an example to the rest of the worldwas available to them, Perera said.as we bring whats best in the country, we bringI have just finished my graduation in thewhats best of our culture and we bring the pridemanagement field and am looking forward toof where we came from as well.enhancing my career with the experience that IOne of the new Canadians was Reverendhad gained back at home when I left the coun-Fritz Kristbergs, 66, who has spent most of histry, said Perera. life on the move. Born in Germany, he lived theThe initial transition to Canada wasnt easy,first five years of his life in a refugee camp in hisas it happened when their son was born, Pereranative land.said. But it all changed when they settled inMy parents were Latvian refugees that wereOakville and received help from Halton Regionsfleeing from the Soviet Army from Latvia. I wassocial services, he added.born in Germany before (the) Second WorldThey supplied us with advice and educationWar ended, said Kristbergs.on how to bring our child and what sort of ser-He moved to the United States a few yearsvices was provided, having for us to obtain, saidlater, where he grew up and received his educa-Perera. The government structure was so easytion at Princeton. Eventually, Kristbergs movedfor us to have everything in place for us to bringto Canada for work at the St. John's Latvianour child and also to go out in a day-to-day life.Lutheran Church of Toronto in 1985.Although without a job at the moment,MICHAEL IVANIN/ OAKVILLE BEAVER I was called by the congregation (at) thePerera said he hopes to use his skills, ability andLutheran Church I serve still. They were look-experience to work for the community andIT'S OFFICIAL:Citizenship Judge Donna Summerhayes, left, presents Reverend Fritz Traugotting for a new pastor and I was working inensure people have a better life.Kristbergs with his Canadian citizenship certificate.to an active retirement lifestyle at Vistamere, and so much more, have made Vistamere the choice for active seniors.Oakvilles premier retirement residence. Our fully equipped Residents Kitchen is ideal for personal baking. You can Nestled in a well established neighbourhood, close to popular enjoy a game of pool in our comfortable Club Room, have a game of bridgeHopedale Mall, living atVistamereis like living in a fi ne hotel.in our Card Room or just chat with new friends in our bright and airy mainlounge. We even have a custom designed indoor shuffl eboard court!Everything is included in your monthly fee; there are no hidden charges. Three meals a day in our beautifully appointed dining room, snacks, Call today for your personal tour. weekly personal laundry and linen service, daily housekeepingWed love to have you join us!380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario(905) 847-1413www.vistamere.cawww.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, June 30, 2011 4