Thursday, August 29, 2024 Canada’s newest citizens were warmly greeted with the words, “Welcome to Canada. Welcome home,” delivered by Ken Goosen, GlobalFest’s Chief of Operations, at Calgary’s Elliston Park last Tuesday. This citizenship ceremony, a cherished tradition at the festival, has taken place annually since 2014, celebrating its 10th year.
As the official airline sponsor, Air Canada played a significant role in supporting GlobalFest’s citizenship ceremony in Calgary. Known as the OneWorld Festival, this event attracts tens of thousands of attendees over five days each year. Air Canada’s partnership with the festival, particularly in the citizenship ceremony since 2017, highlights the airline’s strong dedication to fostering Calgary’s rich ethno-cultural diversity and artistic achievements.
Their goal is to unite the community and contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving society. “It is important for us at Air Canada to show our support for cultural diversity and inclusivity in everything we do, as we believe this is what allows everyone to reach their highest potential. Being the official airline of GlobalFest and seeing our Calgary-based employees engaged with the festival, it makes us all very proud,” said Eric Lauzon , Director, Community Relations & Partnerships at Air Canada.
On August 20, the Air Canada stage hosted a citizenship ceremony, welcoming a group of 50 newcomers representing 20 different countries to Canada and Calgary. For many people, Air Canada was part of their immigration experience, and we are delighted to celebrate people’s heritage and culture through our support of Global Fest. In particular, the Citizenship Ceremony is a natural and fitting event for us to champion as it represents an important realization in peoples’ dreams through their immigration journey to our country,” said David Rheault, Vice President, Government and Community Relations at Air Canada.
This event, in partnership with the Calgary Airport Authority (YYC), brings together over 25 cultures. The ceremony was preceded by cultural performances and followed by a celebratory fireworks show. Through Air Canada’s ambassadors’ program, three flight attendants took part in the celebration representing the airline.
Emma Silvestri , one of the flight attendant ambassadors said, “I live in Calgary so it was important for me to be involved and represent the company at this important festival in the city.” On behalf of everyone at Air Canada, welcome home! We also look forward to welcoming you onboard our aircraft when visiting friends and family wherever they may be on the six continents to where we fly..
