Two men who lost fingers crossing into Canada become Canadian citizens
WINNIPEG — Razak Iyal was given a warm embrace as he officially became a Canadian citizen, more than six years after nearly freezing to death walking across the Canada-United States border in Manitoba.
It was a low-key citizenship ceremony but one steeped in hope, gratitude and assurance.
Iyal, 40, was joined by a group of close friends as he logged on last week for the virtual event, which included dozens of others sitting in front of a judge to swear their allegiance to Canada.
As the ceremony concluded with the playing of “O Canada,” the Ghana-born Iyal revelled in his new Canadian status.