All Hail Citizen Allen!

Pal Cindy Allen became a Canadian this week. On a sunny day, at Fortress Louisbourg of all places, along with 32 other brand new Canadians. Jan and Bob and I were invited to join the party and we’re glad we did.

Various dignitaries were on hand and a good-sized passel of Cindy’s many friends. There were members of Parliament – two of them – as well as a council member from the regional municipality and sundry other VIPs. It was a grand affair presided over by George Springate, a Citizenship Judge who also happens to be a Member of the Order of Canada and who wears a ring attesting to the fact he is also a Grey Cup champion. A stentorian and commanding figure with a mighty voice, no one nodded off when Judge Springate orated.

It was observed that many of us take our citizenship for granted. I don’t have to think long or hard to conclude that’s mostly a fair claim, but I am not one of them. Among the things that make me a most prideful Canadian is this: our country is the most multi-ethnic one on the planet. I read the claim once in the Globe and Mail , accept it wholly and cite it as often as opportunity allows.

The Louisbourg ceremony provided further support for the boast: blue-eyed, pale-skinned people were in a distinct minority among the 32 folks swearing allegiance to Elizabeth, Queen of Canada. By their dress and skin colour the new Canadians made it evident that they come from widely scattered parts of the world.

As for Cindy, well, she is American-born, of Canadian and American parents, but she has Cape Breton roots and has lived for decades on the eastern side of the Canso Causeway. She has no need to be told who John A. Macdonald is. Citizen Allen is a fine musician and has gladdened the hearts of myriad music-lovers throughout the Island. All the new Canadians received warm applause when they were congratulated by Judge Springate but the decibel count went through the roof when it was Cindy’s turn to shake Judge Springate’s meaty paw.

Mind you, some things won’t change: though she’s now a certified Canuck Cindy has no intention of substituting one Bruce for another in her musical pantheon. Despite the musical charms of Bruce Cockburn, the Boss is still the Boss: Springsteen rules.