Canada Day will see 40 new Canadians take their oaths of citizenship at Fort Langley National Historic Site.
The annual event has taken place at the Fort for a number of years, with a citizenship judge and local dignitaries leading people through their oaths.
This year's event will include a welcome from Kevin Kelly, representing the Kwantlen First Nation, as well as remarks by Langley East MLA Megan Dykeman and Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward. Langley-Aldergrove MP Tako Van Popta is also expected to attend.
Const. Christina Stel of the RCMP will lead the procession, wearing the force's traditional red serge uniform.
"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Canada Day than to welcome 40 new Canadians to our country and our province!" said Dykeman. "To all the newcomers marking this occasion today, please accept my warmest congratulations."
Woodward said it reminded him of how his own grandparents had immigrated to Canada.
"I love seeing the joy and pride of new residents becoming Canadian citizens on a day they will always remember," he said. "I have gotten to see firsthand the commitment to Canada, and to find a better life for themselves and their families."
Van Popta said he was honoured to take part in these annual ceremonies.
"It is important to me to take part in welcoming them to our local community, and also to celebrate their official participation in the freedoms that we as Canadians enjoy," Van Popta said. "My work is focused on protecting and upholding those freedoms, and it is enriching to witness the appreciation that newcomers to Canada have for these aspects of our society that can too easily be taken for granted."
The annual events see family and friends accompany many of the new Canadians, and visitors are welcome to watch the ceremony, which takes place on the grounds of the Parks Canada site. Because it is Canada Day, admission to the Fort is free.
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.
