Notice

I received this letter today. It is an invitation to take the Oath of Citizenship. I’m finally becoming Canadian!

But. Is it really necessary to make this notice so menacing? It looks like I’m summoned for a trial. I know there is a judge involved, but this is a nice trial.

It would be so much nicer if this letter was a congratulatory one. Something like this:

We are pleased to inform you that you passed the Citizenship test and that there is only one step left in becoming a Canadian Citizen. Therefore we invite you to take the Oath of Citizenship. You can bring friends and family to this joyful occasion.

It is going to take place on

Friday 06 February 2009 at 1:30 PM.

at
Collège de Maissonneuve
2700, rue de Bourbonnière
Montreal QC H1X 2A2

The way it is currently there is only one “happy” word in it: the letter starts with “Please”. But the joy is over very fast since it is immediately followed by a command: “appear”…
At the bottom there are 5 check-boxes ordering me what documentation to bring, what will happen if I don’t show up, and a big block labeled WARNING with legalese about the do’s and don’ts of obtaining Canadian Citizenship.

Then there are two more pages; one is a media release form because there might be people taking photos and another with details about parking (paid!) and a notice to use only this particular entrance of the school.

However one piece of essential information is missing: if and how many people I can bring. Since it isn’t mentioned I presume it isn’t limited so I hereby invite you all (well almost all, you know who you are). Afterwards we can grab a beer, or something non-alcoholic if you prefer. The first drink is on me.