Lumberjacks, maple syrup, beaver tails and mounted police. Most of us are aware of the stereotypes associated with being Canadian.

But how do new citizens perceive their Canadian identities?

In an afternoon of round table talks with existing Canadians and community leaders April 26 at Pearkes recreation centre, 50 new citizens discussed active citizenship and shared their experiences.

The talks were aimed at discovering how to connect new citizens in the community and create an opportunity for newcomers to learn from established Canadians.

Dimitri de Morea, a clinical counsellor from France who attended with his wife, felt it necessary to become a B次元官网网址渇ull-fledged member of society,B次元官网网址� after moving to Canada, he said.

B次元官网网址�(Being Canadian) means respecting the law, traditions and values of Canada and representing them as well as I can and contributing to further ameliorate or enhance our society,B次元官网网址� de Morea said.

Veronica Osborn, co-organizer with the Institute for Canadian CitizenshipB次元官网网址檚 Victoria Committee, calls the discussions a tremendous experience for both new and existing Canadians.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 an immigrant and I remember what it was like as a newcomer to Canada,B次元官网网址� Osborn said. B次元官网网址淲e always learn so much from sitting down with people who have decided to make Canada their home. ItB次元官网网址檚 very inspiring.B次元官网网址�