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.

“At that time, I (felt) like a Canadian because reciting the national anthem means everything,” he said Monday in an interview.