This Ontario man has a warning for permanent residents: ‘Get your Canadian citizenship’
For almost 60 years, Cornelis Ruijter has lived as a permanent resident in Canada, having immigrated to the country with his 14 brothers and sisters in 1961.
The Barrie, Ont., man never bothered becoming a full Canadian citizen, but after a theft abroad left him stranded in Europe for five weeks, he has some advice for any other permanent residents.
“Get your Canadian citizenship and get your passport,” he said.
Until last year, when he travelled out of the country, Ruijter would bring his Netherlands passport and his permanent resident card, getting around without fail.
But on Nov. 27, while on a family trip in Italy, he says a thief stole both documents.
