New Canadians ready to vote in Calgary election

One hundred and fifty new Canadians took the oath of citizenshipin Calgary on the weekend, just in time to vote in today's municipal election.

For many of the newcomers, their first official act as citizens will be to cast votes for Calgary's mayor, councillorsand trustees.

The group of 150 wassworn in at the Genesis Centre in northeast Calgary on Sunday. Monday's election will be thefirst time voting in any election for some of them.

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"For me, it's the most important thing in my life that I'm going to vote for the first time in Canada, so I can choose a candidate and I can talk with them," saidOnkarSingh, one of the new citizens sworn in on the weekend."I can't express my feeling in words."

Singh has been driving a taxi in Calgary for years andwasn't shy aboutwho he's choosing for mayor, saying Bill Smith is the candidate that represents his interests.

"I'm going to vote for Mr. Smith because [he] talked to the taxi industry and he's going to make it fair play between Uber and the taxi industry."

'I'm happy that I can vote'

NahalKafisays she didn't know she could cast her ballot so soon after becoming a citizen.

"I thought maybe I should at least be one week Canadian citizen before I can vote, but now I'm happy that I can vote because I really want to vote. So I'm happy and I will vote," she said.

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Kafihad been following the election even though she thought she wouldn't be allowed to vote. Now that she is eligible,Kafisaid she will be voting with her children's future in mind.

"Whoever is elected, it can affect my life and my children's life. So I would be happy if I know about [candidates]for the issues and I'm following them."

'It means everything'

Another newcomer, Ngozi Odoeme,saidshe is excited to vote as a Canadian for the first time.

"It means everything ... it isa privilege to be a Canadian citizen and having the rights and responsibility to vote as a citizen is amazing."

Odoemesaid she'll be voting for candidates who show a dedication to public transit and neighbourhood safety.

"What I'm expecting from them is good transport system, assessable school system that is close to community and safety and security in community as well."

The polls close Monday at 8 p.m.

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