'I was shocked': Newcomer invited to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill

AMonctonman who recently won a major award, was invited to Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill.

It wasYasserAlAsmi'sfirst time outside New Brunswick since his family came to Canada two years ago toescape the war in Syria.

AlAsmiwas asked by Heritage MinisterMlanieJoly to come as one of the dignitaries on the red carpet.

"I knew that no matter what, I'm not going to miss this chance," said the high school graduate.

The request came after he was awardedthe prestigious RomoLeBlanc Scholarship to the University of Moncton.

The scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest grades from an anglophone high school in Atlantic Canada.

During the phone call, the newcomertook a minuteto think about the invitation butquickly accepted before taking too much time to process what was happening.

"I was shocked," he said. "It was all great."

A passion for working hard

On histrip,AlAsmimet Sophie Trudeau,Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife,Heritage MinisterMlanieJoly andGov. Gen.JuliePayette, among others, and walked the red carpet in Ottawa.

Over the weekend,AlAsmisaid he was a bit nervous buthappy that Canada recognized him in such a way.

"I had [the]motivation to work hard and reach high places, but I never expected to have all of this in this early time in my life in Canada," he said.

A warm welcome home

AlAsmisaid the invitation speaks to how Canada welcomes newcomers.

"This was a very warm welcome," he said. "I felt my new country recognized my humble efforts."

Two years after arriving in Canada with his parents and three younger siblings,Yassermastered English and French with the help ofYouTube, mobileappsand the people ofMoncton.

AlAsmiwill study in French as a pre-med student this fall at the University ofMoncton. The scholarship will cover all his tuition fees at the university.