Hey L_Y, I would love to exchange FB and emails!
Thank you for your kind words!
Yeah, I was very surprised when they told us that we would get our passports stamped however there's no use for the stamp. We can't even use it to get the SIN card.
Regarding the IO, I waited until the last minute to ask him to say that. I was honestly just waiting him to say: You are now a Landed Immigrant of Canada. Congratulations! Welcome to Canada! + a hand shake... ha ha
But he only said: "Ok, you are all done! You are now a landed Immigrant" I thought: "is that it?", I then looked at my partner and then looked back to the IO and asked, "Can you now say "Welcome to Canada, please?"" as I was getting up, he smiled and started saying it, I immediately extended my hand to shake his hand. ha ha I just made sure it all happened the way I wanted it to be.
The IO was a very nice guy and he looks like the NDP leader.
There was about 40 people there, but I think only half was there to actually land.
As a celebration gift I got a food processor from my in-laws ;D and a trip to NL to spend the weekend of my birthday there w/ my partner and friends!