On the sunlit porch of a farmhouse in the Canadian province of Alberta, Don Casselman planted his feet, gripped a laminated document and began to read aloud.

“I hereby declare an oath that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all fidelity to any foreign prince,” said the former industrial electrician, facing towards a Star Spangled banner gaffer-taped to a pole.

Around his neck, Mr Casselman had thrown another American flag – and he tugged it carefully into place before pledging his loyalty to the government of the United States.

“I take this obligation freely,” swore the 78-year-old Alberta native, raising his right palm. “So help me God.”