Cultural Access Pass alumnus Carol King became a new Canadian citizen in 2015. Her journey to citizenship however, started many years ago when she came to Canada back in 1987 to pursue an education at King Square Collegiate in Toronto, Ontario. She says that she chose to make Canada her home because it is a multi-cultural, safe, friendly and vibrant country – and while her journey to citizenship was a long one, Carol is happy to finally call herself a Canadian citizen.

According to Carol, one of the most important responsibilities of being an active citizen is volunteering and voting. In March of this year, she volunteered at a film shoot about citizenship (which is still currently in production), and she also volunteered during the last  general election. Carol believes  that cultural spaces play an important part in welcoming new citizens, and in building inclusion and belonging, and experienced the value of culture as a new Canadian citizen with a Cultural Access Pass – Carol encourages every new Canadian citizen to get out and use their CAP. And her best advice for practicing active citizenship? Always be polite, and of course, say ‘sorry’ regularly.

As a Canadian citizen, Carol looks forward to exploring Canada and to finishing her education at Ryerson University. She also has plans to visit the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia.

About CAP: For nearly 10 years, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) has delivered the Cultural Access Pass (CAP), an innovative, best-in-class program that gives new citizens access to Canadian culture. It’s time to shift CAP to the digital age. Support the ICC.

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