Conversations that Matter – Yasir Naqvi on democracy and active citizenship
23.01.2021
Venue
National Film Board of Canada, Montréal, Québec
Theme
Asian Heritage Month
The National Film Board of Canada stood as the venue for ICC’s latest Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. On May 4, 2023, new Canadians took the oath of citizenship in a space that values storytelling. Honouring a diverse collection of filmmakers ensures that we see all the cultures that flourish in Canada on the big screen. We can, then, build connections through the reflection and discussion of issues close to the hearts of all Canadians.
Citizenship Judge Marie Senecal-Tremblay administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 49 individuals from 15 countries as Canadian citizens.
49
Number of New Citizens
15
Number of Countries
During this ceremony, François Tremblay joined us as a guest speaker on behalf of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). He spoke on using our collective experiences to create stories and films that actively display what Canada looks like today. Our personal histories are important because they have grown from our past and affect who we become in the future. In his concluding remarks, François Tremblay congratulated the new Canadians:
“We are honoured to witness this memorable moment and are moved that this event is taking place here, at home. Why? Because the NFB belongs to you. Here and across the country, we tell the stories of Canadians. So now, we tell your stories. No matter where you come from, one thing is certain: Your culture of origin, your life experiences, your history will enrich our great Canadian family.”
We are so happy that all the new citizens have chosen Canada! Each individual will surely be a wonderful addition to their communities and on a larger scale, the nation as whole.
With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca.
To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.
Finally, a big thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.
François Tremblay
Director General, Human Resources, Strategic Planning and Institutional Services
He/Him
François Tremblay joined the National Film Board of Canada as Director General, Human Resources, in 2011 and was promoted to Director General, Human Resources, Strategic Planning and Institutional Services, in 2015.
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Ainsley McNeaney
Singer-Songwriter
She/Her
Ainsley McNeaney is a Montréal-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music educator and composer with an honour’s degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Toronto.
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