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Sharing stories of immigration across Canada, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 sets an empowering backdrop for one of ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies. During this ceremony, we were able to host roundtable discussions, have special guests perform, and speak – all in celebration of the new citizens. While every journey of immigration may look different, these individuals were here today sharing their excitement with one another.

On May 30, 2023, Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 39 individuals from 17 countries as Canadian citizens.

When choosing guest speakers to join us for ceremonies, we try to highlight the themes and venues chosen. As this ceremony’s theme was celebrating Asian Heritage Month, we asked a local Halifax citizen to join us. Having immigrated to Canada from China in 2000, Wilber Huang became a Canadian citizen in 2005. Huang shares an understanding of the hardships that new citizens find during the process of immigration and the joy you can gain while building a life in Canada. His commitment to volunteering and community organizations is proof that everyday actions can make huge changes to our society.

While speaking to the new citizens, Huang relived the memories of his own citizenship ceremony from 18 years ago! So caught up in the emotion in the room, everyone in attendance felt the genuine sense of warmth and joy that surrounded them.

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below. 

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New Citizens were able to celebrate their Canadian citizenship surrounded by the unique aircraft on display at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. On May 26, 2023, ICC continued Citizenship Week as we hosted an incredible ceremony filled with love, joy and excitement. The Museum set the tone for the stories shared among new citizens and their guests as an inspirational space that highlights bold achievements and acts of courage.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 33 individuals from 11 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies shine a spotlight on performers from the community to add more memorable moments throughout the ceremony. The Sadler Sisters performed the national anthem during a ceremony earlier this year in Winnipeg. And on May 26th, they also preformed as EAK Trio with an original song entitled, Grow as we go. The lyrics that struck the heartstrings of the new Canadian citizens were:

I don’t know who we’ll become
I can’t promise it’s not written in the stars
But I believe that when it’s done
We’re gonna see that it was better
That we grew up together

Every experience in a lifetime creates an opportunity to learn. Each lesson shows the strength, wisdom and bravery that people have and prepares each individual for what comes next. This personal development builds space for people to shape their lives as they wish. While navigating these challenges, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your community stands with you – supporting your lows and celebrating your highs.

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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Toronto Newcomer Day is an annual event that celebrates the diverse communities in Toronto. Held each May since 2015, everyone is welcome to participate in the festivities that provide helpful information to newcomers, as well as, celebrating their contributions to the city. There is no better day to hold an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony than alongside this event at Toronto City Hall. On May 25, 2023, ICC hosted this ceremony with cultural performers and special guest speakers to make this day extraordinary for the new citizens.

Citizenship Judge Hardish Dhaliwal administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 37 individuals from 11 countries as Canadian citizens.

As many newcomers know, moving to a new place and adjusting to a new way of life is a very difficult process. While each journey is unique, ICC’s signature roundtable discussions hope to bring citizens and their guests together through conversation. This provides a platform to share their stories and continue to build a social network with other individuals who understand them. Toronto Newcomer Day shares this goal and, on the day, created an exciting environment for these discussions to take place inside Toronto City Hall. Afterwards, the citizenship ceremony moved into Nathan Phillips Square amidst the Toronto Newcomer Day festivities.

Toronto Newcomer Day is an excellent opportunity for everyone in Toronto to experience all the inclusivity found within the city. Whether you arrived in Canada yesterday or have spent your whole life here, this event has something for you. Community organizations, settlement agencies, and local businesses took part in the Newcomer Marketplace and information fair. Here, newcomers on every step of their journey can find support from kind and compassionate community members.

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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The Ukrainian Museum of Canada welcomed candidates on May 24, 2023, for an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Museum works hard to preserve Ukrainian culture while supporting Ukrainian Canadians across the country. Distance during a time of migration for any reason can be a challenge that many people from around the world share. Supporting one another in a community space like this one is a way to cope, as well as, celebrate the new opportunities that will come along with being a Canadian.

Presiding Official Dr. Bill Waiser administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 40 individuals from 6 countries as Canadian citizens.

As our population continues to grow, there is an increasing number of cultures celebrated within the borders of Canada. During our roundtable discussions before the oath taking, one new citizen shared:

“We don’t have to wipe out our culture to be Canadian, so that is something that we really loved. And we feel at home. This is our second home, but more importantly, we get to keep our culture.”

For new citizens, the decision to become Canadian does not erase their identity or their history. This is important because shared cultural values and traditions create a sense of belonging. As cultural identity is always changing, migration and citizenship can affect this relationship. However, becoming Canadian does not enforce one single identity. You can be many things and belong to many spaces in Canada. Using respect and compassion, we can build bridges between the many different cultures here creating connections and fostering a welcoming society.

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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As we celebrate the incredible contributions made by Canadians of Asian heritage throughout the month of May, there is no better place to host an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony than at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre in Alberta. On May 16, 2023, ICC welcomed new citizens and their guests into a beautiful space that fosters multiculturalism. Also home to a museum, the Centre prioritizes broadmindedness through classes, programming, and events. In doing so, it has become a community hub open to all.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 37 individuals from 10 countries as Canadian citizens.

Along with beautiful conversations throughout the roundtable discussions, poet, Adetola Adedipe, spoke and performed. Having taken her oath of citizenship two years ago, Adetola knows the truth of how strong emotions can be in this moment. Before beginning her poem, she said:

“As new Canadians, what you bring to Canada is who you are and who you were before coming to Canada. Who you are and were brings so much value to Canada.”

In welcoming new Canadians, we continue to build the identity of what it means to be Canadian. Through empowering one another, each new citizen will continue this story with their own successes and triumphs.

Adetola then performed her poem, If I, highlighting the skills and strengths people gain through each of their own life experiences. Comparing our journeys to one another is natural. However, it is always important to recognize and compare where you are now to where you once were. In this, our journeys have a way of defining us.

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, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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On May 11, 2023, ICC celebrated National Nursing Week! In our Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, we choose themes that represent our communities because it is important to foster these relationships. Remembering the amazing work that nurses do across Canada, every day is important for the future success of our health care. Nurses hold courage and commitment in their hearts. This is a quality they share with many people in the process of applying for their Canadian citizenship. ICC celebrated these courageous candidates becoming Canadians at the Foundry Room in Edmonton, Alberta on this day.

Presiding Official Joel Christian administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 41 individuals from 6 countries as Canadian citizens.

During our signature roundtable discussions, many new citizens shared their stories. This included all of the highs and the lows that came along with the decision to move to a new country. Our volunteers and special guests joined in the discussions as hosts making the day even more memorable. Throughout this time, new citizens have the opportunity to connect with one another by discovering shared experiences and expressing what being Canadian means to them. This can range from being an active citizen who is excited to vote to a hockey fan who just loves everything about winter. While thinking on the openness and vulnerability in the room, one young participant shared:

“The culture in Canada is so rich. There are so many diverse cultures, and every culture has its roots. Every culture, every people – they hold each other. So, they can go through things together and I love that about Canada.”

After the roundtable discussions, candidates took their oath of citizenship! Sharing in the festivities, special guest Ellie Heath performed her new single, Happiness. The lyrics she sang matched the feelings of so many in attendance. In that moment and every moment, each person deserved the happiness and joy that they felt.

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, we would like to say thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below. 

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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.

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.

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On March 23, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, NWT. As one of the youngest legislatures, this space has quickly become a symbol of strength for the region. The architecture of the building represents the legislature’s consensus style of decision-making, while simultaneously, the design highlights the community values of the NWT people.

Commissioner Margaret Thom administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 25 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens.

Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies stand out thanks to the contributions of local guest speakers and performers. The memories made by these individuals occur when they take the stage to celebrate new Canadian citizens. This ceremony had an esteemed selection of special guests including, Commissioner Margaret Thom. Commissioner Thom spoke on the impact Indigenous culture has on Canada after leading everyone present in the oath of citizenship.

“Each June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month, which is an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions, and cultures of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. The history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis is essentially a varied history of our country as we are the first peoples of Canada and continue to play important roles in its development and its future.”

While each person arriving in Canada adjusts to a new life here, it is critical to learn about the lands that you reside on and their histories. Using respect and consideration, we can coexist together during this era of reconciliation.

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 special thank you to the guests that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profile below.

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On March 22, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As a contemporary art museum, the space uses accessible programming to ensure each guest feels inspired. They connect visitors with the past while envisioning new futures together through a mixture of local and international art collections.

Presiding Official Arnold Boldt administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 32 individuals from 9 countries becoming Canadian citizens.

With spring beginning, the feelings of newness and rejuvenation surround us all. As new citizens enter this ceremony, they are able to prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead of them as Canadians.  The roots people have planted in Canada have a chance to flourish as each blossom blooms. This growth is reminiscent of how far each person has come on their journey. Throughout ICC’s signature roundtable discussions, citizens and their guests were able to connect with one another over shared hopes for their futures. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. One participant shared:

“Canada has given me the opportunity to give my children a future and we will always be thankful for the people who welcomed us here and made it feel like home.”

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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The Institute for Canadian Citizenship had the honour of hosting an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver in British Columbia on March 16, 2023. The spiritual building is an architectural icon for a large and consistently growing community in Canada. Alongside many other cultural institutions, the Ismaili Centre hopes to cultivate understanding and acceptance among all Canadians.

Presiding Official Dr. Ross Paul administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 50 individuals from 21 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. While discussing the importance of the day, new Canadians share excitement about the number of civic responsibilities they are now granted. This is especially important because it ensures the protection of democracy at all levels of government. As it is important to maintain this system, it is also important not to take any responsibility for granted. Following the ceremony, these duties come with a larger number of privileges, as well.

“We were speaking about what active citizenship means. One person at our table is specifically excited for jury duty. But overall, active citizenship means participating in your community and voting to ensure that Canada is the best place it can be for everyone.”

Active citizenship can apply to a variety of actions. The excitement is palpable when hearing from individuals who are now gaining more access to these rights. Overall, making the community a better and more inclusive space is the motivational force behind this excitement.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

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.

Finally, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.