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In the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony exemplified the spirit of unity and diversity. This citizenship ceremony at Dalhousie University brought together individuals from different corners of the world, who all gathered to embrace a new chapter in their lives. The ceremony was not just a legal formality, it was also a celebration of identities, cultures, and the shared values that bind us together as global citizens.

Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 38 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens.

Before the ceremony began, ICC hosted roundtable discussions for the new citizens and their guests to connect with one another. During this time, they can build relationships around the memories created on this special day.

“I would just like to talk about how small of a world it is. We all have connections here.” – New Canadian Citizen

This was discovered when two guests at the roundtable discussions work together and unknowingly attended the same citizenship ceremony – one member as a guest in support of a new citizen and one new Canadian citizen. Their presence at the ceremony reflects their personal connections, and also their collective dedication to those who belong to the Halifax community.

Ultimately, this ceremony captures the essence of how even in a vast world, our lives are often interwoven through common experiences and the desire to create a welcoming community. It emphasizes that through collaboration, we can create a stronger and more inclusive society that embraces newcomers and celebrates all of their contributions.

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.

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At an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony, candidates for citizenship from across the globe were celebrated on July 25, 2023, as new Canadian citizens! With the theme of Canadian history and culture woven into every aspect of this ceremony, the diverse tapestry of Canada’s past, present, and future stood in the background to bring each individual together on this special day.

Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 38 individuals from 15 countries as Canadian citizens.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the display of cultural richness that Canada proudly embraces. Attendees marveled at the performance by the Young Bhangra Calgary dance group. Bhangra is a dance with roots in Punjabi culture. Today, you can find studios performing and competing across Canada. The Young Bhangra Calgary group not only showcased their performance but also conveyed a powerful message of unity and acceptance, transcending borders. This beautifully exemplifies how Canada is made up of so many cultures, each contributing to the nation’s unique identity.

This citizenship ceremony left an indelible mark as a profound celebration of Canadian identity. It was a moving reminder of the shared values and limitless potential that lie ahead for these new members of the Canadian family. Together, all in attendance embarked on a new chapter of their journey, forging a bright future as proud Canadian citizens.

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.

Version française.

This Canada Day, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a special event took place—an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony! Families and friends gathered in support of the individuals taking this significant step in their lives. The atmosphere was alive with joy and camaraderie, embodying the spirit of Canada.

Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 30 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens on July 1, 2023.

During ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, we host roundtable discussions that bring new citizens and their guests together. Sharing stories and making connections helps community members bond over the special occasion that is their new citizenship. One participant shared:

“The ability to vote and being able to share what I feel openly is the reason I chose Canada.”

This discussion reinforced the idea that being Canadian goes beyond a mere legal status. It encompasses shared values, respect for diversity, and a commitment to building a better future together. New citizens now have the privilege and responsibility of contributing to their new home in so many ways. Joining the ranks of millions who have come before them, each person can now shape the fabric of Canadian society.

As the festivities came to a close, the new citizens embarked on their journey with newfound rights, responsibilities, and the enduring spirit of being Canadian. This memorable event will be etched on their hearts as a symbol of their integration into Canada and a beacon of hope for future generations.

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.

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The Dragon Boat Festival has become an annual event that people look forward to year-round! In 2018, the Dragon Boat Races celebrated 30 years of success in Vancouver with events now occurring across Canada. With a long history before the 1980s, the festival’s spirit has always lied in generosity, reciprocity and sharing. For this reason, you can find musicians from the community who play live music all weekend long on the stage. While on the water, you can watch the races and support those who compete.

Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 50 individuals from 17 countries becoming Canadian citizens.

Peter Wong spoke in congratulations to the new citizens as a representative for the Dragon Boat Festival when he said:

“You are now part of a diverse, multicultural society that embraces people from all walks of life. Our Canadian values include respect, tolerance, and equality. As you join this great Canadian family, we encourage you to celebrate your heritage and share your culture with us. Canada is a mosaic of cultures and each of you bring a unique perspective that enriches our society.”

During the Dragon Boat Festival, aspects of Chinese culture are shared with those who attend. Using the concerts and the cultural pavilion as additions to the dragon boat races, this festival now aims to build unity across the diverse communities of Vancouver. As each candidate became a Canadian citizen, they hold onto their history and their culture becoming one with this mosaic that we, as Canadians, hold in high regard.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

For more information on the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, 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.

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

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In collaboration with the Luminato Festival, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony on June 7, 2023. Luminato Festival is an annual celebration of the arts across all mediums in city spaces.

“We believe that the arts are essential in building stronger, more connected communities and that creativity can inspire and change the world.” – Luminato Festival

This commitment to community matches ICC’s goals in building inclusivity across Canada. With citizenship ceremonies being open to the public, new Canadians can then feel the celebration and support from the community that surrounds them!

Citizenship Judge Hardish Dhaliwal administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 40 individuals from 18 countries as Canadian citizens during the ceremony.

The special guest speaker at this ceremony was ICC’s co-founder, John Ralston Saul. While congratulating the Canadians on their citizenship, he encouraged involvement in community activities. When specifically encouraging involvement in the arts, he said:

“The culture of a country is the basis of the country. Therefore, being interested in the arts in a country is one of the most important ways you can be a part of what Canada is and what it has built itself to be.”

Following the ceremony, we joined Little Amal in Nathan Phillips Square. Little Amal is a 12-foot-tall figure inspired by the story of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee. At this time, she is on a tour around the world as a symbol for human rights. Accompanied by musicians and dancers, this celebration of Little Amal also included a speech by the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson as an honorary grandmother to Little Amal. Alongside so many other influential women from Toronto and abroad who join her in this title, Madame Clarkson shared her advice to younger children.

This is an example of how art can tell stories that bring people together on local, national, and international levels. By participating in similar activities, Canadians from all walks of life will have the opportunity to make their mark.

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.

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 Gallery of Canada opened its doors to new Canadians on May 26, 2023, for an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. Anoksé – an Anishinaabemowin word meaning everything is connected – anchors and directs the Gallery. This played a key role in planning the citizenship ceremony because it drew on the significance of Citizenship Week and the impact that each individual’s actions have within Canada.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 39 individuals from 19 countries as Canadian citizens.

Upon receiving their Canadian citizenship, new citizens gain access to rights and privileges that they did not have before. With this comes responsibilities, as well, going beyond simply voting in elections. As active citizens, you can and should engage in civic activities, advocate for causes, volunteer, and work towards the betterment of society. ICC’s leader, Daniel Bernhard, congratulated the new Canadians and in his remarks, he continued this sentiment when said:

“The answer to our economic, environmental and cultural challenges is renewal: new energy, new optimism, new ideas, new skills, new resolve – to be better. To do better. That’s what you bring: difference. Different ways of doing things. Different ways of seeing things. You’re our difference makers.”

While candidates received their Canadian citizenship, they could see Parliament Hill through the grand windows in the Gallery. This view sparks the importance of our participation as citizens, inspiring constant change while in the heart of the Canadian political system.

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.

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

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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.