Our Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies reflect on what it means to be Canadian and the value of active citizenship and inclusion. Hosted across the country, ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies celebrate the plethora of cultures and languages that constitute Canada.
ceremonies hosted
new Canadians sworn in
roundtable hosts
volunteers
Commitment to
Reconciliation
We acknowledge the history of colonization in Canada, including the ways in which colonial systems and intergenerational trauma continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. We commit to working towards reconciliation and to building better relationships in the future.
Past Highlights
Canada History Week in Calgary
21.11.2024
On November 19, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at Hudson in Calgary. This special ceremony celebrated the diverse backgrounds and journeys of 43 individuals from 18 different countries who took a significant step in their lives by officially becoming Canadian citizens.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Philanthropy Day Celebration at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
19.11.2024
On November 15th, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Toronto hosted a special citizenship ceremony, welcoming 45 new Canadian citizens from 15 different countries. The ceremony, held in the gallery’s stunning setting, highlighted the importance of community, generosity, and the shared values that make Canada a unique and diverse nation.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Celebrating New Citizens and Honoring Veterans at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
19.11.2024
On November 5th, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax hosted a special event to mark both Veterans’ Week and the citizenship ceremony for 30 new Canadian citizens. The ceremony welcomed individuals from 13 different countries, adding to the vibrant tapestry of Canada’s diverse community.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Under the Whale: A Special Citizenship Ceremony at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum
13.11.2024
On October 29th, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting a unique citizenship ceremony at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. 30 candidates from 14 different countries officially became Canadian citizens — all beneath the awe-inspiring skeleton of Canada’s largest blue whale. It was a ceremony unlike any other, set against the backdrop of hundreds of fascinating natural history exhibits.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Welcoming New Citizens: Highlights from the Montreal Ceremony
28.10.2024
On October 17, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the vibrant Cabaret Lion D’Or in Montreal. This special ceremony celebrated the diverse backgrounds and journeys of 46 individuals from 37 different countries who took a significant step in their lives by officially becoming Canadian citizens.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Celebrating Latin Heritage Month in Ottawa
28.10.2024
On October 16, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology in the nation’s capital celebrating Latin Heritage Month and welcoming 44 new Canadian citizens from 27 different countries.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Celebration of community in Yellowknife
28.10.2024
On October 9, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Northern Arts & Cultural Centre (“NACC”) where 30 individuals from 16 countries proudly became Canadian citizens.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Sharing Stories and Connections at the ROM
09.10.2024
On October 3rd, 2024, the ROM in Toronto opened its doors to 30 new Canadian citizens, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward citizenship. This special day not only celebrated their achievements but also allowed them to create lasting memories within the museum’s rich tapestry of art and history
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Citizenship Ceremony at the Norquest College
25.09.2024
On September 13, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship welcomed 48 new citizens from 13 countries at a beautiful ceremony held at Norquest College. This event was not just about formalities; it was a heartfelt celebration of diverse journeys and new beginnings.
Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Rochelle Ivri
Citizenship Judge
“What I like about ICC Ceremonies… is being able to hear stories of people’s perseverance, their reasons for coming to Canada, what they appreciate about Canada and what they’ve learned since they’ve been here, and how they’ve been able to contribute to Canada. It sets a really beautiful tone for what it means to be Canadian.”
Meet our guests
Carine Bado | Musician
Carine, a bilingual Christian artist and songwriter originally from Ivory Coast, now calls Winnipeg her home. With a musical gift inherited through generations, she began singing passionately at a young age. Music is central in her life, leading her to compose her first song at just fifteen and many more since. Carine’s diverse musical influences, from Pop Rock to French/Afro Contemporary and Gospel, give her a distinctive tone. Her songs aim to inspire self-identity, strength, kindness, beauty, and love in people.
Usman Tahir Jutt | Owner/Operator at McDonald’s Corporation
Usman Tahir Jutt, a dedicated father, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, focuses on community development and supporting fellow Albertans amidst a dynamic environment. Named Calgarian of the Year in 2023, Usman’s journey began when he acquired a struggling gas station during his university days. After six years as a Husky Energy retailer, Usman ventured into McDonald’s ownership in 2013, now overseeing twenty restaurants, a significant employer for young people in Southern Alberta.
Mamselle Ruiz | Musician
Mamselle Ruiz is a Canadian-Mexican-songwriter settled in Montréal, Québec since 2010. Festive, romantic, infused with jazz and Latin American rhythms, her music is influenced by her own North-South mix of cultures. Mamselle was awarded several prizes in Canada, she is named Radio-Canada’s world music “Revelation” for 2013-2014. Known for her magnetic stage presence, raw emotional delivery, her charisma allowed her to sing for several show of famous Cirque du Soleil.
This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Conferring citizenship is the sole purview of the Government of Canada through the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Contact IRCC for any questions about the citizenship or immigration process.
Host a Ceremony
Our partners offer their welcoming public spaces and work with us to host ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies. Email us to learn more.
Attend
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Our Supporters
Our work is made possible by our network of partners and volunteers.
Perform
Cheer on the newest members of the Canadian family by performing at an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony.
Volunteer
Our Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies connect new Canadians with longer-standing members of their community.
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