Building Citizenship

ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies are a celebration of the newest members of the Canadian family and offer unique opportunities to reflect on what it means to be active, engaged citizens.

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. 

350+  

ceremonies hosted

14,000+  

new Canadians sworn in

4,324

roundtable hosts

6,500  

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

Commissioner Margaret Thom Speaks at Citizenship Ceremony

This ceremony had an esteemed selection of special guests including, Commissioner Margaret Thom. Commissioner Thom spoke on the impact of Indigenous culture has in Canada after leading everyone present in the taking of the oath of citizenship.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

New Citizens Create Homes and Build Futures in Canada

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.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

New Canadian Citizens Celebrated in Vancouver

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.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC’s Roundtable Discussions Connects New Citizens

The ICC was fortunate to celebrate new Canadians during an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony on March 14, 2023, in Montréal, Québec. At the Espace pour La Vie (Montreal’s Space for Life), guests are able to fully experience nature throughout the entire year.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC Hosts New Citizens at the Art Gallery of Alberta

On March 2, 2023, the ICC had the pleasure of hosting an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Presiding Official Ellicia Vieira administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 39 individuals from 18 countries as Canadian citizens.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC Celebrates New Canadian Citizens in Calgary, Alberta

On February 28, 2023, ICC hosted an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta. Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 27 individuals from 14 countries as Canadian citizens.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC Welcomes New Canadian Citizens during In-Person Ceremony in Winnipeg, Manitoba

On February 15, 2023, we were honoured to host an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the world’s first museum dedicated to human rights, the venue highlights respect and compassion while encouraging meaningful conversations.

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Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony at Toronto Pearson International Airport

On February 10th, 2023, we were honoured to host a citizenship ceremony at Toronto Pearson International Airport. We are grateful to the Toronto Pearson International Airport for animating their space and welcoming the new citizenship candidates, their friends, family, and community members with such a memorable ceremony venue.

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Building Citizenship
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The ICC’s First In-Person Citizenship Ceremony of 2023 at the VIA Rail Station in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Halifax

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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

Headshot of musicians, The Melisizwe Brothers

The Melisizwe Brothers | Musicians

The Melisizwe Brothers – Marc, Seth and Zacary – from Leduc, Alberta are three multi-talented brothers who have received international recognition for their incredible musical talent. Currently, they have released 40 songs with over 60,000 listeners, and 200K streams on Spotify, worldwide. When The Melisizwe Brothers are not busy touring and producing music, they perform at charity events that raise awareness for multiple causes within their local community.

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Headshot of musician, Sheenah Ko

Sheenah Ko | Synth-Pop Artist

The Montreal-based synth-pop artist, who is also a core member of Canadian indie darlings, Besnard Lakes, hit the spotlight in 2020 with the release of her debut full-length album, Nowhere in Time. The album garnered substantial press, national radio airplay on CBC Radio, and a Top 10 spot on the NCRA Canadian Campus Radio Electronic charts. She released her sophomore album Future Is Now on May 27, 2022.

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Randy Morin | Storyteller, Author & Language Keeper

Randy Morin is a teacher, storyteller and English-Cree translator from the Big River First Nation, Treaty Six area. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies and Bachelor of Education Degree. He is a strong supporter of maintaining and teaching of Cree language and culture and shares his knowledge in his community in Saskatoon.


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.