Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for almost 500,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are excited to share how Canoo allows members to explore Canada.


$55+ million

in value delivered since Canoo started

490K+

newcomers have participated

289K+

newcomers currently active on Canoo

Canoo offers members unparalleled access to venues across Canada. Members can visit world-class museums, galleries, national parks, and more – all free or heavily discounted. Canoo unlocks local communities for members, offering opportunities for them to make long-lasting connections.


Canoo to Other Provinces

For many Canoo members, the app offers something more: the opportunity to explore beyond their province of residence and discover all that Canada has to offer.

In 2023, thousands of Canoo members travelled outside their province of residence and visited Canoo venues across Canada.

Canoo Visits 2023


As summer unfolds across Canada, it brings a vibrant array of outdoor activities, festivals, and gatherings. Naturally, Canoo visits peak in the summer months. Out-of-province visits follow a similar pattern, demonstrating Canoo’s popularity during the summer holidays when families can travel more easily.


Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors by Province 2023

In the chart below, Quebec stands out for receiving the most out-of-province visitors. Although the overall number of out-of-province visitors was highest in Quebec, the following regional assessments demonstrate higher rates of out-of-province visitors in some smaller provinces, particularly in Atlantic Canada.


Regional Assessment

Western Canada

Western Canada received high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. It’s no wonder that so many Canoo members choose to travel to visit these incredible provinces. From seeing the world’s largest T. rex in Saskatchewan to skiing in Banff to whale watching in the Pacific, Western Canada has a lot to offer. Hover over the charts below to see how many Canoo members visited each province.

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Western Canada 2023

Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023


Alberta: Royal Tyrrell Museum

In 2023, the Royal Tyrrell Museum welcomed 1909 Canoo visitors from outside of Alberta, including 1104 adult Canoo members with a total of 805 children.


British Columbia: Science World

In 2023, Science World welcomed 2178 Canoo members from outside of BC, including 1252 adults with a total of 926 children.


Saskatchewan: Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown

In 2023, the Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown welcomed 89 Canoo members from outside of Saskatchewan, including 50 adults with a total of 39 children.

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Central Canada

In Central Canada, Quebec received notably high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. This is no surprise considering the incredible culture and nature in Quebec, in addition to the province’s proximity to 100,000+ Canoo members based in Ontario.

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Central Canada 2023

Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023


Manitoba: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

In 2023, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights welcomed 275 Canoo members from outside of Manitoba, including 197 adults with a total of 78 children.


Ontario: Royal Ontario Museum

In 2023, the Royal Ontario Museum welcomed 1819 Canoo members from outside of Ontario, inclduing 1213 adults with a total of 606 children.


Quebec: Biodôme

In 2023, the Biodôme welcomed 6389 Canoo members from outside of Quebec, including 3963 adults with a total of 2426 children.

Atlantic Canada

Across Canada, the highest rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023 were recorded in the Atlantic region. These provinces offer a wide range of culture, history, and outdoor experiences all within close geographic range; it’s no wonder so many Canoo members choose to travel out east!

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Atlantic Canada 2023


Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023


New Brunswick: Beaverbrook Art Gallery

In 2023, Beaverbrook Art Gallery welcomed 61 Canoo members from outside of New Brunswick, including 35 adults with a total of 26 children.


Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rooms

In 2023, The Rooms welcomed 114 Canoo members from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, including 86 adults with a total of 28 children.


Nova Scotia: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

In 2023, The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic welcomed 734 Canoo members from outside of Nova Scotia, including 482 adults with a total of 252 children.

If you enjoyed reading this report, explore our previous editions of the Canoo Insights Report! Discover more about the invaluable partnerships and stories of Canoo members:

As Canoo continues to improve and expand, our quarterly reports aim to provide insights into Canoo, the diverse individuals it serves, and the meaningful partnerships that bring Canoo to life for newcomers.

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Venue

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

Theme

Celebrating Arts and Culture

On March 13, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship held an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the stunning National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario themed around the celebration of arts and culture.

The National Gallery of Canada, nestled in our nation’s capital, is renowned for its vast collection of Canadian and international art. Its Scotiabank Great Hall provided an exquisite backdrop of Parliament Hill as we welcomed 40 new citizens from 13 different countries into the Canadian family.

40

Number of New Citizens

13

Number of Countries

A highlight of the ceremony was the moving performance by John Virag, who captivated our guests with his bagpipe melodies. His music served as a poignant reminder of the timeless ability of artistic expression to bridge tradition and modernity.

Among our special guests, Marc Forgette of Makatew Workshops opened the ceremony with a morning prayer and a few words emphasizing the importance of new citizens acquainting themselves with the Indigenous history of these lands. Following Marc’s insightful remarks, guest speaker Kathryn Lyons from the Gallery extended a heartfelt welcome to the new citizens before Samar El Faki led them in their inaugural rendition of O Canada.

Photos and More Information

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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Venue

John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, Vancouver, British Columbia

Theme

Celebration of Giving

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Vancouver, British Columbia, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse set the stage for a truly special occasion on December 6, 2023. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific, the ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony unfolded with a theme that echoed the spirit of the season. In this unique space, 35 individuals from 14 different countries came together to embark on their Canadian journey.

35

Number of New Citizens

14

Number of Countries

The decision to host the ceremony at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline, was deliberate and meaningful. This iconic venue symbolizes the spirit of community and the shared values of inclusivity and diversity that define Canada.

To conclude the ceremony, Jeff Bryant delivered a wonderful performance of the song “What a Wonderful World,” adding a beautiful musical touch before leading the new citizens in singing the national anthem.

Photos and More Information

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.

By Adiba Hasan

As immigration continues to be the central debate in Canadian politics, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 471, 550 new permanent residents (PR) in 2023, surpassing the targeted PR admissions.

2023 Actual Admissions: 471,550
Citizenship in 2023

While policies emphasize the admission of temporary residents and new PRs, citizenship tends to receive less attention. The ICC has taken the lead on tracking monthly citizenship numbers through the ICC Immigration Dashboard and has also published reports that demonstrate a decline in naturalization rates.

The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows there were 379,448 new citizens in 2023. It is worth noting that IRCC does not publish an annual target for citizenship as they do with PR targets.

New Citizens in 2023: 379,448


Immigration Trends

In 2023, the number of new citizens remained relatively stable with just a 1% increase from 2022, which works out to an additional 3,838 new citizens. By comparison, PR admissions experienced an 8% increase over the same time period.


PR by Province: 12-Month Comparison

Ontario attracted the highest number of immigrants, admitting 206,725 new PRs in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year. Quebec experienced a 23% decline in PR admissions as the province admitted 52,790 PRs in 2023 and 68,715 in 2022. While not significantly lower, Nova Scotia admitted 11,810 PRs, 840 applicants less than the previous year.


Immigration Category

Most PRs were admitted under the Economic and Family immigration categories, surpassing the target set for 2023. The refugee category reached 98% of its target, and the “other” category reached 89% of its target.

Additionally, the following table shows the percentage increase in PR admissions in the categories in 2023 compared to 2022:

Category2023 PR Admisions2022 PR Admissions% Change
Economic272,620255,670+7
Family Class109,58097,290+13
Refugees74,97574,300+0.9
Other14,20010,150+40
Top 3 Source Countries for PR in 2023

The ICC Immigration Dashboard highlights the diverse backgrounds of people who settle in Canada. In 2023, India (139,715 PRs), China (31,770), and the Philippines (26,945) resumed their positions as the top source countries for PR admissions, repeating a pattern observed in 2021. India has consistently been the top source country for PR admissions between 2021 to 2023.

The new source countries that emerged in 2022 were Afghanistan (23,745 PRs) and Nigeria (22,135 PRs), which remain in the top 5 source countries in 2023.

Emerging Source Countries

2023 also saw a significant growth in PR admissions from African nations, reflecting the changes in global immigration dynamics. The source countries that saw an increase in the number of PRs admitted were Cameroon, with an 87% increase from 2022, Congo, DRC, 63% increase, and Eritrea, 40% increase.


Every year, IRCC reveals its immigration levels plan that sets targets for the number of PRs that will be admitted through different categories in the forthcoming three years. As we continue to analyze and report, the immigration levels plan aims to welcome 485,000 new PRs in 2024, increasing to 500,000 PRs in 2025 and 2026. Separately, Quebec released its immigration target levels, which are set to admit 50,000 PRs in 2024 and 2025.

At the moment, IRCC has not published annual targets for new citizens.


Share Your Thoughts

Track the changing trends in immigration through the ICC’s immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, our commitment is to make Canada accessible to newcomers. Through programs like Canoo and our various research efforts, we hope to collaboratively build pathways to enrich Canada’s diverse immigrant population.

Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here

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Venue

Toronto Public Library, Toronto, Ontario

Theme

Celebration of Giving

The Toronto Reference Library, in the heart of downtown Toronto, transformed on December 1, 2023, as this vibrant community space played host to an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. The ceremony celebrated not only the legal status of citizenship, but the strength found in the diversity of voices. The 43 citizens taking their oath represented a harmonious blend of 24 nationalities.

43

Number of New Citizens

24

Number of Countries

The Toronto Reference Library, standing as a symbol of education and community, served as a fitting venue for this celebration. The decision to honour diversity in a space that embodies community and shared aspirations was both deliberate and meaningful.

“Strength in diversity is a critical element of how Canada is strung. Diversity also means participation – your participation, your voice in that diversity. As much as you perhaps needed Canada to come here and call it your new home, Canada needs you. Canada needs you to participate to continue this strength in diversity that we have.” – Guest Speaker Muraly Srinarayanathas

Muraly Srinarayanathas, alongside three distinguished guests, was honoured by the ICC to participate in this extraordinary day with 43 new citizens and their families. Among the special guests were WaZoBia: The Nigerian Dance Collective, who captivated the audience with a spectacular dance performance.

Elder Catherine Tammaro from the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation, underlined the profound impact newcomers contribute to Canada’s diversity. She emphasized the importance of newcomers learning about the rich history and traditions of Indigenous communities. To conclude the ceremony, Eunice Ojo led the new citizens in singing the Canadian national anthem—a moment filled with profound meaning as it marked their first rendition as Canadians.

Photos and More Information

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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Venue

Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Theme

Canada History Week

On November 22, 2023, in the vibrant Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, an enhanced citizenship ceremony took place and marked a momentous occasion in the lives of 31 individuals from 12 different countries. As part of Canada History Week, the gallery transformed into a symbol of unity and diversity, hosting a ceremony that beautifully encapsulated the essence of what it means to be Canadian.

31

Number of New Citizens

12

Number of Countries

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, known for its rich collection of Canadian and international art, provided an inspiring setting for the ceremony. Surrounded by masterpieces that reflect the cultural tapestry of Canada, the new citizens embarked on their journey of belonging, embraced by the spirit of creativity and inclusivity that permeates the gallery’s walls.

The theme of Canada History Week added an extra layer of significance to the event, reminding everyone present of the rich tapestry of narratives that contribute to the mosaic of Canadian identity. From Indigenous peoples to newcomers from across the globe, each story is a vital chapter in the ongoing saga of Canada’s evolution.

Photos and More Information

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.

Toronto, Ontario, February 6, 2024 – Early findings from The Newcomer Perspective, a study conducted jointly by Ipsos and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), show that newcomers have mixed feelings as they acclimatize to life in Canada. Preliminary results from the research, which will gather the views of 20,000 newcomers to Canada in 2024, demonstrate how critical it is for governments, businesses and all Canadians to understand all phases of the newcomer journey to Canada. That journey is indeed a very dynamic one, with significant shifts in perspectives and behaviours across different demographics and throughout the first ten years in Canada. As results also demonstrate, it is also a journey of mixed emotions.

Significant headwinds during their first few years in the Country

Early findings demonstrate that newcomers face major challenges during their first few years in Canada, especially when it comes to housing and finances. When asked to select the three most important issues facing Canada today from a list of 20 items, housing easily topped the list, with 68% of newcomers choosing it as a top concern. This was followed by interest rates and inflation (44%), healthcare (39%) and unemployment and jobs (26%).  

In line with those findings, more than eight in ten (86%) newcomers say that Canada has been worse than expected as a place that gives them access to affordable housing, compared to only 5% who think it is better than expected. Housing far outranks any other aspect of the newcomer journey when it comes to falling short of expectations.

Canada also falls short of expectations for too many newcomers as a place where you can get ahead financially (56% worse/22% better) and as a place where you can make a good income (51% worse/23% better).

Newcomers feel welcomed and treated fairly in Canada

Despite facing challenges in the early years, the vast majority of newcomers to Canada say that the country meets or exceeds their expectations as a place where they feel welcomed (89%) and believe they are being treated fairly as Canadian residents (87%). Bringing with them a great variety of cultural, social, religious, and political beliefs and behaviours, the vast majority of newcomers nonetheless feel that they share the same outlook on life, opinions on important issues, etc. as other Canadians (85%).

Do newcomers feel welcomed in the same way by different groups and institutions? Mostly. More than nine in ten feel welcomed by Canadian non-profit organizations (95%; 51% very/44% somewhat), by people in Canada (94%; 49% very/45% somewhat) and by government entities in Canada/the Canadian government (90%; 44% very/46% somewhat). While 85% also feel welcomed by Canadian businesses, only 31% say they feel very welcomed compared to 54% who feel somewhat welcomed, leaving ample room for improvement on the part of Canadian businesses.   

The Newcomer Perspective: So much more than a survey of newcomers

These are just a small sample of key findings and topics covered in this groundbreaking syndicated research program, The Newcomer Perspective. In months to come, Ipsos and the ICC will explore other issues of importance for newcomers and for the governments, non-profits and businesses who seek to serve them better. This ongoing research will track the views of newcomers over time and will allow subscribers to dive deeper into results by a wide array of key segments, including country of origin, immigration category, province of residence, number of years in Canada, age, education levels and so much more.

About this release

These are some of the early findings of the recently launched ‘The Newcomer Perspective’ research program, which will survey 20,000 newcomers in 2024.  For this release, 1,336 newcomers to Canada aged 18 years and over were interviewed online between November 14-23, 2023.  Participants for the survey were permanent residents and Canadian citizens who have recently moved to Canada. Respondents were members of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s (ICC) Canoo Cultural Access Pass, which represents the largest and highest quality member base of Canadian newcomers. 

About The Newcomer Perspective Study

The Newcomer Perspective is a partnership between Ipsos and the ICC which brings the voices of newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to. The study is the country’s largest and most comprehensive survey of the attitudes and perspectives of newcomers throughout their immigration journey. For more information on The Newcomer Perspective research program, please see more information here or write to NewcomerInsightsCanada@ipsos.com.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP. www.ipsos.com

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)

The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

For Ipsos:

Sanyam Sethi
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com
+1 416 324-2307

Sébastien Dallaire
Senior Vice President
Sebastien.Dallaire@ipsos.com
+1 514 443-4758

For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Alex Nanoff
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318

Research details 

For questions about methodology and analysis, please contact Ipsos using the details listed above. 
Click here for more information and to access data tables for this release. 

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Venue

Discovery Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Theme

New Beginnings

The vibrant city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, once again hosted a heartwarming ceremony at the Discovery Centre on January 22, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for 36 individuals from 8 diverse countries, embarking on a transformative journey as they officially became proud Canadian citizens. The theme of the ceremony, New Beginnings, symbolized not only a fresh start but also the vast opportunities that Canada offers to its newest citizens.

The Discovery Centre, a not-for-profit science centre renowned for its innovative displays, believes curiosity connects us all. The centre provided an inspiring and dynamic space for this Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. Just as the Discovery Centre encourages a spirit of inquiry and exploration, the journey to Canadian citizenship requires curiosity and ambition to understand, explore, and build a new home for the future.

36

Number of New Citizens

8

Number of Countries

“I celebrate not just a new citizenship but the boundless opportunity that being Canadian brings to us – a journey of diverse cultures, shared values and new opportunities.” – New Canadian Citizen

These words echoed the aspirations of each individual taking the oath that day. The presence of special guests Jennifer Punch, Dorothy Rice and Geri Musqua-LeBlanc helped make this day truly memorable for the new citizens. Adria Jackson, talented singer and harpist, led a beautiful rendition of O Canada that resonated through the hearts of the new citizens. In this moment of celebration and unity, the Discovery Centre stood not only as a backdrop but as a testament to the limitless possibilities and the enriching journey that curiosity, diversity, and new beginnings bring to those who proudly call Canada their home.

Photos and More Information

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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Venue

Remai Modern, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Theme

Celebration of Giving

On November 28, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the stunning Remai Modern in Saskatoon. Against the backdrop of the theme Celebration of Giving, this ceremony brought together 30 individuals from 10 different countries, transforming a moment of transition into a celebration of diversity and the spirit of giving.

The Remai Modern, with its contemporary allure, provided the perfect setting for the ceremony. Surrounded by a blend of international and Canadian art, each new citizen could bask in the beauty that exists around the world, as well as, at home. As Presiding Official Dr. Bill Waiser administered the oath, 30 individuals from diverse backgrounds took a significant step on their journey toward Canadian citizenship.

30

Number of New Citizens

10

Number of Countries

Beyond their individual journeys to citizenship, the chosen theme Celebration of Giving emphasized the collective responsibility new citizens undertake to contribute meaningfully to their newfound home. In trying times, we rely on our community and one another to push forward into a brighter future. As these celebrations conclude, the 30 individuals can walk into their bright future together hand in hand. This citizenship ceremony was a testament to the strength found in diversity.

Photos and More Information

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Inaugural Canoo Awards to celebrate institutions improving the newcomer experience.  

TORONTO, ON — In recognition of the critical work that Canoo’s partners are doing for newcomers across Canada at a time when they are faced with growing challenges, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is launching its inaugural Canoo Awards, celebrating the Canadian culture and nature institutions that set a new standard in helping newcomers feel at home in Canada.  

The 2023 Canoo Award winners are: the TELUS Spark Science Centre, the Biodôme (Espace pour la vie), VIA Rail, and the Toronto Zoo. The 2023 Canoo Awards will be presented on February 6, 2024 at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). 

“Canoo is Canada’s biggest and most effective tool for welcoming the newcomers that drive our prosperity, but it is nothing without the commitment and generosity of our partners,” said Daniel Bernhard, the CEO for the ICC. “The inaugural Canoo Awards recognize four outstanding organizations that are rising to a higher calling for Canada: building a country where newcomers belong and want to stay. We are beyond grateful to these four winners, and hope that these Awards inspire others to join the Canoo Welcome Network and participate in this vital effort for Canada.” 

This year’s Canoo Awards go to four iconic institutions that have collectively welcomed over 150,000 newcomers with free admission and heavily discounted experiences in 2023 via Canoo. By offering one-of-a-kind experiences for newcomers, these organizations do a great service to all of Canada, supporting an inclusive society where people from around the world are happy to live and excited to contribute to the country ‘s prosperity for the long-term. 

The 2023 Canoo Awards Presenting Sponsors are CIBC, Bell, and MobSquad. Air Canada is the Official Airline Sponsor. 

The first-ever Canoo Awards are proudly presented to the following organizations in the following four categories: 

Kids’ Choice Award, sponsored by MobSquad: TELUS Spark Science Centre , Calgary  

The Kids’ Choice Award recognizes a Canoo partner attraction with the highest proportion of child admissions via Canoo over the last year. In 2023, TELUS Spark Science Centre welcomed the largest proportion of Canoo members kids to its property in Calgary, Alberta.  

Breakthrough Award, sponsored by Bell: the Biodôme (Espace pour la vie), Montréal 

The Breakthrough Award recognizes the most visited Canoo partner attraction who joined the program within the last year, quickly becoming a new favourite among newcomers. In 2023, Biodôme welcomed 12 thousand Canoo members to its property in Montreal, Quebec.  

Founders’ Award, sponsored by Air Canada: VIA Rail   

The Founders’ Award recognizes the Canoo partner that has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to advancing the ICC’s co-Founders’ vision of an inclusive Canada that embraces newcomers and all they contribute to our society. Since 2012, Canoo and VIA Rail Canada have connected 50,000 members to destinations from coast-to-coast.  

Canoo Partner of the Year Award, sponsored by CIBC:  Toronto Zoo 

The Partner of the Year Award recognizes the Canoo partner attraction that welcomed the most newcomers in 2023: the stand-out favourite among Canoo members. In the last year, the Toronto Zoo saw 49,000 Canoo members visit its site.  

Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members with transformative experiences of Canada. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can join Canoo for free by downloading the Canoo app.   

Immigrating can be challenging. Canoo’s expanding network of partners has helped newcomers and their families access and experience the very best of Canada. These organizations are stepping up for a higher purpose: to make Canada easier to love and ensure it remains a forever home for newcomers, whose talents and contributions will secure Canada’s prosperity for generations to come.  

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Quotes from our Canoo Award winners: 

“Space for Life and the Biodôme are very proud to be the first to win this prize from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and even more proud to be part of the Canoo family. Through its five museums, Space for Life contributes to Montreal’s thriving cultural vitality. Protecting nature and biodiversity is our raison d’être, and we are extremely happy to help newcomers discover all the ways they can help care for our planet,” 

“Receiving the Kids’ Choice Award from Canoo, a program supporting newcomers to Canada, is a profound honour for TELUS Spark Science Centre. This recognition highlights Spark’s dedication to embracing diversity and fostering accessibility to science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Welcoming newcomers aligns seamlessly with Spark’s mission, and every child’s visit through Canoo reflects the science centre’s dedication to providing an inclusive space where all young minds, regardless of background or circumstance, can explore the marvels of science. This award serves as inspiration for Spark to persist in its journey, ensuring that every newcomer child has the opportunity to discover, learn, and thrive within the fascinating world of science.” 

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive the Founders’ Award from the ICC. Since 2012, our partnership with the ICC has played a pivotal role in introducing tens of thousands of newcomers to the beauty of Canada. This award is a testament to our dedication to advancing our common vision of an inclusive society and we look forward to continuing to shape a future together where diversity is celebrated, and newcomers are embraced for the richness they bring to the fabric of our great country.” 

“Our team is committed to ensuring we serve all of our communities and are a Zoo for all! This award shows how we all can play a role in helping people settle in and thrive in our City. On behalf of our staff, volunteers and Board of Management, we are delighted to receive this recognition from Canoo that our efforts are making a positive difference for newcomers.” 

About the ICC 

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. 

Media Contact 

Brooke Timpson 
403.605.2282 
media@inclusion.ca