Version française.
Author
Mojoyin Adigun
Philanthropy Lead
At the heart of every community are the people, and at the heart of every kind gesture, the same principle exists: People Matter. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is proud to profile Debi Brown, a long-time donor to ICC, whose work and generosity are guided by this powerful principle.
Debi Brown: Advocate for Inclusivity and Connection
As the CEO and Founder of Clarity Management Group and the author of It’s All in the Delivery, Debi Brown has dedicated her career to enhancing how individuals and organizations succeed by prioritizing human connections. Her philosophy perfectly mirrors the mission of ICC, making her not only a supporter, but a true embodiment of what we stand for.
“ICC is the brand that makes people feel welcome.”
– Debi Brown
Debi emphasizes how essential it is to make newcomers feel at home as soon as they arrive. Her belief in the importance of making people feel valued and included has fueled her ongoing support for ICC.
Support Driven by Belief
Debi’s commitment to ICC is a testament to her belief in the power of community. When reflecting on her decision to continue her contributions, she shares, “Every year we reassess and consider where we want to redirect our support, but at the core, I believe in what ICC is doing. The idea of being a welcoming band for anyone new to Canada aligns with my deep-seated belief that people matter.”
Debi’s support is shaped by three key principles:
Paying it Forward: Fostering a culture of generosity and empathy where people help one another creates positive change in the lives of others. “We are blessed with what we do, and I love what I do. If we can pay it forward, that makes me happy,” Debi states.
Belief in the Mission: The ICC’s dedication to newcomers in Canada resonates deeply within the hearts of many. This commitment leads to a supportive environment where newcomers can find solace as they navigate their journey in a new country.
Legacy and Commitment: Her contributions also serve as a legacy for her children and grandchildren, ensuring their family’s values continue to impact future generations.
The Joy of Impact
A recent Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony captured Debi’s attention. She saw a photo of a little girl waving a Canadian flag at the event. “It just really made my day to see what the donation contributes to,” she remarks, highlighting the joy of seeing direct outcomes from her support in ICC events and programming.
Inspire Change with Us
Debi’s story is a vivid illustration of how individual commitment can create waves of change for newcomers to Canada. Her philosophy that people matter drives us all at ICC to push forward in our efforts to make Canada the most welcoming place for newcomers.
We are grateful to Debi for her profound impact and unwavering support.
Venue
Cabaret Lion d’Or, Montreal, Quebec
Theme
International Dance Day
Montreal, Quebec, recently hosted a vibrant celebration at the historic Cabaret Lion d’or, marking International Dance Day with a citizenship ceremony. 44 candidates from 22 countries gathered to become Canadian citizens, surrounded by an atmosphere of unity and diversity.
Number of New Citizens
Number of Countries
During the ceremony, indigenous representative Nina Segalewitz honored the ceremony’s theme with a traditional Indigenous song, reminding everyone of the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s rich cultural tapestry.
Pierre Des Marais, the Artistic and General Director of Danse Danse, warmly welcomed the new Canadian citizens, emphasizing the strength found in embracing diversity and forging connections across cultures.
Continuing the theme, Baila conmigo dance group electrified the stage with two captivating performances, showcasing the universal language of dance that transcends borders and languages. Their vibrant choreography brought people from different backgrounds together in a shared moment of joy and celebration.
Each of the three invited guests approached the ceremony with deep reverence, infusing it with meaning and significance through their performances and words. Together, they highlighted the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the shared values that unite us 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.
Venue
The Rooms, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Theme
Sikh Heritage Month
Imagine standing in The Rooms, surrounded by the rich history and stunning views of St. John’s, Newfoundland. April 24th was an extraordinary day; a day where 50 individuals from 26 different countries gathered to embark on an unforgettable journey together.
Number of New Citizens
Number of Countries
Welcome to our enhanced citizenship ceremony at The Rooms, where tradition met innovation to create a truly unique experience. This wasn’t a typical ceremony; it was a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture, showcasing the diverse tapestry of traditions, values, and contributions that enriched our nation.
As each candidate stepped forward to receive their citizenship certificate, their faces radiated with pride and gratitude. With each heartfelt word of the Oath of Citizenship, they affirmed their commitment to Canada and its values, their voices resounding with determination.
Amidst the applause and cheers from loved ones, there was an undeniable sense of unity and belonging. This ceremony wasn’t just about looking back; it was about embracing the future—a future where diversity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated.
Here’s to our new citizens, who are starting a new chapter in their lives, while also adding their unique stories and experiences to the fabric of our society. As they became part of our Canadian family, they reminded us of the strength that comes from embracing our differences and standing together as one.
Welcome home, to a place where diversity thrives and unity prevails. Welcome to 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.
By Adiba Hasan
IRCC released the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2023, setting its PR admissions target at 485,000 in 2024 before levelling at 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. The latest data on the ICC’s Immigration Dashboard indicates that in January and February 2024, IRCC managed to admit 18% of its immigration target, which represents a 3% decline from the same period in 2023.
Increases in immigration following the pandemic have sparked intense debates about the impact of higher levels on a variety of issues such as housing and healthcare. In response, the government seems to be attempting to strike a balance by introducing “soft caps” for immigration groups such as temporary workers and international students, which were previously not subject to limits. While these new limits on temporary residents are established, as well as a levelling off of PR admissions at 500,000 in 2025 and 2026, the precise impact on issues such as housing and healthcare remains to be seen.
The chart below illustrates that while Canada saw a 20% increase in new citizens in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, permanent resident (PR) admissions saw a 14% decrease over the same period.
Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and Higher CRS Scores
IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after a candidate successfully submits their PR application through the Express Entry system. Express Entry employs a Comprehensive Ranking System, a point-based system that gives candidates a score of 1,200 points based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience among other criteria. IRCC reviews and selects candidates that fit specific economic immigration programs, such as Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
According to earlier draws in the Express Entry pool, scores for General applications that received an ITA were between 400-500 points, with the lowest CRS score requiring 75 points in post-pandemic 2021. However, the bar was raised in 2024, with successful applicants needing a score of above 500 points to receive an ITA, reflecting one of the many ways the government is trying to tighten immigration selection standards.
Further suggesting a more selective approach to immigration through Express Entry, there’s been a notable decrease of 21% of ITAs issued in 2024. Compared to the first four months of 2023, where IRCC issued 41,059 ITAs, the total ITA issued in 2024 is 32,395.
| Month (2024) | ITA Number |
|---|---|
| January (10th, 23rd, 31st) | 3,280 |
| February (1st, 13th, 14th, 16th, 28th) | 16,110 |
| March (12th, 13th, 25th, 26th) | 7,305 |
| April (10th, 11th, ongoing) | 5,750 |
While the Express Entry pool includes numerous streams that candidates can apply under, the French Language Proficiency and general groups have gotten most of the invitations, 34% and 38% respectively.
Navigating the Backlog
IRCC’s backlog tracker indicates that 58% of applications are being processed within the established standard time, with the remaining 42% exceeding service standards.
The graph below illustrates the fluctuations of applications in backlogs. Between June to December 2023, the citizenship backlog decreased by 6% whereas PR application backlogs decreased by 3%. Notably, there was a reduction of 36,800 citizenship applications between June to December 2023, and PR applications decreased by 1,000 while the backlog rate decreased slowly. By contrast, the backlog for temporary resident visas (including study and work permits; TRV) increased by 14% in 2023, even though total application numbers decreased from 1,300,000 in July 2023 to 1,256,600 in December 2023.
The graph below indicates a steady decrease in the percentage of citizenship applications in backlog, but it is also the group with the lowest number of applications when compared to PR and TRV application numbers.
| Month | Backlog | Application | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||
| July | 308,000 | 640,000 | 48 |
| Aug | 303,000 | 640,000 | 47 |
| Sept | 290,500 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Oct | 291,000 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Nov | 284,600 | 646,000 | 44 |
| Dec | 287,500 | 639,000 | 45 |
| 2024 | |||
| Jan | 308,900 | 702,000 | 44 |
| Feb | 309,300 | 722,500 | 43 |
| Mar | 304,300 | 717,700 | 42 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 83,000 | 308,000 | 27 |
| 72,000 | 300,000 | 24 |
| 67,900 | 295,217 | 23 |
| 60,700 | 288,700 | 21 |
| 58,200 | 274,600 | 21 |
| 56,400 | 271,200 | 21 |
| 2024 | ||
| 49,800 | 262,100 | 19 |
| 49,800 | 267,400 | 19 |
| 48,400 | 263,400 | 18 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 429,000 | 1,300,000 | 33 |
| 426,000 | 1,331,250 | 32 |
| 444,200 | 1,346,060 | 33 |
| 493,000 | 1,264,000 | 39 |
| 585,700 | 1,273,400 | 46 |
| 592,600 | 1,256,600 | 47 |
| 2024 | ||
| 590,800 | 1,257,000 | 47 |
| 570,900 | 1,198,500 | 48 |
| 546,500 | 1,145,100 | 48 |
Share Your Thoughts
So far, the data for 2024 show fewer ITA’s being issued and a decrease in PRs being admitted, along with a very slow progress in working through backlogged applications. As we track the changes and continue to provide analysis of the changing immigration trends through the ICC Immigration Dashboard, here are two questions to ponder:
- Should alternative immigration streams be added to an already overwhelmed Express Entry system?
- Will a decrease in immigration levels have the intended impact on housing and healthcare strains, or will new challenges emerge?
Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
Venue
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Theme
Sikh Heritage Month
Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, and on April 12, 2024, this sentiment was celebrated at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for 48 individuals from 33 different countries as they were warmly welcomed into the Canadian family by Judge Hardish Dhaliwal.
Number of New Citizens
Number of Countries
At the heart of this ceremony was a celebration of diversity, with a special focus on Sikh heritage. The Ontario Science Centre provided the perfect backdrop for this occasion, symbolizing innovation, inclusivity, and the spirit of community.
The ceremony was enriched by the presence of incredible individuals who contributed to its success. Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre, delivered inspiring congratulatory remarks to the candidates. Grandmother Kim Wheatley graced the ceremony with her incredible performance and land acknowledgment, infusing the event with deep meaning and reverence for Indigenous heritage. Israel Fashola’s moving rendition of the national anthem filled the room with pride and patriotism.
As we reflect on this cultural celebration of Canadian citizenship, let us be inspired by the spirit of diversity and inclusion. Let us continue to embrace and celebrate the richness of our multicultural heritage.
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.
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 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.
.
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.
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:
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 1
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 2
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
- Canoo Insights report: Part 4 Happy Canoo-versary!
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.
To stay informed about the latest developments at the ICC, please subscribe here and follow us to get upcoming content from Ideas & Insights at ICC.
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.
Number of New Citizens
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.
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.
Number of New Citizens
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.
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.
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:
| Category | 2023 PR Admisions | 2022 PR Admissions | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | 272,620 | 255,670 | +7 |
| Family Class | 109,580 | 97,290 | +13 |
| Refugees | 74,975 | 74,300 | +0.9 |
| Other | 14,200 | 10,150 | +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
- In the global competition for skilled labour, how should Canada adjust its immigration selection policies to attract talent?
- How can Canadian immigration policies be adapted to more effectively recognize and utilize the credentials and experiences of international professionals, addressing underemployment issues among immigrants?
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.
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.
Number of New Citizens
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.
