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.
Number of New Citizens
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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.
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.
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“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.
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.
Number of New Citizens
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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,”
- Julie Jodoin, Director of Space for Life.
“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.”
- Roderick Tate, President and CEO of TELUS Spark
“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.”
- Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail
“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.”
- Dolf DeJong, CEO of Toronto Zoo
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
Toronto, Ontario, Jan 16, 2024 – Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), Canada’s leading newcomer-serving charity, to produce Canada’s largest and most comprehensive insights program to understand the Canadian newcomer experience. The study, which is the largest of its kind, will provide an understanding of newcomers throughout their immigration journey, from recent arrival to becoming Canadian citizens, and beyond.
The research will bring the voices of 10,000 verified newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to win in Canada’s fastest growing market segment and play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to, as proud citizens.
Through this unique partnership, the ICC and Ipsos are launching a new syndicated tracking program to provide continuous access to agencies and service providers, with information to expand and improve the services they provide to newcomers across Canada.
Cynthia Pachovski, CEO of Ipsos in Canada remarked, “We are delighted at the prospect of building an insights partnership with the ICC that raises the voices of Canadian newcomers. This collaboration reinforces Ipsos’ commitment to understanding a global and diverse population and providing our clients with a total understanding of society, markets and people in an ever-evolving world.”
Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC emphasized the authenticity and value of the insights that will be generated. “So many people claim to speak for immigrants. Thanks to this partnership, the verified adult immigrants we serve through our Canoo program can speak for themselves, and be heard. We worked hard to find the very best partner to bring this unique enterprise to market. Ipsos is clearly that partner.”
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. “Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.
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.
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
Principal, Liaison Strategies
alex@liaisonstrategies.ca
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318
By Adiba Hasan
The ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC is well on its way to reaching its goal for the year having admitted 80% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.
According to IRCC data, 37% of the PR admissions were people who transitioned from holding temporary residency in Canada to becoming permanent residents. However, new research commissioned by the ICC shows that immigration levels only show part of the story; immigrants are leaving Canada in growing numbers.
Diving into the Trends:
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows a pattern of PR admissions experiencing a dip every August. For reference, the ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the following dips between June to September every year since 2018:
Each year, between July and August, there’s an average decrease of 13%. However, September typically witnesses an uptick in PR admissions. In 2023, we observed a different pattern than in the previous years. There is a steady decrease from 42,405 permanent residents admitted in June, followed by a slight dip to 40,630 in July, a more substantial drop to 34,920 in August, following a further dip to 32,065 in September.
Challenges and Departures:
While the government diligently focuses on achieving its immigration targets, new research by the ICC and the Conference Board of Canada shows that immigrants are leaving Canada at alarming rates, with spikes in the most recent years for which data are available. The report, The Leaky Bucket, shows that onward migration has been creeping up since the 1980s. The findings suggest that immigration levels and associated concerns with impacts on infrastructure and public services cannot be viewed in isolation — the number of immigrants coming to Canada must be contextualized with the number of immigrants choosing to leave.
Read the full report here: Immigrants leaving Canada in growing numbers
Source Countries and Naturalization:
The top four source countries for new Canadian citizens between January to September 2023 were India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Pakistan. New Canadian citizens from Iran and China show month-to-month fluctuations.
Notably, India and China, which do not permit dual citizenship, exhibit the most significant disparities between permanent residents and choosing to naturalize.
While naturalization is decreasing among all major source countries, research conducted by Andrew Griffith and published by the ICC shows that restrictions on dual nationality has a “limited impact on overall naturalization rates“. One significant insight from the research is that permanent residents are taking much longer to naturalize. Combined with the recent findings that growing numbers of immigrants are leaving Canada, serious questions are being raised about immigrants’ satisfaction with life in Canada.
Maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming society is crucial, but it is equally vital to recognize that Canada has not been paying close enough attention to the experiences of immigrants once they arrive. As ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard aptly puts it, “If we are able to attract but not retain talent from the rest of the world, then all of our prosperity is threatened.”
- What are the consequences for Canada if immigrants no longer commit to building their futures here?
- How can Canada proactively work to retain immigrants and continue to attract the diverse talent it needs to thrive in a globalized world?
We invite you, our readers, to share your valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives on these pressing matters. Your engagement is vital as we work to shape Canada’s immigration policies and ensure an inclusive and welcoming future for all.
Stay informed through the immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2023
More newcomers will gain even more access to the best of Quebec and Canada through the enhanced Canoo Access Pass.
MONTREAL, QC — The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is pleased to certify Montreal’s Danse Danse as a Canoo Newcomer Equity Partner. Newcomers who are members of the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass will now have multi-year access to heavily discounted premium seats to Danse Danse’s programming, starting with the 2023-2024 season in the heart of Montreal’s cultural centre – Place des Arts.
A recent study by the ICC revealed that newcomers’ disillusionment with Canada is on the rise. Citizenship adoption rates have declined 40% since 2001, and 30% of newcomers under 30 plan to leave Canada within two years.
“Through the Canoo Access Pass, Danse Danse is actively restoring newcomers’ faith in Canada and Quebec, offering transformative, welcoming experiences that make our country easier to love and harder to leave,” says Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “As with every part of Canada, Quebec’s prosperity depends on newcomers not only coming, but staying, thriving and becoming proud citizens. Danse Danse and the rest of Canoo’s Newcomer Equity Partners are stepping up even more to provide this vital service for immigrants and for Canada over the long term.”
Newcomers who join Canoo will enjoy world-class contemporary dance performances, including shows from the iconic Kidd Pivot Company, under the direction of internationally-renowned Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies.
“Danse Danse has been partnered with the Canoo Access Pass since 2018 by offering free and highly reduced tickets to newcomers to encourage their participation in Montreal’s vibrant cultural life. Now, we want newcomers to have a heightened welcome by reserving Canoo tickets in the best seats, says Pierre Des Marais, Artistic and Executive Director of Danse Danse. “This initiative is part of our approach to accessibility and inclusion through various projects and partnerships. The challenge is to meet the needs of different audiences by taking into consideration the multiplicity of realities of each spectator.”
“The show was great! I have rarely experienced shows where technology and danse are combined,” said Lydia, one of Canoo’s members who recently attended Danse Danse’s Jungle Book Reimagined. “This is a great opportunity for us [newcomers] to have more access to these experiences.”
Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can experience the best of Canada by downloading the free Canoo app. In 2024, Canoo will open to even more newcomers.
About Canoo & Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The Canoo Access Pass is designed to make newcomers fall in love Canada by granting access to the country’s best experiences.
By downloading the free Canoo app, newcomers get access to over 1500 experiences and destinations including parks, museums, galleries, concerts, travel, professional sports, and more. Partner offers include VIA Rail, Parks Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, Cirque du Soleil, and Toronto FC.
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.
About Danse Danse
Danse Danse, an associate presenter at Place des Arts, invites dance lovers to discover the best of contemporary dance from here and abroad in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
Each season, Danse Danse presents a program of some dozen productions in the Théâtre Maisonneuve, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and Cinquième Salle, proudly contributing to Montréal’s international reputation as a metropolis of movement.
Media Contact
ICC/Canoo
Brooke Timpson
403.605.2282
media@inclusion.ca
Danse Danse
Sheila Skaiem, Publicist
514.572.8687
sheila@avecsheila.com
Venue
Cabaret Lion D’or, Montreal, Quebec
Theme
Latin American Heritage Month
On October 25, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Montreal. In a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, the ceremony celebrated Latin American Heritage Month. This is a time for newcomers and Canadians to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Latin American communities to the country’s cultural mosaic.
Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 41 individuals from 19 countries as Canadian citizens.
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Number of Countries
ICC’s Roundtable Discussions give new citizens and their guests a chance to meet other people who are sharing this special day with them before the ceremony begins. Bonds and memories form at these tables as people talk about their journeys, struggles, and ultimately their triumphs.
“In 2019, I started my journey to Canada, and, I must admit, adapting to this new land was quite challenging. However, in 2021, a beautiful addition to my family arrived – my baby. After that, I realized that I had made sacrifices to secure a better future for my family. I now proudly call Canada my home.” – New Canadian Citizen
For many, home represents not just a physical location, but a deep and emotional connection to their roots and their futures. This ceremony underscored that every new citizen embraced their Canadian home. As Montreal continues to be a beacon of multiculturalism, moments like these reinforce the city’s commitment to welcoming and celebrating people from all corners of the globe.
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
October 31, 2023
Ottawa, ON — A new report from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), The Leaky Bucket, finds that growing numbers of immigrants to Canada are deciding to leave rather than stay.
The report, produced for the ICC by the Conference Board of Canada, finds onward migration, immigrants leaving Canada, has been increasing slowly for decades, but suddenly surged in 2017 and 2019 — the most recent period of available data. The report also finds the risk of onward migration is particularly high between years four and seven following arrival in Canada.
“As Canada relies more and more on immigrants to fill acute shortages in key sectors like housing and healthcare, our ability to retain them is becoming a matter of vital national interest,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
“Simply put, if Canada cannot deliver for newcomers and help them become Canadian in their passports and in their hearts, we may soon be discussing our prosperity in the past tense.”
“Canada’s future prosperity depends on immigration,” said Stefan Fournier, Executive Director at The Conference Board of Canada. “Our research in this area shows that immigration leads to economic growth, improves the worker-to-retiree ratio and eases labour shortages that add to inflation. But as our research shows, attracting immigrants is only one part of the equation, we also need to retain them once they’re here in Canada.”
The report contains key recommendations for government including:
- Begin monitoring the onward migration rate.
- Invest in programs like the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass, which make the critical early years of immigrants’ time in Canada more enjoyable, driving retention to the benefit of all Canadians.
- Support further research to help stakeholders understand settlement needs and which initiatives can ease immigrants’ transitions to life in Canada.
- Support employers to recruit, hire, and retain immigrant workers. All three levels of government can provide tools and training.
- Invest in infrastructure. As Canada seeks to increase the population, all levels of government need to plan for increased infrastructure including housing and healthcare.
“Immigrating to Canada has never been easy, there have always been challenges but this study points to burgeoning disillusionment,” said Bernhard. “After giving Canada a try, growing numbers of immigrants are saying ‘no thanks’, and are moving on.”
“That’s not just a problem for immigrants. That’s a problem for everyone. That’s why the ICC will do its best to lead with innovation and creativity to so that newcomers and their talents find a permanent home in Canada.”
Read the full report here: The Leaky Bucket (Institute for Canadian Citizenship and Conference Board of Canada, 2023)
About
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.
The ICC is best-known for its Canoo Access Pass, a mobile app that currently provides some 250,000 newcomers with free entry to over 1,400 of Canada’s best culture and nature attractions, plus exclusive deals with leading brands, so that they fall in love with Canada, stay, and become citizens.
Media Contact
Alex Nanoff
613.709.6318
media@inclusion.ca
