Toronto, ON — The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) announced today that after founding the organization and serving as co-Chairs for 16 years, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul have passed the torch to a new generation of leadership. Mr. Irfhan Rawji, a Calgary-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been named Chair of the ICC.

To honour their ongoing legacy, the ICC is launching the TheDifferenceMakers.ca, a campaign inspired by the stories of real Difference Makers who make Canada stronger and more vibrant.

As a refugee who rose to become Governor General, Madame Clarkson founded the ICC with Mr. Ralston Saul, to continue the centuries-old Canadian tradition of welcoming immigrants not just as residents, but as citizens. This work remains critical, especially in light of recent research by the ICC revealing newcomers’ growing disillusionment with Canada. Citizenship adoption rates declined 40% between 2001 and 2021. 30% of newcomers under 30 plan to leave Canada within two years.  

“We started the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to ensure that the Canada in which a refugee girl could become Governor General would never become a country of the past,” said Mme Clarkson and Mr. Ralston Saul. “But our dream is in jeopardy,” they added. “A strong and effective ICC is our legacy to Canada.” 

Mr. Rawji is Managing Partner at Relay Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, and is the founder and Executive Chair of MobSquad, an innovative Canadian start up that helps software engineers from around the world immigrate to Canada. He has been serving on the ICC’s Board of Directors since its founding.  

“Immigrants aren’t the cause of Canada’s failings. In fact, they’re a big part of the answer.” concluded Irfhan Rawji, ICC’s new Chair. “But we need to deliver on our promise to immigrants. If we fail, Canada’s prosperity and dynamism will suffer. The ICC is leading the effort to turn restore the promise of Canada to newcomers. I am honoured and humbled to be entrusted with the opportunity to safeguard and advance the vision of our founders, who are, simply put, exceptional Canadians.” 

The ICC will be hosting its annual Gala on February 6, 2024.

Full bios and high-resolution photos are here:

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.

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  

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The Halifax Public Libraries hold open their doors every day for community members to feel welcome and at home. With its inviting atmosphere and extensive collection of books, it serves as a symbol of learning, knowledge, and inclusion. The library is not only a place to read and study, but also a hub for cultural events, making it the perfect setting for an ICC Enhanced Canadian Citizenship Ceremony.

On October 19, 2023, Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 27 individuals from 10 countries as Canadian citizens.

Before the ceremony begins, ICC hosts roundtable discussions for the new citizens and their guests. Here, they can connect with one another and build relationships around the memories created on this special day. Following the roundtable discussions, citizens can share their highlights with individuals from other tables.

“Becoming a Canadian citizen is my pathway to endless opportunities, diversity, and the freedom of the true north, strong and free. My journey begins with a single step, and my destination is the heart of Canada, where I’ll thrive and contribute to this wonderful nation.” – New Canadian Citizen

The act of giving back to Canada is a pledge that new citizens take to heart and becomes a promise to make a meaningful contribution to their new home. The blend of cultures and talents that new citizens bring to Canada only enriches the nation, making it an even more welcoming and diverse place to call home. This commitment to giving back is a fundamental part of what it means to be Canadian.

Each citizenship ceremony is more than obtaining a piece of paper. It revels in becoming a part of a larger Canadian family, with shared rights, responsibilities, and dreams. This is a moment where people from different corners of the world unite under the maple leaf, proving that in Canada, diversity truly is our strength.

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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On September 29, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver centering Truth and Reconciliation. In a multicultural country like Canada, the citizenship ceremony has always been a celebration of unity in diversity. It represents the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can become a proud Canadian. This ceremony, however, was a poignant reminder that the country’s history is not without its dark chapters.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially designated to commemorate the legacy of the residential school system, which profoundly impact Indigenous communities across the country. It is a day for all Canadians to remember and reflect upon the history of colonialism, the suffering endured by Indigenous peoples, and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 150 individuals from 36 countries as Canadian citizens.

On this day of remembrance, Dr. Richard Vedan spoke on the importance of conversation surrounding inequity and the actions that must follow in order to create concrete change.

“The many wonderful things that make Canada one of the best places in the world to live and attracted you to make your homes in Canada have come at the expense of Indigenous people who, for generations, have been relegated to the margins. With the revelation of events that many of us have known about all our lives, we are cautiously hopeful that change will finally be brought to bear. While more recent events make it a challenge to maintain an optimistic outlook – we must, and I invite you to be part of the important conversation that will be taking.

Membership in any community is a balance of responsibilities and rights. As Canadians, you will be able to engage in the elements that enable us to thrive as a nation. With that comes the responsibilities to ensure past and present inequities are resolved. It is not sufficient to say that has nothing to do with me as it happened a long time age.” – Dr. Richard Vedan, Guest Speaker

The Canadian citizenship ceremony held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a powerful symbol of Canada’s commitment to learning from its past and building a more equitable future.

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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ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in Calgary on October 5, 2023. This ceremony is a powerful embodiment of Calgary’s dedication to diversity, highlighting the city’s embrace of different perspectives and experiences.

Presiding Official Jeanne Besner administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 49 individuals from 17 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies include special guest speakers from the community who join the stage in celebrating the new citizens. On October 5, we were grateful to be joined by Usman Tahir Jutt – a father, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur who is passionate about building better communities and helping Albertans succeed.

“Everything is possible here in Canada for you, you just have to seize every opportunity you come across. I welcome you to your new home.” – Usman Tahir Jutt, Guest Speaker

By embracing newcomers and providing them with opportunities and support, Calgary enriches the community, strengthens its bonds, and contributes to the prosperity of the entire province. This ceremony stands as a symbol of the city’s dedication to building a better future for all its residents, ensuring that the path to success in Alberta is open to everyone who call it home.

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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Montreal recently hosted a heartwarming Canadian citizenship ceremony at the elegant Gentile Venue on September 26, 2023. The event was a celebration of the participants’ journey to becoming Canadian citizens, as it is a pivotal moment in the lives of many newcomers who have chosen Canada as their new home.

Presiding Official Jacques Duchesneau administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 34 individuals from 15 countries as Canadian citizens.

The participants, dressed in their finest attire and took the oath of citizenship with pride. Afterwards, each new citizen waved a Canadian flag as a symbol of their pride in Canada. The national anthem, “O Canada,” then echoed through the venue, filling the hearts of everyone present with a sense of unity and belonging.

Among the new Canadian citizens in Montreal were many individuals who shared their journey of moving to Canada. They were in search of a better life for their future family. As we celebrate these new citizens and their aspirations, we are reminded of the values that make Canada a beacon of hope and opportunity. These individuals have started their families here and work hard every day for their loved ones to have the best future they could possibly have as Canadians.

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.

The proportion of permanent residents taking up Canadian citizenship within ten years of arrival declined 40% between 2001 and 2021. Today, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is publishing a new analysis conducted by expert researcher Andrew Griffith, which examines this trend more closely. 

Key findings from the research

1. Naturalization is declining across all major source countries 

Less than 50% of citizenship-eligible permanent residents from top immigration source countries are becoming Canadian citizens within ten years of arrival. This is the case for permanent residents from China (30%), India (49%), South Korea (35%), United Kingdom (43%) and United States of America (48%), among other top source countries. 

2. Source country restrictions on dual nationality have a limited impact on naturalization rates 

A prevailing theory on the cause of declining naturalization rates is that a growing number of immigrants to Canada come from countries that prohibit multiple citizenships. This research debunks this claim. The proportion of permanent residents from countries that prohibit naturalization has grown, but the increase in the number of permanent residents choosing not to become citizens is higher amongst source countries that allow dual citizenship. Between Census 2016 and Census 2021, the number of permanent residents from India choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 47%. For permanent residents from China, it increased by 40%. Both countries prohibit dual nationality. For those from the Philippines, which allows dual nationality, the number of permanent residents choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 64%. 

3. Permanent residents are taking longer to become citizens 

For those who do become citizens, the time between arrival and naturalization has increased significantly. Between 2005 and 2022, permanent residents who arrived under the Economic category took 21% longer to naturalize at 6.1 years on average. For the Family Reunification Class, time increased 17% to 7.4 years on average. Among source countries, time to naturalization for permanent residents from China increased almost 70% to 7.9 years, while for the Philippines it increased almost 30% to 6.6 years. India remained relatively stable at 6.1 years on average. Permanent residents from Iran saw the largest increase overall, 181%, taking 12.5 years to naturalize, on average. 

4. The ten years following arrival are critical 

While fewer permanent residents are naturalizing overall, 92% of naturalizations take place within ten years. In other words, if a permanent resident chooses not to become a Canadian citizen within ten years of arriving in Canada, it is unlikely that they will ever choose to do so. This finding highlights the first ten years as a critical period to intervene.

By Adiba Hasan

As autumn settles in, Canada is steadily progressing toward its immigration targets for the year. The latest update from the ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC has achieved 65% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.

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Application Backlog

Invitation to Apply (ITAs)

Express Entry is a system that IRCC utilizes to select candidates that best fit specific economic immigration programs to apply for permanent residence. Express Entry encompasses Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

While Canada remains a beacon for hopeful immigrants worldwide, it is essential to acknowledge and address the domestic issues and perceptions that might deter potential immigrants. The rhetoric surrounding international students and the potential consequences of decreasing immigration levels requires us to ponder whether these measures might have unforeseen repercussions.

• How can Canada ensure it remains attractive to potential immigrants, despite domestic challenges?
• Could the current immigration debate have unforeseen ramifications that might affect Canada’s image as an immigration-friendly nation?
• Given that the budget officer has affirmed that IRCC has enough staff to get through the backlog, what other strategies should IRCC implement to address the backlogs more effectively?

We welcome you to share your insights, experiences, and perspectives on this multifaceted issue.

Explore the latest data on permanent resident admissions and new citizens by visiting our immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, we are dedicated to unlocking Canada for newcomers. Through initiatives like Canoo and our ongoing research projects, including the immigration dashboard, we strive to create opportunities and foster collaboration in support of Canada’s diverse and vibrant immigrant community.

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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Canada, known for its diverse and multicultural society, takes great pride in welcoming new citizens from all corners of the globe. One of the most memorable and symbolic events in the journey of becoming a Canadian citizen is the citizenship ceremony. On September 14, 2023, in Winnipeg, a unique and culturally rich ceremony took place at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of unity, diversity, and belonging.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 39 individuals from 12 countries as Canadian citizens.

During ICC’s signature roundtable discussions, new citizens and their guests shared their stories. Learning so much from one another and building lasting friendships with others who share in this significant milestone is one of the greatest moments that we, as an organization, have witnessed.

“Becoming a Canadian citizen is not just a legal process; it’s an embrace of diverse cultures, a celebration of unity, and a commitment to a brighter future together.” – New Canadian Citizen

The citizenship ceremony was a beautiful testament to the country’s commitment to inclusion. It showcased the rich artistic background of all the cultures that make up Canada and celebrated the beauty that comes from embracing these differences. As the new citizens left the gallery that day, they carried with them not only their citizenship certificates but also a deep sense of belonging to a country that values and welcomes people from all backgrounds.

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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For those who choose to become citizens of Canada, the journey ends and begins again with a citizenship ceremony. Little Canada, a museum that shows the entire country in miniature form, creates a unique environment for this significant event. As we entered the venue, the miniature cities came to life, offering a mesmerizing spectacle of Canada’s beauty. It was here that the new citizens would take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become Canadians.

Citizenship Judge Albert Wong administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 36 individuals from 17 countries as Canadian citizens on September 12, 2023.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam joined us for the ceremony to celebrate with the new citizens. She joined ICC’s Roundtable Discussions and participated in the conversations that bond new citizens and their families on this special day.

“Whether you chose Canada, or Canada chose you, all of our shared experiences connect us and make Canada better.”
– MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam

Canada is a country that embraces its newcomers, and Little Canada beautifully encapsulates the spirit of this nation. From the grandeur of its landscapes to the warmth of its people, there is so much to discover and cherish in Canada. We hope that new citizens can explore this incredible country, one province at a time, and contribute to its vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions. Our citizenship ceremony at Little Canada was just the beginning of a lifelong journey in this land of endless possibilities.

“Canada is a country that takes a lifetime to discover.” – MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam

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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In a world where achieving goals is a universal pursuit, the Remai Modern in Saskatoon hosted a remarkable event – a citizenship ceremony. At this Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony, ICC celebrated not only individual accomplishments, but also the power of collective aspirations. This extraordinary gathering served as a reminder that setting and achieving goals is an essential part of our human experience.

Presiding Official Major Mark Rosin administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 30 individuals from 8 countries as Canadian citizens.

The heart of the event revolved around individuals sharing their stories at ICC’s signature roundtable discussions. They spoke of their goals when recounting their journeys, filled with challenges and triumphs, setbacks and successes. These stories highlighted the determination, perseverance, and resilience required to turn dreams into reality.

“It was my dream to start my own business and build my own house and Canada provided me with that opportunity and I’m forever grateful for this.” – New Canadian Citizen

The ceremony at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of the humanity’s boundless capacity to dream, to work diligently, and to achieve great success. Against the backdrop of artistic beauty and diverse aspirations, attendees were reminded that goals, both personal and collective, are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and positive change.

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.