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By Adiba Hasan

Mid-Year Check: Permanent Residents

Mid-Year Check: Citizenship

While PR numbers are on track with the targets set out in the latest immigration levels plan, citizenship numbers are down compared to 2022. Halfway into 2023, Canada has admitted 177,415 citizens (check out ICC Immigration Dashboard).

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In comparison to the same time period in 2022, Canada had admitted 187,540 citizens, indicating that citizenship processing is down 5.3%. On a monthly level from May to June 2023, citizenship numbers dropped by 12%, from 42,537 to 34,474 respectively.

International Students amidst Canadian political debates

Notwithstanding the recent progress against the targets set out in the latest immigration levels plan, debates have erupted over the impact of high levels of immigration to Canada on key services and infrastructure, with housing featuring prominently. The debate has expanded to include temporary categories of immigration, in particular international students. In 2022, Canada hosted 549,260 international students, the largest cohort in Canada’s history. This year, Canada has already admitted 289,875 international students according to IRCC data, well on its way to hosting 900,000 international students altogether.

As governments grapple with housing solutions, international students have become unwitting pawns in domestic political debates. In a CBC article, Isaac Garcia-Sitton, the executive director of international student enrolment, education and inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University stated, “Canada’s established policies, systems and processes are not strategic in scope and lack an emphasis on student well-being — favouring the recruitment of international students but not necessarily their transition or settlement once they arrive”. This issue extends beyond the international student experience to the process of transitioning to permanent residence, and eventually, on to citizenship.

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Canada’s immigration landscape in 2023 is characterized by both promise and challenge. International students not only enrich the country’s labour force but also contribute to the future of the country by building their futures here as permanent residents. However, the housing crisis remains a pressing issue that demands comprehensive solutions, and policies must evolve to prioritize the well-being of all immigrants, including new permanent residents and international students. In addition, better data needs to be gathered to track the proportion of international students who become permanent residents in Canada, and furthermore, to track the number who go on to become citizens. Questions remain as to whether international students are at the forefront of the government’s mind as they build frameworks and policies such as the “Trusted Institution Framework“.

• Is Canada’s goal to give international students solely an international experience or encourage them to become part of the Canadian fabric?
• What are the implications for Canada when international students become the focal point of domestic debates?
• Moreover, what does Canada prioritize: encouraging international students to become citizens or returning them to their home countries?

Your insights and opinions on these critical matters are valuable. We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation on the future of immigration policies in Canada.

Take a look at our 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. 

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Nestled in Ontario, Canada, you’ll find a beautiful historic structure known as Sharon Temple. The building and the grounds both stand as a testament to history and community. This iconic site hosted a citizenship ceremony on August 16, 2023 that transported attendees through time, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the rich heritage that this historic site holds. Sharon Temple once served as a place for camaraderie. It now continues to serve as a beacon for the values of equality, peace, and social justice.

During the ceremony, Citizenship Judge Hardish Dhaliwal administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 42 individuals from 16 countries as Canadian citizens.

Joined by elected representatives, the new Canadian citizens were gifted a bag of carrots each in celebration of the vegetable harvesting that takes place in the region during this time of year. MP Scot Davidson, who gifted these carrots, chose to introduce new citizens to their local farmers who work hard to keep the people of their community and beyond fed.

Mayor Virginia Hackson also joined in ICC’s Roundtable Discussions as well as speaking as a special guest during the ceremony.

“Canada has a lot of opportunity to offer from sea to sea. I encourage you to continue moving forward in this positive way. Explore and experience all that Canada represents. Like many, you will experience some difficult days ahead of you as you continue to adjust. In those days, please reflect on today’s ceremony and on this room filled with love, support and strength.” – Mayor Virginia Hackson

The ceremony at the Sharon Temple offered more than just a trip down memory lane. Undeniably, it was an invitation to connect with the past and an opportunity to reflect on the values that continue to shape our future. As the day came to a close, attendees left with not only a deeper understanding of history but also a renewed sense of purpose.

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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Becoming a citizen of a new country is a momentous occasion that marks the finale of a journey filled with dreams, aspirations, and determination. In the heart of Edmonton, a city known for its cultural vibrancy and inclusivity, an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony took place on August 16, 2023.

During this ceremony, Presiding Official Mrs. Elexis Schloss administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 34 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens.

We are grateful that Dr. Carola Cunningham joined us for the ceremony. She spoke about the needs of communities across Alberta battling with drug use amid the current fentanyl crisis. As we welcome new citizens into the Canadian family, we must recognize there are struggles that they are now a part of, as well. Advocating for others sheds light on severe issues that impact the lives of individuals and their loved ones.

This call to action resonated strongly, urging those in attendance to move beyond stigmatization and judgment. Instead, they were encouraged to channel efforts towards empathy, education, and support. This speech served as a catalyst for dialogue, inspiring new citizens to engage in meaningful conversations. They can then take concrete steps towards creating a safer and more compassionate community for everyone.

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

Canada remains on track to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, having already hit 47% of its target by May. While April saw a temporary dip in the number of PRs admitted (likely related to the Public Service Alliance of Canada strike action), May saw a resurgence with 45,825 new permanent residents welcomed into the country.

Debates on immigration levels have bubbled to the surface in recent weeks, particularly in relation to its impact on housing affordability. The political significance of this debate was made all the more evident in the recent cabinet reshuffle as Minister Sean Fraser — the Minster responsible for setting current immigration levels — was moved from IRCC to Housing Infrastructure and Communities. With the introduction of Marc Miller (former Minister of Indigenous Services) as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the debate continues over how to balance immigration levels with adequate housing supply for a growing population. In particular, with labour shortages afoot, who will build the housing required to accommodate this growth? As Canada adapts its immigration categories and embraces new selection methods, the ICC Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard serves as a reliable resource, keeping the public informed about the latest trends in immigration.

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Invitation to Apply: 2023

In May 2023, the former Minister of IRCC, the Honorable Sean Fraser, introduced a category-based selection approach to prioritize skilled immigrants in specific areas of need in Canada. The new categories established as part of this strategy are the following:

PR Admissions per Province: May

As Canada progresses towards its PR admissions target, provinces have experienced uneven trends.

Quebec saw a decline in PRs admitted since the beginning of the year. The province admitted 5,995 PRs in January, but as the year progressed, the province saw a drop in April, admitting 3,310 PRs. In May, Quebec admitted 3,555 PRs, but as the province toughened its immigration policies to make French language proficiency mandatory for almost all economic immigrants, it is yet to be seen how the numbers of PRs admitted are affected. However, economists indicate that the province will see labour shortages as companies will find it difficult to attract international talent partly due to the strong emphasis on French across permanent and temporary immigration streams.

The Atlantic Provinces started the year on a high note, but Newfoundland and PEI have since seen a fall in PR admissions. In January 2023, Newfoundland admitted 1,085 PRs, and PEI admitted 640 PRs. Fast forward to April, these provinces admitted 405 PRs and 300 PRs, respectively. As they strive for economic growth and development, attracting and retaining skilled immigrants becomes crucial.

Given the prevailing debates around immigration and housing across Canada, the introduction and prioritization of new categories for Express Entry raise interesting and significant questions: can category-based selection actually deliver against the labour shortages being experienced in the trades, STEM and healthcare sectors? Does Quebec’s new approach to francophone immigration pose risks to the province’s social and cultural cohesion, particularly amongst those outside of the francophone community? Our goal is to foster meaningful discussions about immigration and citizenship in Canada – share your thoughts with us!

Take a look at our immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.

You can learn more about the ICC here. Join the conversation and be part of building a more inclusive Canada.

Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC.

Version française.

In the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony exemplified the spirit of unity and diversity. This citizenship ceremony at Dalhousie University brought together individuals from different corners of the world, who all gathered to embrace a new chapter in their lives. The ceremony was not just a legal formality, it was also a celebration of identities, cultures, and the shared values that bind us together as global citizens.

Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 38 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens.

Before the ceremony began, ICC hosted roundtable discussions for the new citizens and their guests to connect with one another. During this time, they can build relationships around the memories created on this special day.

“I would just like to talk about how small of a world it is. We all have connections here.” – New Canadian Citizen

This was discovered when two guests at the roundtable discussions work together and unknowingly attended the same citizenship ceremony – one member as a guest in support of a new citizen and one new Canadian citizen. Their presence at the ceremony reflects their personal connections, and also their collective dedication to those who belong to the Halifax community.

Ultimately, this ceremony captures the essence of how even in a vast world, our lives are often interwoven through common experiences and the desire to create a welcoming community. It emphasizes that through collaboration, we can create a stronger and more inclusive society that embraces newcomers and celebrates all of their contributions.

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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At an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony, candidates for citizenship from across the globe were celebrated on July 25, 2023, as new Canadian citizens! With the theme of Canadian history and culture woven into every aspect of this ceremony, the diverse tapestry of Canada’s past, present, and future stood in the background to bring each individual together on this special day.

Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 38 individuals from 15 countries as Canadian citizens.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the display of cultural richness that Canada proudly embraces. Attendees marveled at the performance by the Young Bhangra Calgary dance group. Bhangra is a dance with roots in Punjabi culture. Today, you can find studios performing and competing across Canada. The Young Bhangra Calgary group not only showcased their performance but also conveyed a powerful message of unity and acceptance, transcending borders. This beautifully exemplifies how Canada is made up of so many cultures, each contributing to the nation’s unique identity.

This citizenship ceremony left an indelible mark as a profound celebration of Canadian identity. It was a moving reminder of the shared values and limitless potential that lie ahead for these new members of the Canadian family. Together, all in attendance embarked on a new chapter of their journey, forging a bright future as proud Canadian citizens.

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.

Finally, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

By Adiba Hasan

In May 2023 the Institute for Canadian Citizenship commemorated the one-year anniversary of our transformative relaunch of the Canoo Access Pass (Canoo). As a charity dedicated to unlocking Canada for newcomers and working to facilitate the journey from arrival to citizenship and belonging, Canoo has proved to be an extraordinary initiative, supporting hundreds of thousands of newcomers to explore and engage with the country.

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 delighted to share some highlights and accomplishments from the past year.

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Canoo Member Check-ins: A Major Uptick During Holiday Periods

A ‘Check-in’ refers to the moment that a Canoo member visits a venue, attends an event, or participates in an activity offered through Canoo. Over the past year, Canoo members along with their children checked-in more than 213,000 times to different venues and events offered through Canoo. At least half of Canoo members bring children. As shown below, Canoo members check-in the most when major holidays take place — typically during periods when families spend time together. For example, Canoo members and their children checked-in 32,172 times during the Victoria Day long weekend in May 2023, making it the highest check-in period on record!

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Testimonials

At the heart of Canoo’s success lies the unwavering support of our members, whose feedback has been invaluable in shaping and expanding this initiative. Without our members’ active participation, the Canoo program, along with the enriching partnerships it has forged across Canada, simply would not thrive. Check out one of our Canoo members’ experiences of Canoo that showcases the value of Canoo in fostering a sense of belonging and exploration in Canada (click here).

Other Canoo Members’ Experiences:

Canoo to us is like a lens through which we can explore Canada, we get to know all the beautiful, scenic, historical & cultural places in one place and in the most economical manner. ~Amandeep Kaur Bhatia

It [Canoo] helped me want to discover more places, and experience more after I moved as I was financially tight and that stopped me from exploring the culture, nature and more, of Canada. Canoo helped me fall in love with my new home. ~Thanzeem Kassim Rawther

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Version française.

This Canada Day, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a special event took place—an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony! Families and friends gathered in support of the individuals taking this significant step in their lives. The atmosphere was alive with joy and camaraderie, embodying the spirit of Canada.

Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 30 individuals from 13 countries as Canadian citizens on July 1, 2023.

During ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, we host roundtable discussions that bring new citizens and their guests together. Sharing stories and making connections helps community members bond over the special occasion that is their new citizenship. One participant shared:

“The ability to vote and being able to share what I feel openly is the reason I chose Canada.”

This discussion reinforced the idea that being Canadian goes beyond a mere legal status. It encompasses shared values, respect for diversity, and a commitment to building a better future together. New citizens now have the privilege and responsibility of contributing to their new home in so many ways. Joining the ranks of millions who have come before them, each person can now shape the fabric of Canadian society.

As the festivities came to a close, the new citizens embarked on their journey with newfound rights, responsibilities, and the enduring spirit of being Canadian. This memorable event will be etched on their hearts as a symbol of their integration into Canada and a beacon of hope for future generations.

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.

Finally, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

By Adiba Hasan

This decline could be caused by backlogs in processing applications, however, data acquired from IRCC also show that 2023 saw a notable decline in the number of citizens admitted since 2022.

Top 3 Source Countries in April 2023

The ICC’s Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard shows that India is the top source country for both new citizens and permanent resident admission, amounting to 3,130 new Canadian citizens and 9,275 permanent residents of Indian origin in April 2023. The Philippines (1,315) and Nigeria (644) follow after India for new citizens admitted, and China (1,770) and the Philippines (1,415) follow after India for permanent residents admitted. Although the following data represents a snapshot for April, a notable trendline can be observed in the Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard, indicating a decline in the number of admitted citizens and permanent residents (PRs) compared to the earlier months in 2023.

As Canada navigates the nuances of immigration targets, it is vital to reflect on public policy challenges and opportunities. How can Canada address concerns related to housing and strained healthcare systems while continuing to attract and retain skilled immigrants? What measures can be taken to ensure the long-term satisfaction and integration of recent permanent residents? Share your thoughts and perspectives on these questions and join the conversation on Canada’s immigration policies.

Take a look at our immigration dashboard for updated numbers of PRs and citizens.

You can learn more about the ICC here. Join the conversation and be part of building a more inclusive Canada.

Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC.

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The Dragon Boat Festival has become an annual event that people look forward to year-round! In 2018, the Dragon Boat Races celebrated 30 years of success in Vancouver with events now occurring across Canada. With a long history before the 1980s, the festival’s spirit has always lied in generosity, reciprocity and sharing. For this reason, you can find musicians from the community who play live music all weekend long on the stage. While on the water, you can watch the races and support those who compete.

Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 50 individuals from 17 countries becoming Canadian citizens.

Peter Wong spoke in congratulations to the new citizens as a representative for the Dragon Boat Festival when he said:

“You are now part of a diverse, multicultural society that embraces people from all walks of life. Our Canadian values include respect, tolerance, and equality. As you join this great Canadian family, we encourage you to celebrate your heritage and share your culture with us. Canada is a mosaic of cultures and each of you bring a unique perspective that enriches our society.”

During the Dragon Boat Festival, aspects of Chinese culture are shared with those who attend. Using the concerts and the cultural pavilion as additions to the dragon boat races, this festival now aims to build unity across the diverse communities of Vancouver. As each candidate became a Canadian citizen, they hold onto their history and their culture becoming one with this mosaic that we, as Canadians, hold in high regard.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

For more information on the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, 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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.