Discover Canada - Message to Our Readers
Note: Recent changes to the Citizenship Act affect information in the Message to Our Readers section of Discover Canada. Specifically, the age range has been amended for applicants who must meet the knowledge requirement. Effective October 11, 2017 applicants who are 18-54 years of age when they apply, including applicants who already have an application in process, are required to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship through a citizenship knowledge test in either English or French, and to demonstrate adequate knowledge of either English or French. The citizenship test is not used to assess an applicant’s knowledge of English or French. Learn how language abilities are assessed.
Message to Our Readers
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Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship - Message to our Readers
Duration: 2 minutes, 27 seconds. Read by Robert-Douglas Watt.
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Welcome! It took courage to move to a new country. Your decision to apply for citizenship is another big step. You are becoming part of a great tradition that was built by generations of pioneers before you. Once you have met all the legal requirements, we hope to welcome you as a new citizen with all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Canada has welcomed generations of newcomers to our shores to help us build a free, law-abiding and prosperous society. For 400 years, settlers and immigrants have contributed to the diversity and richness of our country, which is built on a proud history and a strong identity.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy and a federal state. Canadians are bound together by a shared commitment to the rule of law and to the institutions of parliamentary government.
Canadians take pride in their identity and have made sacrifices to defend their way of life. By coming to Canada and taking this important step toward Canadian citizenship, you are helping to write the continuing story of Canada.
Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 54 must have adequate knowledge of English or French in order to become Canadian citizens. You must also learn about voting procedures, Canada’s history, symbols, democratic institutions, geography, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Canadian citizens enjoy many rights, but Canadians also have responsibilities. They must obey Canada’s laws and respect the rights and freedoms of others.
This guide will help you prepare to become a Canadian citizen. Good luck!
For information about Citizenship and Immigration Canada, visit our website at www.cic.gc.ca.
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