New Citizenship Judges Welcome New Canadians to the Greater Montreal Area
News release
Across Canada 1,950 new Canadians will be welcomed on Canada Day
June 29, 2018 – Montreal, Que. – New Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir will preside over her first citizenship ceremony on Canada Day, officiating at a special ceremony at Centre de la nature, in Laval, Quebec, where she will welcome 25 new Canadians.
As well, returning Citizenship Judge Marie Senécal-Tremblay will also preside over a citizenship ceremony at the Mount Royal Town Hall in Montreal, welcoming 40 new Canadians.
Across Canada, 1,950 people will become Canadians at 46 special Canada Day citizenship ceremonies.
New Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir is a communications and public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience working in operations and business development in the private sector and in journalism at Société Radio-Canada, Montréal’s CHOU Radio Moyen-Orient and at Future Television in Beirut, Lebanon. Judge Sfeir holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Lebanese University, Beirut.
Citizenship Judge Marie Senécal-Tremblay is a past citizenship judge from 2013 to 2016. She has an extensive career in federal and administrative tribunal law, specializing in citizenship, labour and employment, immigration and disability. Today was also her first ceremony since 2016.
Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions on some citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens. They also play important roles in promoting Canadian citizenship and civic values in their communities.
Citizenship judges are Governor in Council appointments. New appointees are chosen from a list of qualified candidates who have gone through an open, transparent and merit-based selection process.
Quotes
“Being a citizenship judge is definitely a privilege, but also a huge responsibility. However, from my first days at work, all of my worries about undertaking my new position disappeared. Everybody was encouraging and reassuring. The IRCC offices are made up of a community representing diversity and inclusion that are integral to Canadian society and make it so rich.
I look forward to presiding over my first Citizenship Ceremony and celebrating with people of different origins our adherence to common values that make Canada a good place to live.”
– Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir
“As a returning Citizenship Judge, it is a genuine honour to be afforded another opportunity to serve Canada in such a meaningful way. Nowhere is this more evident than through the memorable and moving moments of our Citizenship Ceremonies. Our Canada Day Citizenship Ceremonies in particular are a unique and joyful occasion to bring together Canadians by birth and Canadians by choice to celebrate Canada. Happy Canada Day!”
– Citizenship Judge Marie Senécal-Tremblay.
“On Canada Day we celebrate our freedom, democracy, inclusion and diversity. It is a time to celebrate what it means to be Canadian–the rights we enjoy, the responsibilities we share, and the diversity that makes us strong. I am looking forward to meeting some of our newest Canadians and celebrating with them. For all of us, July 1 is a day of reflection.”
I also want to welcome new Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir. She brings much skill and knowledge to her new role as a Citizenship Judge, and I am pleased she has taken on this important role.”
– Angelo Iacono, Member of Parliament for Alfred-Pellan
“It is an honour for me to join some of Canada’s newest citizens at the moment when they become Canadian and to welcome them into our Canadian family. For all of us, July 1 is a day of reflection, where we can celebrate what it means to be Canadian and to reflect on how fortunate we all are. Happy Canada Day to you all. It is also my pleasure to welcome back Citizenship Judge Marie Senécal-Tremblay. We are pleased to see her return to this role.”
– Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament for Mount Royal
Quick facts
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Over the last 10 years, Canada has welcomed nearly 1.7 million new Canadians.
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Citizenship ceremonies are the end of a long process of immigration, settlement and integration for a newcomer to Canada. Ceremonies are a moving and emotional celebration. Taking the Oath of Citizenship is also a necessary legal step to citizenship.
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Canada’s identity has been largely shaped by the significant cultural and economic contributions of immigrants. In Canada, diversity is our strength.
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There are now 14 citizenship judges across the country, located in Halifax, Montreal, the Greater Toronto Area, Winnipeg, Edmonton, as well as Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia.
Associated links
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca