OTTAWA, June 29, 2005 — The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister
of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced that nearly 1,500 people will
become new citizens this Canada Day by taking the oath of citizenship at some
26 ceremonies in communities across the country. The ceremonies are part of
Celebrate Canada!, which features 10 days of special events beginning June 21
and leading up to Canada Day.
Citizenship and reaffirmation ceremonies will take place in citizenship offices,
legislative buildings, museums, historic sites and outdoors in parks. Two of
the largest groups to be sworn in will be 101 new Canadians in Mississauga,
Ontario, and 100 new Canadians in Calgary, Alberta. One of the most intimate
ceremonies will swear in 20 new Canadians at Woodside National Historic Site
in Kitchener, Ontario. Several children who recently became citizens through
adoption have been invited to attend the Kitchener ceremony and reaffirm their
citizenship.
"I can't think of many better ways to collectively open our arms to so
many new members of the Canadian family than to do so at the same time that
all of us celebrate our collective identity as a nation and as a people,"
said Minister Volpe. "This is a great day for Canada and a very special
moment in the lives of everyone taking part in these ceremonies today. I encourage
all Canadians to join in the festivities and to share their pride at being citizens
of this great country with relatives, friends and neighbours from coast to coast."
The Minister will attend a citizenship ceremony at historic Pier 21 in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, where 50 new Canadians will be sworn in by Citizenship
Judge Georgette Ferlatte in the Kenneth C. Rowe Heritage Hall. The event is
open to the public. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson will
also preside and swear in 50 new Canadians at a special citizenship ceremony
to be held in the Senate of Canada. This is the first time a citizenship ceremony
will be held in the Senate chambers.
Elsewhere, 80 new Canadians will be sworn in at Canada Place in Vancouver by
the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo.
As well, 50 new Canadians will be sworn in by Citizenship Judge Agnes Potts
in Toronto on June 30 at City TV. The ceremony will be telecast nationally
on Canada Day.
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For more information (media only):
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064
Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 952-0740
