Ottawa, March 30, 2009 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today welcomed 50 new Canadians and their families at a special citizenship ceremony at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Lieutenant-General Charles Belzile, a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit and Honorary Grand President of the Royal Canadian Legion, presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Citizenship.
“Each year Canada welcomes more than 200,000 permanent residents from around the world who embrace our values of democracy and freedom, enrich our communities and strengthen our feeling of shared identity. The path they lay out for themselves and their experiences becomes a part of Canada’s continuing adventure,” said Minister Kenney.
The Minister participated in a special citizenship ceremony hosted by the museum as part of the 2009 National 4‑H Citizenship Seminar. The 4-H Council is an organization for youth development. The name represents four personal development areas of focus: head, heart, hands, and health.
“For over a century,” said Minister Kenney, “the 4-H Council has helped build stronger communities and has become actively involved in civic and national affairs to make a real difference in our country.”
Fifty newcomers from 31 countries took the oath of citizenship and 59 4-H delegates reaffirmed their commitment to Canada at today’s ceremony.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
