Calgary, December 22, 2010 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today reaffirmed Santa Claus as a Canadian citizen during a special citizenship ceremony.
“We wish Mr. Claus all the best in his Christmas Eve duties again this year,” said Minister Kenney. “And rest assured, as a Canadian citizen living in Canada’s North, he can re-enter Canada freely once his trip around the world is complete.”
Santa was on hand to reaffirm his citizenship while 100 new citizens from 32 countries were sworn in.
“This is such an important day for Canada’s newest citizens,” said Minister Kenney. “Today, our history also becomes their history, and their future becomes our future. The Canadian story is depicted in the new citizenship guide Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, a valuable learning resource for newcomers and all Canadians.”
The guide focuses on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, and on Canada’s military, scientific, and artistic achievements; and its symbols, values, and institutions. It also provides information on Canada’s North, where the Government is advancing an integrated Northern Strategy.
“The Government continues to invest in measures that exercise Canada’s sovereignty and create more economic opportunities in the North,” said Minister Kenney. “We want to ensure that Santa and all Northern peoples benefit from the considerable progress that has been made.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
