Toronto, Ontario, July 1, 2011 — Thirty new Canadians from 27 countries took the oath of citizenship at a special ceremony in celebration of Canada Day on the front lawn of the historic Ontario Legislative Building at Queen’s Park.
“A citizenship ceremony is a unique part of Canadian civic life,” said Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “It is one of the few occasions when we formally reflect on the rights, responsibilities and benefits of being a Canadian citizen and the high value our citizenship holds.”
Nearly 25 citizenship ceremonies are taking place across Ontario today to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday. More than 750 new Canadians will ring in this special day, with notable guests including the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada hosts citizenship ceremonies – a newcomer’s formal entry into the Canadian family – throughout the year. These ceremonies are significant events in the lives of applicants and the starting point to a promising future in their new home.
In 2010, 1,723 citizenship ceremonies took place across Canada and 143,329 newcomers became Canadian citizens. Over the last two years, more than 165,000 newcomers have been granted citizenship in Ontario alone.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch – Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
416-954-7868
Ont-Communications@cic.gc.ca
