Ottawa, October 17, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement marking Canada’s Citizenship Week:
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism – and also, as a proud Canadian – I believe that being a Canadian citizen is a great honour and privilege. Citizenship Week is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate and reflect upon our citizenship, and remember how lucky we are to live in this free and prosperous country.
Citizenship Week is also a chance for people to learn more about our history and the pioneers who helped build this great country. I’m pleased that these stories appeal to both newcomers and established Canadians, who use tools such as the Discover Canada citizenship guide to learn more about our common Canadian identity, traditions, and values.
Few things in this world are more precious to us than our Canadian citizenship. Our citizenship is also highly valued around the world. There is perhaps no better way to remind us of just how valuable our citizenship is than to witness the pride and joy of new Canadians as they take the Oath of Citizenship. I look forward to doing just that this week.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate our citizenship this week by reaffirming their commitment to Canada, and I hope all citizens of our great country will reflect on what it means to them to be Canadian.
Photo of Minister Kenney available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp
For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
