Ottawa, Ontario
21 October 2013
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Canada’s Citizenship Week, which runs from October 21-27, 2013:
“Citizenship Week offers an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and the vast privileges that Canadian citizenship confers, including the important rights and responsibilities that come with it. It is also a fitting time to pay tribute to the generations of immigrants who have played such an important part in shaping our great country.
“Each year, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world apply for Canadian citizenship. They are drawn by the quality of life and prosperity that we enjoy, the freedom and security of our communities, and the peaceful pluralism that we celebrate and cherish, from coast to coast to coast.
“During this special week, I congratulate and welcome those who have and will become citizens in 2013. Our Government remains committed to strengthening Canada’s place in the world by keeping our streets and communities safe and our economy strong, so that Canada continues to be viewed as the land of freedom and opportunity for generations to come.
“As we celebrate Citizenship Week, I encourage all Canadians to welcome newcomers and acknowledge the contributions that they continue to make to the fabric of our great nation.”
