Rideau Hall, Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Check against delivery
On behalf of all Canadians and in the name of Her Majesty The Queen, welcome to your citizenship ceremony.
And welcome to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada!
I am so pleased to be able to participate in today’s ceremony. Doing so allows me the opportunity to meet with you, soon to be Canada’s newest citizens, who have come here by diverse paths from around the globe.
I would like to thank my predecessor, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, for being here today and for her singular leadership on belonging and inclusiveness through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship—founded by her and her husband, John Ralston Saul.
This ceremony reminds me how very fortunate we are to call this country home.
As you know, Canadian citizenship is valued the world over, and with good reason. This is a society that values equality of opportunity and excellence, and that sees diversity as a virtue rather than a weakness.
In Canada, inclusiveness is a key value, which means that every Canadian citizen should have the opportunity to help shape this country for the better, regardless of background or ethnicity.
As Canadian citizens, this is your right and, I would add, your responsibility. If we are to succeed in the ongoing national project we call Canada, and to maintain our commitment to democracy, to human rights and to justice, each one of us must do our part.
Of course, how you contribute to this country is up to you. There are so many ways to give back, and so much that needs our attention.
Through citizenship, we participate in a larger community, in which it is important to seek common ground with others even as we recognize and celebrate our differences.
Where differences exist, we find opportunities to learn and grow.
Your acceptance of citizenship is fundamental to the growth and success of Canada, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your desire and your efforts to become Canadian.
The Oath of Citizenship you are about to take represents your commitment to do your best for Canada.
As you pronounce the words of the Oath, I urge you to take them to heart and recall them daily throughout your life.
Please repeat after me:
I swear
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second
Queen of Canada
Her Heirs and Successors
And that I will faithfully observe
The laws of Canada
And fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
Congratulations, you are now Canadian citizens!
I am so pleased to see you at Rideau Hall today and to welcome you as citizens. I encourage you to get involved in your communities and to play an active role—indeed, you likely already are!
Your contributions are essential to the smarter, more caring nation of which we dream.
Thank you for being here today, and once again, congratulations. I wish you every success in this, your country, Canada.
