Every year, Citizenship Week is a chance to celebrate new citizens and all that it means to be Canadian. This year Citizenship Week took place between May 22 and May 28, 2023.

That week Canada hosted 105 citizenship ceremonies and welcomed more than 13,500 new Canadians to all provinces and territories. This was nearly double the average of new Canadians welcomed per week throughout the year.

Citizenship ceremonies are an emotional and meaningful experience for those receiving their citizenship, for their friends and family, and for all those who have the chance to take part in these momentous occasions.

They hold immense significance for new Canadians, symbolizing the culmination of their journey towards belonging and inclusion in their adopted homeland.  They provide a sense of identity, pride, and shared values, fostering a deeper connection to Canada and its people.

These ceremonies also offer an opportunity for newcomers to publicly declare their commitment to their new nation, reinforcing the importance of civic participation and responsibilities. Furthermore, they serve as an occasion for existing citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the enriching contributions of immigrants, promoting a stronger and more cohesive society.

The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. During the ceremony, participants accept the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by taking the Oath of Citizenship, which is usually administered by a citizenship judge.

Canada is proud to have exceeded its citizenship goals this past year, with nearly 364,000 new Canadian citizens joining us in our nation-building efforts.

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich from Pexels