ICC enhanced citizenship ceremonies are a celebration of Canada’s newest citizens and offer unique opportunities to reflect on what it means to be active, engaged citizens. We were thrilled to work with Parks Canada and Ardgowan National Historic Site to welcome 29 new Canadian citizens at our ceremony in Charlottetown on July 1, 2018.
Below are a few highlights from the ceremony. For more photos from the ceremony please click here to view the entire gallery.
Photo credit: Institute for Canadian Citizenship/ Nancy Thomas
Yesterday, we continued our partnership with Luminato, and came together for the fourth year to once again celebrate citizenship, community, and culture by hosting a community citizenship ceremony as part of the 2017 festival. This year’s ceremony took place in the famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto, a stunning venue to celebrate 29 new Canadian citizens!
Steve Paikin (from TVO’s The Agenda) presided over the ceremony that included traditional Indigenous dancers Leanne Enoose and her daughter Alexandria, as well as Maryem and Ernie Tollar who beautifully performed O Canada and gave a moving performance following the ceremony into the reception.
We had the privilege to hear several remarkable Canadians share their own personal stories of immigration; CBC’s Marivel Taruc who spoke of her journey to Canada from the Philippines 37 years ago and experiencing her first Canadian winter. As well as sharing stories we also heard many congratulations from notable speakers that included MPP Cheri DiNovo who welcomed 29 new citizens to “the Canadian family”. Luminato’s CEO Anthony Sargent remarked, “You’ve been engaged to Canada for several years. Today is the wedding!”, likening the significance of a citizenship ceremony to that of a wedding.
Overall, it was a joyous day of celebrating all that we most value as Canadians, with incredible performances, moving speeches, and a strong sense of community. Steve Paikin put it simply, “We have 29 new Canadian citizens now. Brilliant!”
ICC Community Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with Luminato Festival
June 20th, 2017 – The Famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square, Toronto ON
Photos: ICC/Alyssa K. Faoro
Click here for more photos.
For more information on partnering with the ICC to host a community citizenship ceremony, email us: ceremonypartnerships@forcitizenship.ca
LiUNA’s International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central & Eastern Canada on attending an ICC community citizenship ceremony
As a resident of Hamilton and the child of immigrant parents, attending the ICC community citizenship ceremony at the Art Gallery of Hamilton was of particular importance to me. My father, Enrico Mancinelli, spent his life helping immigrants get settled; I have spent decades working with immigrants, focusing on creating job opportunities. These are values I hold dear.
At the AGH, I had the pleasure of hosting an ICC roundtable. The roundtables are truly special; they give newcomers a platform to share their insights and ideas, and allow existing citizens the chance to see immigration as a collection of stories rather than statistics.
I was seated next to a young woman, clearly eager to begin this new chapter of her life. She was asked what excited her most about becoming a Canadian citizen, and her answer was a powerful reminder of the opportunity and freedom Canada holds. For her, citizenship meant having a future — a future that was chosen by her, for her. Canada was her “dream land”, where getting an education and having a career were viable realities for women and achieving goals like financial independence was possible. As a father of three daughters, I was given a new perspective on what it means to be a young woman, as well as a deep appreciation for the privileges Canada offers. But it was what this young woman wanted most from her new life that brought tears to my eyes — community belonging. These simple words held so much meaning for her. The whole experience changed my outlook on Canada.
I am grateful to the ICC and the volunteers and partners who make these events possible. With so much controversy in the world, across oceans and borders, at times it can feel as if humanity is lost. I am humbled by the work of the ICC and its dedication to fostering the Canadian model of belonging.
Joseph and his wife Enza Mancinelli are members of the 6 Degrees Founding Circle and remain strong supporters of all ICC initiatives.
The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) is the fastest growing union of construction, waste management, show service, and healthcare workers in Canada. Formed by immigrants, LiUNA has continued to fight for equal rights and work towards creating opportunities for new Canadians. LiUNA Station, also known as “Immigration Square” due to the influx of immigrants it welcomed post WWII, pays homage to the roots of the organization.
The Art Gallery of Hamilton has partnered with the ICC to co-host seven community citizenship ceremonies since 2011. Joseph Mancinelli was a roundtable host with the ICC at a community citizenship ceremony in April 2016.
The ICC is fortunate to have a national roster of gifted photographers committed to the work we do. Thank you to all of our photographers across the country for participating in the Ahlan Canada program and capturing these special moments for us.
Alyssa K Faoro, Andrew Williamson, Jenine Panagiotakos, Kevin Appl, Kevin Hill, Leroy Schulz, Lisa King, Nadia Zheng, Neil Zeller, Pawel Dwulit and Samuel Garcia.
