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The Institute for Canadian Citizenship had the honour of hosting an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver in British Columbia on March 16, 2023. The spiritual building is an architectural icon for a large and consistently growing community in Canada. Alongside many other cultural institutions, the Ismaili Centre hopes to cultivate understanding and acceptance among all Canadians.

Presiding Official Dr. Ross Paul administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 50 individuals from 21 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. While discussing the importance of the day, new Canadians share excitement about the number of civic responsibilities they are now granted. This is especially important because it ensures the protection of democracy at all levels of government. As it is important to maintain this system, it is also important not to take any responsibility for granted. Following the ceremony, these duties come with a larger number of privileges, as well.

“We were speaking about what active citizenship means. One person at our table is specifically excited for jury duty. But overall, active citizenship means participating in your community and voting to ensure that Canada is the best place it can be for everyone.”

Active citizenship can apply to a variety of actions. The excitement is palpable when hearing from individuals who are now gaining more access to these rights. Overall, making the community a better and more inclusive space is the motivational force behind this excitement.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Finally, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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The ICC was fortunate to celebrate new Canadians during an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony on March 14, 2023, in Montréal, Québec. At the Espace pour La Vie (Montreal’s Space for Life), guests are able to fully experience nature throughout the entire year. Since this connection with the natural surroundings is a priority within Canada, all guests in attendance were able to see the emphasis placed upon research, education and coexistence.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 47 individuals from 21 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These roundtable discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Canadians participating in this Citizenship Ceremony come from countries all over the world. Their choices for coming to Canada vary from person to person. However, the desire to be Canadian connects them all. Once recognized as a Canadian citizen, the benefits make the challenging process and emotional decision worthwhile. One guest shared with the group their joy by saying:

“Becoming Canadian is giving myself and my daughter gender equality and safety.”

Canada, as a nation, strives to provide all citizens with the comfort and security to live their life to the fullest. The privilege to live without constant fear based on the differences that define you is an aspect of society we should all try to foster and protect for the sake of our diverse community.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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On March 2, 2023, ICC had the pleasure of hosting an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Using art and enriching exhibitions, the Gallery aims to create a welcoming space. Guests are, then, encouraged to challenge their understanding of the world and redefine the practice of equity.

Presiding Official Ellicia Vieira administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 39 individuals from 18 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality.

A young roundtable participant stated during this session:

“We all shared the things we brought from back home to Canada and what connects us through this. Things like food…It’s interesting to see how everyone connects with this.”

Afterwards, they discussed the different meals from their home countries that they love most.

While moving to a new country results in so much change, it is important to remain connected to the past. Through food and family recipes, people can find comfort in their culture. This makes food more than just sustenance. It is a strong element that defines where we come from. Likewise, sharing the differences surrounding meal practices and preparations will only create a more beautifully diverse Canada.

We can embrace equity throughout Canada by embracing all cultures found within Canada. As a central aspect of culture, food undeniably remains in the hearts of all Canadians and newcomers, alike.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Finally, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profile below.

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On February 28, 2023, ICC hosted an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta. The museum creates an incredible environment because it draws inspiration from the bold and adventurous stories found within its community. Here, we celebrated the new Canadians on this occasion by remembering their courageous journeys.

Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 27 individuals from 14 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Afterwards, there is an opportunity for individuals to share their story with everyone in attendance. This allowed some new citizens to relieve themselves of past burdens through open conversation. Every guest was then able to revel in the joy and acceptance that filled the room.

A roundtable participant shared the following during this event:

“I am so happy to be here with you and share our story. We just came from the Middle East – a country called Iraq. We had a tough time there because of the civil war. We’ve been to Jordan, spent approximately 3 years there, and applied for resettlement in a new country. Our dream was being here in Canada. I am so happy here because this dream is happening right now.”

It is important to recognize the sacrifices and hardships that have occurred in the process of pursuing a new citizenship. In overcoming this, the outcome provides people from all walks of life the same rights and privileges as those born in Canada.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

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On February 15, 2023, we were honoured to host an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the world’s first museum dedicated to human rights, the venue highlights respect and compassion while encouraging meaningful conversations.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 48 individuals from 9 countries as Canadian citizens.

The ICC’s enhanced ceremonies featured our signature roundtable discussion between new citizens and their guests. This is inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. The heartwarming event brought members together over shared experiences. Many families who were once separated from their loved ones are now able to be reunited in Canada. While planning for their future, families can stay connected to their roots and culture while not feeling the isolation that is often found in the process of creating a new home in a strange place.

“‪I would like to thank Canada for uniting our family together and letting us live a life as a family, which we couldn’t do in India since my dad was always travelling for work.”

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

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On February 10^th, 2023, we were honoured to host a citizenship ceremony at Toronto Pearson International Airport. We are grateful to have been provided with such a memorable ceremony venue to welcome new citizenship candidates, their friends, family, and community members.

Citizenship Judge Hardish Dhaliwal administered the Oath of Citizenship, the final step that the 39 people from 20 countries took to become Canadian citizens.   

The enhanced ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussion, inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles, which are traditionally spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Following the roundtable discussions, the share back portion of the day saw the soon-to-be new citizens speak of their journey to this moment. 

A new Canadian shared his thoughts on the important things those seated at his roundtable had in common. 

ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies provide a rare opportunity for established Canadians to connect with new Canadian citizens and hear about their journeys to citizenship. 

Photos of the citizenship ceremony can be found here.  

If you’d like to participate in this unique and unifying experience firsthand and volunteer as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca. 

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On January 31st, 2023, we were privileged to host our first in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony of 2023 at the VIA Rail station in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A historic venue that served as one of the primary methods new immigrants used to migrate within Canada during the immigration boom of the early 20th century.

Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 48 new citizens from 13 countries as Canadian citizens.

The enhanced ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussion, inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles – talking circles are traditionally spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Following the roundtable discussions, the share back portion of the day saw the soon-to-be new citizens speak of their journey to citizenship. Many reflected on the changes that had occurred during their journey, from growing their families to starting new businesses within Canada. The roundtable discussions truly encompassed the ceremony’s theme of Education and Learning Worlds of Differences.

During the shareback portion of the ceremony, a new citizen shared her first memories in Canada. She did not know much about Canada before immigrating to the country but quickly learned how welcoming the country was. She recalled feeling accepted everywhere she went due to strangers smiling at her, saying good morning on the street and welcoming her when she entered a building.

To view photos of the citizenship ceremony, click here.

If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

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2022 Was a Year of Expansion and Innovation for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC).

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ICC Welcomed Thousands of New Citizens Through Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies

The ICC worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to host 61 enhanced citizenship ceremonies, in-person and online, welcoming 4,739 newcomers into our Canadian family.

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Canoo Went to New Heights

Additionally, Canoo, our one-of-a-kind app that gives newcomers free VIP access to +1,400 of Canada’s best cultural and outdoor experiences, saw remarkable growth and has the highest number of activated accounts since launching in 2019.

Canoo makes it possible for newcomers to experience our rich culture and build memories with their families. In 2022, there were more than 61,000 Canoo check-ins by adults and just under 50,000 by children. During this holiday season alone, there were more than 10,000 check-ins to various winter events, activities and venues.

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ICC Research Uncovered Interesting Findings

This year, in collaboration with Andrew Griffith, the ICC also launched the Citizenship and Immigration dashboard, which tracks permanent resident admissions and new citizens using #IRCC data.

This dashboard makes available important stats and information, including how many permanent residents are admitted each month, the number of new citizens, how many people are inquiring about Canadian citizenship and more.

The ICC also works with partners and program participants to drive research and develop cutting edge insights on inclusion and citizenship.

In 2022, the ICC worked with Canada Research Chair Dr. Rupa Banerjee to produce the report ‘Time to Change Focus? A Review of Immigrant Labour Market Barriers, Outcomes and the Role of Employers in Canada‘.

This report reviews the current state of research on immigrant labour market barriers and outcomes in Canada, highlighting the need for future research that explores the impact of employers on immigrant labour market outcomes.

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The LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture Welcomed Canada’s Governor General

On October 6^th, 2021, together with the University of Calgary, the ICC hosted the 19th Annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture, delivered by Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon. It was beautiful to see guests in person and nearly 400 Canoo members were in attendance!

Her Excellency addressed the importance of teaching Canada’s true history – the good and the bad – both as acts of reconciliation and citizenship for all Canadians, including newcomers. This was followed by a moderated conversation with ICC co-chair John Ralston Saul on the lecture theme: Reconciliation and Evolution of Canada.

The ICC and 1000+ attendees learned that we, as Canadian citizens, must know, advocate and amplify the stories of indigenous peoples, as they have been silenced for too long.

How are newcomers to Canada valuable in advancing reconciliation? We think newcomers are more supportive and eager to learn Canadian history. Newcomers who have faced biases and understand the legacies of colonialism worldwide push for an equal and inclusive country, advancing human rights for all.

In 2023, we will continue to work towards making Canada the most welcoming country in the world. We look forward to sharing more research, positive results, and Canoo success stories in the months to come.

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The Canoo Impact

Canoo was initially offered to new Canadian citizens, who make up the majority of members. With the relaunch of Canoo in May 2022, Canoo is now offered to permanent residents for the first time, and more than 15,000 permanent residents have become members since.

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Meet Canoo Members

Toni Agbaje-Ojo, at the ICC, interviewed Canoo members on their experience using Canoo and covered a range of topics, from understanding what their transition to Canada was like to how Canoo helped them find a sense of belonging in Canada.

Highlighted below are two Canoo members who explain their journey in Canada and use Canoo to create memories and feel connected to Canada.

ICC community 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 the Ice Hotel to welcome 30 new Canadian citizens at our ceremony in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier on February 21, 2019.

Below are a few highlights from the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Institute for Canadian Citizenship/Étienne Dionne

ICC community 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 the University of Calgary to welcome 50 new Canadian citizens at our ceremony in Calgary on March 13, 2019.

Below are a few highlights from the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Institute for Canadian Citizenship/Crystal Sujata