Version française.

On November 5th, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax hosted a special event to mark both Veterans’ Week and the citizenship ceremony for 30 new Canadian citizens. The ceremony welcomed individuals from 13 different countries, adding to the vibrant tapestry of Canada’s diverse community.

A highlight of the event was the powerful performance of “O Canada” by Elsy Makhlouf, setting the tone for a day filled with pride and celebration. The event also featured a performance by the talented Каryna Ройк, whose music resonated with all in attendance.

Raymond Sewell, an Indigenous representative, spoke to the importance of community and belonging, reminding everyone of the shared values that unite us all as Canadians.

Kim Reinhardt, General Manager of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the significance of both Canadian citizenship and the contributions of veterans, whose sacrifices have shaped the nation we are today.

It was a day of reflection, celebration, and new beginnings—a reminder of the power of diversity and the strength of community. Congratulations to the new citizens, and thank you to all those who have served our country.

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. 

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On October 29th, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting a unique citizenship ceremony at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. 30 candidates from 14 different countries officially became Canadian citizens — all beneath the awe-inspiring skeleton of Canada’s largest blue whale. It was a ceremony unlike any other, set against the backdrop of hundreds of fascinating natural history exhibits.

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum, home to over 500 exhibits, was the perfect setting for this special day. From fossils to plants, shells to insects, the museum offers a glimpse into the incredible diversity of life on Earth — a fitting backdrop for a ceremony celebrating Canada’s own diversity. And of course, the giant blue whale skeleton hanging overhead served as a powerful symbol of how all living things are interconnected.

Quentin Cronk, the Director of the museum, also joined us and shared his thoughts on the importance of the museum to the community. He spoke about the value of the exhibits and how they help us understand the world around us. His words added an extra layer of meaning to the day, reminding us all how precious both our natural world and the Canadian community are.

The ceremony was made even more special by a beautiful performance from Jeff Bryant, who sang the Bilingual National Anthem and the song What a Wonderful World. The latter, with its hopeful message, was the perfect tune for such a joyful occasion.

Judge Carol-Ann Hart, who presided over the ceremony, along with Toko Peters, the clerk, made sure everything went smoothly and warmly congratulated the new citizens as they took their oaths. It was a heartfelt moment for everyone involved.

By the end of the ceremony, the 30 new citizens were officially welcomed into Canada — ready to begin this exciting new chapter of their lives. Standing under the blue whale skeleton, surrounded by history and natural wonders, it was clear that this was more than just a legal process; it was a moment of transformation.

We’re so grateful to have been able to host this citizenship ceremony at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, a place that represents both the beauty of the natural world and the diversity of the Canadian spirit. We wish all of the new Canadian citizens a life full of success, happiness, and new adventures.

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. 

Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 7, 2024 – The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) and Cineplex are partnering to bring the joy of Diwali to newcomers across Canada. From October 31 through November 15, 2024, members of the ICC’s Canoo App can enjoy a free regular Coca-Cola® fountain drink at any Cineplex theatre, simply by redeeming an exclusive offer on the Canoo app. 

This offer is part of the ICC’s commitment to making celebratory moments more accessible to everyone, especially the newcomers that ICC supports. Canoo members benefit from exclusive offers that encourage cultural and social engagement across Canada. With this special Diwali offer, ICC and Cineplex aim to welcome newcomers into the joy of film and celebration, while also offering them a refreshing treat. 

“The ICC is pleased that Cineplex and Coca-Cola are making extra efforts to welcome newcomers to the cinema, via Canoo” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “Getting out of the house to see a movie in the company of your fellow Canadians is a special occasion for the whole family. These are the little things that make life in Canada more enjoyable. This partnership represents our shared dedication to helping newcomers establish themselves in Canada and feel welcome to participate in Canadian cultural life.” 

“At Cineplex, we’re excited to team up with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to make the world of cinema more accessible to newcomers across Canada,” said Sara Moore, Chief Marketing Officer at Cineplex Entertainment. “Movies are a universal experience that bring people together. Whether it’s through our international programming or Hollywood titles, we’re thrilled to offer the chance to connect and enjoy a great movie.” 

Starting October 31, Canoo members can claim their digital coupon through the Canoo app, which can be scanned at the concessions counter of any Cineplex theatre nationwide. The promotion is available for the first 10,000 members to redeem. 

For more information about the app and the growing list of benefits for Canoo members, please visit canoo.ca. 

About The ICC 

The ICC is a national charity that aspires to a Canada where immigrants don’t just come, but stay, belong, succeed, and contribute maximally to our shared success. We advance this mission by conducting unique and compelling public policy research, by hosting enhanced citizenship ceremonies across Canada, and via our Canoo Access Pass, an award-winning mobile app that gives new permanent residents and new Canadian citizens with free and discounted access to over 2000 of Canada’s best culture and nature experiences, plus exceptional travel offers and exclusive deals from leading brands.   

About Cineplex 

Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. Cineplex offers a unique escape from the everyday to millions of guests through its circuit of 169 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. In addition to being Canada’s largest and most innovative film exhibitor, the company operates Canada’s favourite destination for ‘Eats & Entertainment’ (The Rec Room), complexes specially designed for teens and families (Playdium), and an entertainment concept that brings movies, amusement gaming, dining, and live performances together under one roof (Cineplex Junxion). It also operates successful businesses in digital commerce (CineplexStore.com), alternative programming (Cineplex Events), motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures), cinema media (Cineplex Media) and digital place-based media (Cineplex Digital Media). Providing even more value for its guests, Cineplex is a partner in Scene+, Canada’s largest entertainment and lifestyle loyalty program.  

Proudly recognized as having one of the country’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Cineplex employs over 10,000 people in its offices and venues across Canada. To learn more, visit Cineplex.com. 

Media Contact 

The ICC 
Arash Safavi 
647.607.2971 
media@forcitizenship.ca 

Cineplex Media Relations 
PressRoom@Cineplex.com 

Version française.

On October 17, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the vibrant Cabaret Lion D’Or in Montreal. This special ceremony celebrated the diverse backgrounds and journeys of 46 individuals from 37 different countries who took a significant step in their lives by officially becoming Canadian citizens.

The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of belonging, marked by touching speeches, vibrant cultural performances, and moments of reflection. It emphasized the profound values of inclusion and community that Canada represents. Family and friends gathered to support their loved ones, creating an atmosphere brimming with warmth and joy.

“I came to Canada in 2020 as a student and did my masters. Yes, we like Canada, and we love the people. We are happy for this opportunity to call Canada home now. Our table shared a lot of similar stories of struggle in coming here including leaving our families behind. in the end it’s a very proud moment for all of us.”

-A candidate shared during the Storytelling Circles

Our Storytelling Circles take place just before candidates take the Oath of Citizenship, providing a meaningful space for individuals to share their stories and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the community. This gathering fosters connections and celebrates the diverse experiences that enrich our shared identity. Each new citizen’s story resonated with resilience and hope, weaving a rich tapestry of cultures that enhances Canada’s identity. As they recited the Oath of Citizenship, the room was filled with a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment, symbolizing not only their personal journeys but also their commitment to a country that welcomes them with open arms.

Organized by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, this enhanced ceremony was designed to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and to celebrate the invaluable contributions of immigrants to our society. It transcended the formalities of the process, transforming into a vibrant celebration of community, diversity, and the shared future of all Canadians. In this moment, every new citizen was reminded that they are not just welcomed, but essential to the fabric of 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. 

Version française.

On October 16, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology in the nation’s capital celebrating Latin Heritage Month and welcoming 44 new Canadian citizens from 27 different countries.

One of the standout features of an ICC ceremony is the storytelling circles (formerly known as roundtable discussions). This unique opportunity allows candidates to share their personal journeys, experiences, and the healing they’ve found as they navigate their new lives in Canada. One candidate humorously recounted how they underestimated the Canadian winter and ended up overdressed for the chilly weather—an experience many newcomers from warmer climates can certainly relate to. Despite the emotional, stressful, and often lengthy journey to citizenship, each participant expressed deep gratitude for the chance to call Canada home and eagerly anticipates becoming active contributors to their new communities.

As we celebrate Latin Heritage Month, the ceremony featured poignant addresses from Captain Rey Garcia-Salas and Giuseppe Marconi of the Latin American Soldier Committee. They not only highlighted their rich Latin heritage but also extended a warm welcome to the new citizens, emphasizing the beauty of Canada’s diverse cultural tapestry, which embraces a multitude of cultures, traditions, and religions. Lisa Leblanc, Director General of the Canada Science and Technology Museum, shared inspiring words:

“This community and this country are fortunate to have you. By utilizing your talents, skills, and determination, you are pursuing your dreams and building a secure and prosperous future for yourselves and your families. The common thread among all of you is your desire to excel and your passion for making a difference.”

The ceremony culminated in a lively performance by the talented mariachi band Ballet Folklorico Aztlan, bringing a festive spirit to the celebration. This vibrant conclusion served as a joyful reminder of the rich cultural contributions that new citizens bring to Canada, enhancing the country’s diverse identity.

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. 

Version française.

On October 9, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Northern Arts & Cultural Centre (“NACC”) where 30 individuals from 16 countries proudly became Canadian citizens.

The ceremony commenced with Elder Besha Blondin offering prayers and well wishes to the candidates, emphasizing the need to acknowledge Canada’s history and the dignity and respect that Indigenous communities have often been denied.

The NACC is connected to École Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, and we were thrilled to welcome members of the public. Many attendees were there to support the new citizens, while others reflected on their own journeys to citizenship.

The celebration was beautifully enhanced by Miranda Currie, whose heartfelt and unique rendition of the national anthem left a lasting impression and perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion.

Tanya Snow from the Indigenous Arts Collective emphasized the importance of fostering connections with Indigenous communities. She encouraged the new citizens to embrace community engagement rather than separation.

The reception was a deeply emotional and joyous moment for the newly sworn-in Canadians, their families, friends, and community members. It was a celebration of new beginnings, unity, and the shared values that define us as Canadians.

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. 

Following today’s joint announcement from the Prime Minister of Canada and his Minister of Immigration, Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, made the following statement:

“This drastic reduction in immigration levels will create more problems than it solves.

A decrease of 105,000 permanent residents represents less than 0.25% of the population. This measure will not cool the housing market. Instead, Canadians will feel the absence of 105,000 fewer workers—workers who could build more housing, staff more daycare spaces, and reduce healthcare wait times. These needs will only grow as immigration declines.

It is misleading to say that we have too many immigrants for our housing and healthcare systems to handle. The truth is, we don’t have enough housing and healthcare capacity to support all the immigrants Canada needs to grow and prosper.

We cannot slow our way to success. We can only grow our way to success.

Immigration is not the cause of Canada’s challenges. While we understand the government’s desire to restore public confidence in the immigration system, we hope today’s announcement does not lead anyone to believe that the solution to slow growth is to grow more slowly.”

-30-

Media Contact 

Alex Nanoff 
alex@liaisonstrategies.ca
media@forcitizenship.ca
+1 613 709 6318 

TELUS and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) are partnering together to make it easier for newcomers to stay connected as they begin their new journey in Canada.

Through this exciting partnership, TELUS is expanding its support for newcomers by providing exclusive deals on products and services across its family of brands through the ICC’s Canoo app, which helps newcomers experience the very best of Canada.Thanks to this partnership, newcomers using Canoo will enjoy exclusive access to exceptional discounts from TELUS, Koodo, Public Mobile, and Mobile Klinik, even without Canadian credit history.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo program to help newcomers start their journey in Canada with confidence through reliable, accessible solutions at TELUS,” said Chris Datta, Vice-president, Consumer Mobility Marketing at TELUS. “Our focus is to alleviate the challenges faced by newcomers by making it easy and affordable to activate our services, keeping them connected and helping them thrive.”

The Canoo app provides newcomers with free and  discounted access to over 2,000 of Canada’s best culture, nature and sport experiences, plus deals from many of the country’s leading brands, including TELUS.

“Connectivity is an essential part of modern life, and by offering such generous and supportive discounts, TELUS will make a real difference in the lives of so many newcomers as they establish themselves and begin the journey of becoming Canadian,” says Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC.”Through this partnership, TELUS is demonstrating its true commitment to welcoming newcomers and strengthening Canada. We’re grateful for their leadership and are proud to welcome TELUS to the Canoo family, alongside many other leading brands. ”

For more information, visit telus.com and canoo.ca

Media Contact

TELUS
Martin Nguyen
martin.nguyen@telus.com

The ICC
Arash Safavi
647.607.2971
media@forcitizenship.ca

Version française.

On October 3rd, 2024, the ROM in Toronto opened its doors to 30 new Canadian citizens, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward citizenship. This special day not only celebrated their achievements but also allowed them to create lasting memories within the museum’s rich tapestry of art and history, blending their own journeys with the cultural heritage housed in this iconic building.

The ceremony began with roundtable discussions where candidates shared their personal experiences. Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in their paths to becoming Canadian citizens. Each story highlighted resilience and hope.

Canadian rapper and broadcaster Shad K was a special guest, sharing his family’s immigration story.

“Like all newcomers, there were challenges,” Shad recalled, reflecting on his parents’ early days in Canada. “Finding stable work took time for my parents. But there were also caring people who helped us get on our feet. An older couple named Max and Vi Nicholson at St Michael’s And All Angels church, for example, used to drive my dad to his first job at a factory in St Thomas, Ontario—a 45-minute drive out of town—every day until they eventually just gave my dad their car—our first in Canada.”

He also shared his mother’s belief in the power of second chances:

“My mom used to always tell us that her favourite thing about Canadian society was how much you can fail here. Where and when she grew up, opportunities were scarce and there were almost no do-overs. But here, they let you do it again! As many times as you want. Re-apply, take a shot, take a risk, learn, get better, try again. I would encourage you all to keep that in mind.”

The ceremony also celebrated Caribbean Heritage Month with an exciting performance by Carnival Spice. The lively music got everyone moving and added to the joyful atmosphere. The day concluded with a collective singing of the National Anthem, led by Ankita Nandawat, bringing everyone together in unity.

This citizenship ceremony was more than just a formal event; it was a heartfelt celebration of diversity and community. As the new citizens left the museum, they carried with them pride in their new status and a sense of belonging.

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. 

New ICC-Deloitte Report and Playbook highlight winning ways for business leaders

NEWS RELEASE

October 8, 2024 – Companies across Canada are less competitive than they could be, and short-changing shareholders by leaving exceptional immigrant talent on the bench.

A new Employer Playbook for recruiting and retaining newcomers to Canada shows Canadian companies several ways they can boost their financial scores with the help of immigrants already in Canada and keen to get in the game. The Playbook is built on the results of a new report, “Talent to win”, which draws from an extensive series of confidential roundtables with employers, government and civil society leaders from across Canada, conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) in partnership with Deloitte.

“Imagine if the manager of the Toronto Raptors or Calgary Flames didn’t pick star players because they weren’t Canadian trained? They would be giving rival teams a significant competitive advantage.” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “If you’re down two goals late in the game, successful coaches get their best players on the ice, no matter where in the world they learned how to play.”

According to a seasoned investor and executive interviewed for the new report, Canada’s business leaders “don’t grasp how so much of the world is beating us.”

About the Playbook for Canadian Business Leaders

The Playbook includes real examples from companies who have seen their bottom lines increase after capitalizing on the underutilized and overlooked immigrant talent pool.

• An Eastern Canadian construction firm got around English language requirements and gained an edge on competitors by putting together crews that all spoke the same foreign language (one crew spoke Ukrainian, another spoke Hindi). They proved to be safer and more productive than average crews, thanks to their ability to work and communicate in the language they speak most naturally and their optimism for being given a chance to contribute more significantly.
• A Western Canadian natural resources company changed a hiring policy that previously required heavy equipment operators to have winter driving experience and found that immigrants who were new to snow drove more carefully and had fewer accidents.

Click here to download the Playbook

About the Report: Talent to win – Employers’ perspectives on immigrant underemployment and the immense upside of solving it

“Talent to win” is a unique collaboration between the ICC and Deloitte, which brought together over 40 leaders from business, government, and civil society to understand the causes of immigrant underemployment and surface creative workarounds that leading employers have enacted to put this immensely underused talent pool to work.

Beyond the reality of systemic discrimination, the roundtable discussions revealed that employers face several challenges, including: lack of ambition in business culture, inadequate onboarding and mentoring practices, blind spots in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks that don’t take country of origin into account, and a lack of support to navigate Canada’s complex immigration system – especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Click here to read the full Talent to Win report

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)

Since 2005, ICC’s programs have worked to give every newcomer to Canada the chance to become fully involved in our history, our culture, and our politics. More than 750,000 newcomers have participated in ICC’s Canoo program to discover all that Canada has to offer. The generous support from our donors and partners has enabled this impact.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories bringing world-class capabilities, insights, and service to address clients’ most complex business challenges.

Media Contact:

Alan Findlay

alan@curiouspublic.ca

437.882.5997