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John Albin and Geraldine Arceo immigrated to Canada in November 2012 from Pampanga, Philippines. Their first goal was to settle down; establish a stable, happy family; and “make new friends.”

They became citizens on April 24, 2018. “Life became easier for us. We enjoy everything we do. We were given the chance to travel [easily with Canadian passports]. [We are] enjoying all the privileges and opportunities for a healthy future,” says Geraldine.

John and Geraldine love spending time outdoors with their family. “[We] live and enjoy healthy lifestyles,” says Geraldine, “We love camping, road tripping, and adventures.”

John and Geraldine are taking full advantage of their Cultural Access Passes—they have visited museums, national parks and provincial parks with their CAP cards. They also plan on traveling with their family before their CAP cards expire next month.

Geraldine remarks, “Becoming a Canadian citizen is like finding a new and better home.”

About CAP: For nearly 10 years, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) has delivered the Cultural Access Pass (CAP), an innovative, best-in-class program that gives new citizens access to Canadian culture.

Be featured in our newsletter: Tag CAP and use the hashtag #CAPCanada in your social media posts for your chance to be the next CAP member or alumni featured, or send an email to cap@forcitizenship.ca

Noaman Ahmed received his Canadian citizenship on February 5, 2018 with his family. Noaman had more than 12 years of oil and gas experience when he arrived in Canada in 2013, which motivated him and his family to move from Pakistan to Calgary.

Reflecting on 2018, Noaman says that it was a “fantastic year” for his family. In addition to receiving their Canadian citizenship, they visited their home country of Pakistan; Noaman completed his Master’s degree from the University of Calgary; and they have used their Canoo (formerly known as Cultural Access Pass) cards to visit many places in Alberta. In addition to using their Canoo (CAP) cards to visit popular attractions such as the TELUS Spark science centre and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Noaman and his family also received free tickets to the 2018 Calgary Stampede from the Canoo (Cultural Access Pass) program.

Noaman notes that his family loves hiking and camping, something that they started doing when they moved to Canada. He and his family have used their Canoo (CAP) cards to visit parks such as Jasper National Park. They “simply loved it.”

In regards to the Canoo (Cultural Access Pass) program, Noaman says that it feels like Canada is investing in his family as new citizens and wants them to learn about the rich Canadian culture and heritage. “Even the staff at these locations congratulate us on becoming citizens!” he explains. “[Canoo is an] awesome experience; after waiting for four years for our citizenship, this is an excellent gift. [I am] thoroughly enjoying it with my family.

“We as new Canadian citizens have sacrificed a lot for this citizenship,” says Noaman, “Leaving your country, loved ones, job, [and] friends is not easy. And because of all these sacrifices, we respect and value this citizenship and will do all it takes to grow and prosper [in] our new home, Canada.”

TORONTO, January 23, 2019—Thirty years after immigrating to Canada at the age of 15, Yasir Naqvi has been named CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). Pro-democracy advocates, Yasir’s family emigrated from Pakistan to Canada in 1988. Inspired by his parents, Yasir spent the past 11 years serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing a diverse community in Ottawa. In 2016, he was sworn in as the Attorney General of Ontario. Educated at McMaster University, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, and Carleton University, Yasir was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2001 and went on to practise international trade and administrative law with major law firms.

Yasir has marked our idea of citizenship in multiple ways. While Attorney General of Ontario, he implemented the All Families Are Equal Actto ensure that all children are treated equally, regardless of how they are conceived, and recognize the legal status of all parents. He also championed new laws to prevent sexual violence and help survivors, increase respect for the rights and cultures of Indigenous peoples, expand access to restorative justice, and promote multiculturalism.

The ICC is Canada’s leading citizenship organization and the world’s foremost voice on citizenship and inclusion. Its national grassroots programs include the Cultural Access Pass, the only program of its kind in the world, and Building Citizenship, which organizes its acclaimed community citizenship ceremonies. Its cutting-edge Ideas & Insights program is redefining how we talk about diversity and belonging. The ICC is the convenor of 6 Degrees, an international conversation on immigration, refugees, diversity, and citizenship. Based in Toronto, 6 Degrees has taken place in cities across Canada, as well as in The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. 6 Degrees now has its European hub in Berlin, will soon be taking place in Mexico City, and will be back in Calgary on March 14, 2019.

Adrienne Clarkson, Co-Chair of the ICC:
“Yasir Naqvi’s powerful and moving story, and his engagement as a Canadian citizen, are a dynamic representation of what the ICC stands for—citizenship, diversity and belonging.”

John Ralston Saul, Co-Chair of the ICC:
“Yasir Naqvi’s passion for strengthening the wellbeing of citizens makes him a perfect match for the mission of the ICC, not only in Canada, but around the world.”

Yasir Naqvi, CEO of the ICC:
“I know firsthand that citizenship is far more than where you were born, as it is shaped by our communities and values. That is why I am proud to join the ICC to lead their drive to promote diversity and inclusion across Canada and around the world. I am looking forward to taking part in events and meeting new citizens and friends of the ICC across the country as quickly as possible, starting with upcoming citizenship ceremonies in Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.”

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Powered by a passionate and committed national network, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is an independent civil society organization co-founded by The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. The ICC delivers programs and special projects that inspire Canadians to be inclusive, create opportunities to connect, and encourage active citizenship. The Cultural Access Pass is unique in the world, offering new citizens free access to more than 1400 cultural attractions during their first year of citizenship. Partnering with community volunteers and iconic cultural institutions, the ICC celebrates new Canadian citizens at more than 75 community citizenship ceremonies each year. Ideas & Insights is a leading source of research on citizenship and inclusion—social, cultural, political, and economic. 6 Degrees extends the reach of the ICC’s work through a global conversation on inclusion and belonging in the 21st century. www.forcitizenship.ca

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is pleased to announce it has received financial support of $75,000 from the Canada History Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for its 6 Degrees Dictionary.

The 6 Degrees Dictionary offers a user’s guide to inclusion. We have taken 12 words, the currency of so much disagreement and misunderstanding, and recast them to provoke and inspire.

The first iteration of the dictionary was presented at this year’s 6 Degrees Toronto, an annual three-day forum in Toronto that brings together thousands of thinkers, doers, civic leaders, students, artists, and more from around the world for conversations on how to build inclusive societies. The funding from Canadian Heritage will enable the ICC to continue the conversation with even more people, giving all of us better language to raise the level of our civic dialogue.

“Our government is pleased to support projects like this one that provide an excellent opportunity for Canadians to learn about and participate in important civic discussions,” said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. “This year, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, we are proud to reiterate its commitment to promote inclusion, and to show how diversity is a great source of strength and pride.”

“The ICC’s 6 Degrees Dictionary project has national and international implications. We need to know what we mean when we talk about immigration and belonging. This is essential for building inclusion,” said ICC Co-chair and Co-founder John Ralston Saul. “We are delighted that the Department of Canadian Heritage is supporting it. And we are very excited about the building of this dictionary, not only in French and English, but also in German and Spanish, given our current projects in Berlin and Mexico City.”

Meet Canoo member Jacqulin Chrystal, who became a Canadian citizen this year.

“I chose Canada because this country is world-renowned as a thriving economy with the most beautiful natural splendour and having a strong humanitarian culture,” says Jacqulin. “It is such a privilege to know that I now have a voice in choosing who will lead and steward this beautiful country of Canada!

“What I love most about Canada is the majestic beauty of nature from coast to coast to coast [and] the Canadian way of being tolerant, law-abiding and polite.”

Her favourite place to visit with her Canoo app is the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. “The very varied history of Canada is fascinating,” says Jacqulin, “Although I probably only managed to see about a quarter of the exhibits at the museum, I was captivated by the detailed information about each of the museum artifacts.

“Understanding another’s culture and how it has evolved enables one to appreciate the background and history that have formed each sector of society. It is imperative in a multicultural society that tolerance of each other’s culture is demonstrated, within the boundaries of ascribing to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“I am so grateful to Canoo for giving me the opportunity in this first year of being Canadian to visit museums, art galleries, other cultural places, as well as the national parks, so that my heart will understand and come to love my new country as my own!”

Originally from Milano, Italy, Grazia Masi came to Canada in December of 2009. Grazia received her citizenship on Canada Day this year, and she was in the first group in all of Canada to recite the oath that day. “Very emotional!” she says.

“Canada seemed the best choice for multiculturalism and I wasn’t wrong!” Grazia says, “I wanted to live here and I had my plan ready when I moved here. It didn’t always [go] so smoothly, but in the end it worked out. Moving to Canada helped me to face a really difficult time in my life and to start a new chapter in my life. I learned a new language and made other friends and appreciated a different culture. Now I find [it] rude not keeping a door open for someone, and I say sorry often!”

In regards to the Cultural Access Pass program, Grazia says: “What a treat! I visited museums here in Toronto, [and] I visited them in Montreal and Quebec City and St. John’s. I went to a Music in the Afternoon [performance] at the Faculty of Music [at the University of Toronto], to a night at the opera, and to plays at Hart House. Every time I use the Cultural Access Pass, I am welcomed from front-of-house staff and tour guides. In addition, this program makes me feel that this country is taking the time to welcome me and give me the opportunity to explore a lot of attractions that it would be expensive to appreciate [otherwise]. I feel that CAP is a way to include everyone new and make them part of Canada. [CAP is] a welcoming experience in a welcoming country.”

Grazia believes that cultural spaces act as a special form of social inclusion: “Social inclusion lets everyone feel valued and appreciated. Cultural places are the spaces where you can create and harmonize different values. Through poetry, music, crafts, books, and so on, it is possible to understand, appreciate, and welcome different cultures and beliefs.”

“All of us [new Canadians], we have a different story and a different background. And that is our strength. The best thing is to use it to our advantage,” says Grazia. “I believe that every new Canadian wants to be part in creating a better place to live and prosper.”

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 Vancouver Art Gallery to welcome 30 new Canadian citizens at our ceremony in Vancouver on October 10, 2018.

Below are a few highlights from the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Institute for Canadian Citizenship/Geoff Howe

This month’s CAP Spotlight focuses on Khalil Zahr, a new Canadian citizen originally from Lebanon (pictured furthest on the left).

“We came to Canada in May 2011 from Lebanon after a long career as an international civil servant working as an advisor with the United Nations. We chose Canada to settle in after retirement, where our children could pursue their tertiary education and build their future in a country that always ranked high on the scale of human development,” says Khalil. “Also, where my wife who is an experienced teacher can pursue her career. As [for] myself, Canada was always ideal home to pursue my dreams.

“I became a Canadian citizen on April 11, 2018. My life has certainly changed [for] the better thanks to the quality of life that Canada offers in its various aspects, particularly [in] the cultural, social and political spheres. I also am enjoying our new friendships that we made since coming to Canada.

“I am a freelance writer and commentator, primarily on energy, environment and socio-economic development. I also enjoy volunteer work. Since 2013, I have been a volunteer advisor on program development with a leading Canadian NGO: Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO).”

Khalil has enjoyed using his Cultural Access Pass in Ontario, as he “enjoy arts and culture and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and AGO” among others cultural attractions. “I took advantage of the many offers made through CAP, particularly the cultural events,” he says, “[Arts and culture] helps us [new Canadians] appreciate our common humanity, and its diverse expressions which is culture.”

“Canadians should know that whether old or new, all of us are one family, and Canada will always be the home for all to live and prosper,” says Kahlil. “The new Canadian citizens are simply new additions to this very special family, and this spacious and beautiful home.”

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 Via Rail to welcome 40 new Canadian citizens at our ceremony in Ottawa in October 25, 2018.

Below are a few highlights from the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Institute for Canadian Citizenship/Andrea Cardin