CAP member Bilal received his citizenship only a few weeks ago. We reached out to Bilal after he received hundreds of comments on his Reddit post about the Cultural Access Pass and becoming a Canadian citizen. Here’s Bilal’s Spotlight, in his own words.
My name is Bilal El Houri. I was born in Beirut, Lebanon, but moved to Canada in June of 2012 after living for 5 years in Dubai. I didn’t feel at “home” in the Middle East so I wanted to move to a country where I feel that I belong. My goals when I moved were mainly to be part of a community and start building roots.
After I moved to Canada, I lived in Edmonton for 3 years. On the very first time I left Canada for a vacation, when I came back to the Edmonton airport, the passport officer said to me “welcome home!”, that was a moment that I will never forget, it made me fall in love with Canada and its people.
I became a citizen in February 2018. My life changed drastically since I now really feel “at home” and feel that I belong. I’m definitely looking forward to voting!
In spring/summer times I like to spend my time outdoors and hiking in Ontario. I also like film photography and improv. I’ve only been to ROM with [my Cultural Access Pass] but I’m planning to explore more places when the weather gets better. Almost all of my Canadian friends were jealous after I told them what [the Cultural Access Pass] was, since they’re born here [in Canada]!
[Cultural places] open our minds and hearts to different cultures and histories, we probably never have exposure to them if it weren’t for cultural places. [As a new Canadian], these places help me understand and learn Canada’s culture and history.
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. It’s time to shift CAP to the digital age. Support the ICC.
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
The Cultural Access Pass provides members with free admission to more than 1,400 of Canada’s premier cultural attractions, as well as discounts to travel and explore during their first year of citizenship.
This month, the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre in Canmore, AB, joins the CAP program to welcome new Canadian citizens with free general admission as a CAP Attraction. The Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre is dedicated to sharing the stories of the Bow Valley mountains and communities.
If you live in Canmore or the surrounding area, be sure to visit to explore this amazing museum.
To find attractions in your area, head to Cultural Access Pass Directory and search your city.
Rajendra Goorye and his family came to Canada in November of 2012. He was in search of not only a better life and a higher standard of living, but also the chance for his young family to access strong education. One of his first goals when settling into Canada was to find a good school for his three young children. He became a citizen in February of 2017.
Now that he is a Canadian citizen, Rajendra is looking forward to traveling. His Canadian passport has opened up doors for him, allowing him to visit the United States, and he soon wants to visit the East and West coasts of Canada. During his spare time, Rajendra likes to garden, watch movies and go for long drives just to discover new places.
Rajendra used his Cultural Access Pass often with his family; he visited museums, parks and more in both Ottawa and Toronto, including Algonquin Park. He says that he always brought along his children and they enjoyed all the activities. In particular, they love visiting the Ontario Science Centre. “[CAP is] very beneficial, helpful and worth it! I have a family of 5 and if I had to pay to visit all these places…” he says. “To be honest it would not always be possible, so thanks a lot [to the Cultural Access Pass].”
A key part of active citizenship, Rajendra believes, is embracing the culture of others and showing respect to every person, and cultural spaces play a key role in building that inclusion. “By going to cultural places I get to know Canada better, learn more about its history and feel part of the community. [Cultural places allow] people to learn more and increase their knowledge,” he says, “and then they are able to transfer this into their daily lives in their neighbourhood, at school or at work. We get to meet and connect with other people. We are all part of the same community, we all work [here] and we should be happy to live in a multicultural country.”
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. It’s time to shift CAP to the digital age. Support the ICC.
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
The Cultural Access Pass provides members with free admission to more than 1,400 of Canada’s premier cultural attractions, as well as discounts to travel and explore during their first year of citizenship.
This month, the Whistler Museum in Whistler, BC, joins the CAP program to welcome new Canadian citizens with free general admission as a CAP Attraction. A great indoor Whistler activity, the Whistler Museum is a fantastic option for a rainy day or a much needed rest-day from skiing – including the chance to take your photograph with a real Olympic torch.
If you live in Whistler or the surrounding area, be sure to visit with your Cultural Access Pass membership card.
To find attractions in your area, head to Cultural Access Pass Directory and search your city.
The Cultural Access Pass provides members with free admission to more than 1,400 of Canada’s premier cultural attractions, as well as discounts to travel and explore during their first year of citizenship.
This month, the Art Gallery of Guelph in Guelph, ON, joins the CAP program to welcome new Canadian citizens with free general admission as a CAP Attraction and Pickup Location. The Art Gallery of Guelph, one of Canada’s leading public art museums, is constantly developing new ways to engage diverse audiences and to increase the relevance of programs, particularly for youth and families, and firmly holds that access to the arts provides access to life. As such, they are also offering CAP members free AGG Family Memberships!*
If you live in Guelph or the surrounding area, be sure to visit to have your Cultural Access Pass membership card printed and/or pick up your AGG Family Membership!*
To find attractions in your area, head to Cultural Access Pass Directory and search your city.
*The AGG is offering a free AGG family membership to valid CAP members – please visit the gallery for more information.
