By Adiba Hasan

The latest operational data from IRCC are now available in the ICC Immigration Dashboard, showing that permanent residence (PR) admissions have reached 63% of Canada’s 2024 target. During the same period in 2023 (January to July), PR admissions had already reached 65%, signalling a slightly slower admission rate in 2024.

In July 2024, 47,770 PRs were admitted, marking a 6.9% increase month-over-month, and a 17% increase year-over-year. In 2024, July had the highest number of PR admissions. Despite reaching this peak in July, overall PR admissions from January to July 2024 have seen a slight decrease of 0.16% (or 485 fewer admissions) compared to the same period in 2023.

Changing Dynamics Across Source Countries

The following chart compares Permanent Resident (PR) admissions from January to July 2024 with the same period in 2023, focusing on source countries with significant percentage increases.

There was a sharp rise in PR admissions from Ukraine, with a staggering 114.7% increase, likely due to the ongoing geopolitical conflict driving more individuals to seek permanent residence in Canada.

Countries with a large francophone population, such as Cameroon (+100.55%), Algeria (+63.79%), and Morocco (+23.88%), have shown increases in Permanent Resident (PR) admissions between January and July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This corresponds to the goal of increasing the Francophone community to support French-speaking communities across the country.

In addition to the notable upticks in PR admissions, it’s important to highlight the significant rise in admissions from the Philippines.

With a 23.14% increase, the Philippines remains one of Canada’s key source countries for new immigrants, seeing a growth from 16,765 in 2023 to 20,645 in 2024. 

PR Admissions by Source Country, % Increase

The ICC Immigration Dashboard data from January to July 2024 also reveal significant declines in permanent residence (PR) admissions from other source countries, when compared to the same period in 2023.

Source countries that saw significant declines are Iraq (-25.95%), Jamaica (-22.92%), and Brazil (-22.38%). The United States and the United Kingdom also saw substantial drops of 22.12% and 22.01%, respectively. Countries like Congo, DRC (-20.71%) and South Korea (-18.12%) also experienced double-digit decreases. Traditionally high-immigration source countries like China (-11.33%) and India (-9.65%) witnessed smaller but notable reductions, signalling the changing immigration dynamics, possibly linked to Canada’s evolving immigration policies.

This overall downward trend in PR admissions may reflect tighter immigration policies, global economic shifts, or other external factors affecting migration patterns.

PR Admissions by Source Country, % Decrease

Version française.

On September 13, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship welcomed 48 new citizens from 13 countries at a beautiful ceremony held at Norquest College. This event was not just about formalities; it was a heartfelt celebration of diverse journeys and new beginnings.

The ceremony began with storytelling circles, where candidates shared their emotions—gratitude, excitement, happiness. Many talked about the challenges they faced, the families they missed, and the sacrifices made along the way. Yet, there was overwhelming joy in starting fresh in Canada. Lance Scout, our Indigenous representative, shared important insights about Indigenous peoples in Canada, highlighting the need for understanding and reconciliation. His words reminded everyone of our shared responsibility to foster unity and respect.

Then, we moved to the citizenship ceremony where Carolyn Campbell, CEO of Norquest College, welcomed candidates and their guests with genuine enthusiasm. Her heartfelt congratulations celebrated their hard work and commitment to this significant milestone. The ceremony featured stunning performances, including bagpiper Jerry Hove and singer Karella Cummings, whose rendition of the National Anthem captivated the audience. Their music added a special touch to the day.

The enhanced citizenship ceremony was a memorable celebration of resilience and community. As these new citizens embark on their journey in Canada, we welcome them to a vibrant and inclusive society. Welcome to your new beginning!

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 September 5, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity where 25 individuals from 12 countries became Canadian citizens with a picturesque background.

The storytelling circles at the beginning of the ceremony were filled with a range of emotions, including gratitude, excitement, and a hint of anxiety. One candidate expressed, “We are all so grateful to have moved here and received our citizenship. We’ve experienced the openness and diversity of the culture firsthand. Each of us has our own unique story, and we have felt the warmth of the people who embraced us. We’ve also seen how welcoming the Indigenous communities have been.”

Chris Lorway, the CEO and President of the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, extended a heartfelt welcome to candidates and their guests, inviting them into a vibrant space infused with inspiration. With genuine enthusiasm, he congratulated them on reaching this remarkable milestone, acknowledging the dedication and passion that brought them here.

The singer, Stephanie O’Dette, captivated the audience with her soulful voice and powerful stage presence, leaving a lasting impression as new citizens and their guests rejoiced in their new home country’s national anthem.

This enhanced ceremony unfolded against the stunning backdrop of Banff, where newly sworn-in Canadian citizens, joined by their family and friends, spent the rest of the day exploring the breathtaking surroundings. It was a truly wonderful introduction to their new home, 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 September 17, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted a memorable enhanced citizenship ceremony at Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum where 47 individuals from 15 countries proudly became Canadian citizens.

Lauri Hoeg, Anishinaabe Kwe and a proud member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, set a profound tone at the storytelling circles, sharing insightful teachings about Indigenous Peoples in Canada that resonated deeply with attendees. Her engaging narratives illuminated the rich history and culture of Indigenous communities, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among all present. To further enhance the experience, she captivated the audience with her beautiful singing during the ceremony, weaving together the threads of tradition and celebration in a truly memorable way.

“I can think of no better place to have a citizenship ceremony than right here in this building – built by The Children of Peace.  Today, you become Canadian citizens in a building symbolic of Canadian democracy. This architectural masterpiece was built between 1825 and 1831 and was used to collect alms as a way to support their charitable programs.”, said Ian Proudfoot, President of the Sharon Temple Museum Society.

Mayor Virginia Hackson, sixth mayor of East Gwillimbury since 1970, and the second woman to hold this position, warmly welcomed the new Canadians to their new town, making this ceremony even more special.

Sharon Temple’s historical significance remains a beacon of light in present-day East Gwillimbury, much like other museums, historical sites, and parks across Canada that newcomers can explore through the Canoo App. This platform offers an opportunity for newcomers to connect with Canada’s rich heritage and discover the stories that shape our nation.

The celebration culminated in a stunning performance by C’est Jazz, a talented choir of high school students from Huron Heights Secondary School, led by Arlene Charters. Their heartfelt and unique rendition of the national anthem left a lasting impression, perfectly capturing the spirit of the occasion.

The reception was a delightful celebration, with attendees savoring the lovely weather alongside wraps and cupcakes. Newly sworn-in Canadian citizens, accompanied by their family and friends, embraced the day by exploring the museum, creating lasting memories as they marked this significant milestone in their lives.

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. 

Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for over 750,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. For this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we’re taking a look at our members and venues in Ottawa to better understand Canoo’s presence in our nation’s capital.

Canoo Memberships Continue to Increase

Since we published our last Canoo Insights Report in June, Canoo membership continued to increase. The following graph shows overall Canoo member growth (adults + children) and monthly member growth from June to August 2024.

Correction note December 3, 2024: The following graph was previously mislabeled as “New Adult Canoo Members” and “Total Adult Canoo Members”. The labels have been updated to reflect that the graph shows both adult members and the children associated with them.

Canoo Member Growth June – August, 2024

Ottawa Canoo Members

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a vibrant city with diverse activities for locals and visitors alike. The following graph demonstrates adult Canoo member growth in Ottawa in 2024 so far (January 1 – August 31). The bar chart displays increases in adult Canoo memberships in Ottawa per month in 2024. The line graph displays total adult Canoo members in Ottawa. Canoo membership has grown steadily in Ottawa, reaching nearly 40,000 adult Canoo members by the end of July 2024.

Canoo Member Growth in Ottawa

Ottawa Canoo Member Demographics

Most Popular Ottawa Venues

Ottawa has a wealth of museums and galleries that showcase history, art, and culture from Canada and around the world. Check out the graph below to see some of the most popular Canoo venues in the Ottawa region, based on the number of admissions from January to July 2024.

Ottawa Canoo Venues by Admissions

Out-of-Province Canoo Admissions in Ottawa

In an earlier Canoo Insights Report, we shared how Canoo members use the app to travel across Canada. And as you can see from the graph above, Ottawa has plenty of exciting venues to keep visitors entertained. It’s no wonder so many Canoo members are travelling to this great city! The following graphs show how many Canoo members from each province (outside of Ontario) visited Canoo venues from January to July 2024. The graphs are split into visits from Canoo members located in the east, central, and west regions.

Canoo Visitors from Eastern Canada

Canoo Visitors from Central Canada

Canoo Visitors from Western Canada

Version française.

On August 20th, the ICC celebrated a big occasion with its first citizenship ceremony in Quebec City, held at the iconic Morrin Cultural Centre. This historic venue, which once served as a jail and now houses a beautiful library, provided a fitting backdrop for welcoming 29 new Canadian citizens from 15 different countries.

The Morrin Centre was the perfect choice for this ceremony, given its mission to enrich both English- and French-speaking communities with its diverse programming in heritage interpretation, education, and arts. The Centre regularly hosts a range of events, including an annual writers’ festival, concerts, children’s activities, readings, and lectures, making it a vibrant hub of cultural and educational engagement.

The day began with a heartfelt roundtable discussion, where candidates had the opportunity to share their personal experiences and journeys to Canadian citizenship in a supportive environment. Elder Raymond Gros-Louis took part in this discussion, sharing his blessings and emphasizing the significance of Indigenous representation in Quebec and Canada as a whole. He spoke about the harmonious relationship between nature and humanity, and how it contributes to the greatness of Canada.

Following the discussions, the formal ceremony started with Gendarme François Poirier and the platform party leading the proceedings. Judge Rania Sfeir guided the candidates through the oath of citizenship, marking their official entry into Canadian society. The ceremony culminated in a moving rendition of “O Canada,” performed by Montreal singer Thierry Renaud. For many, this was the first time they sang the national anthem as Canadian citizens, adding an extra layer of significance to the moment.

Despite the rainy weather that day, the event ended with an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment.

Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate this extraordinary milestone in the lives of our new citizens. Here’s to the new chapter in their lives and to the ongoing journey of building a united and diverse 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. 

By Adiba Hasan

At the midyear point, the ICC Immigration Dashboard reveals that permanent residence (PR) admissions have reached 53% of the 2024 immigration target. In June 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 44,540 PRs, reflecting a 5% decrease from May 2024 but a 5% increase compared to June 2023.

Mid-Year Citizenship Trend

Unlike the Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines specific targets for permanent resident (PR) admissions, IRCC does not establish targets for citizenship admissions. This lack of defined citizenship targets creates barriers to tracking and understanding naturalization trends, making it difficult to gauge how many PRs become citizens annually. However, IRCC monitors monthly citizenship approvals, which are reflected in the ICC Immigration Dashboard.

The chart below compares monthly citizenship admissions between January and June 2024 and the same period in 2023. In the first half of 2023, IRCC welcomed 177,920 new citizens. Comparatively, during the same months in 2024, 206,854 individuals were granted Canadian citizenship – 16% more than the number of citizens admitted in 2023.

In 2024, citizenship admissions reached 54% of the total citizenship admissions recorded for the entirety of 2023. This highlights a growing trend in citizenship uptake among eligible permanent residents.

Bill C-71: Shaping the Future of Canadian Citizenship

Bill C-71 proposes a significant amendment to the Citizenship Act by repealing the “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent. This limit, introduced in 2009, restricts citizenship transmission to only the first generation born abroad to Canadian parents. The repeal could enable thousands of individuals, previously ineligible due to this rule, to claim Canadian citizenship.

By removing this restriction, Bill C-71 could lead to a notable increase in citizenship applications and approvals in the coming years, contributing to the overall trend of rising citizenship numbers observed in 2024.

However, the potential influx of new citizens could strain already stretched resources for processing applications, leading to longer wait times and backlogs. Additionally, it could complicate the management of social services and benefits, as newly recognized citizens may have different needs and expectations from those who have lived in Canada long-term.

What are your thoughts?

• How might the repeal of the first-generation limit under Bill C-71 influence Canada’s long-term population and demographic landscape?
• What strategies should the government implement to manage the potential surge in citizenship applications effectively?

Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Are you interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

Version française.

On August 16, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony with a zoo-twist at the Toronto Zoo. Coinciding with the zoo’s 50th birthday this year, 48 individuals from 13 countries became Canadian citizens among the animals.

The ceremony began with an inspiring address by Elder Catherine Tammaro, a distinguished Spotted Turtle Clan FaithKeeper. Elder Tammaro shared profound insights into the history and significance of Indigenous peoples in Canada, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between the land, its people, and the cultural heritage that forms the foundation of the nation. Her presence underscored the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse histories that contribute to Canada’s identity and respect towards animals.

Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, echoed the spirit of inclusivity and excitement, warmly welcoming the new citizens to “their zoo.” This momentous occasion was not only a celebration of citizenship but also a reminder of the vibrant community that Canada offers. The Canoo App was highlighted as a gateway for newcomers to enjoy Canada’s myriad activities, museums, parks, and more.

The celebration was further enriched by a dynamic performance from Vishal Bedi, known as Blessings Flutes. His enchanting covers of popular music invigorated the crowd, adding an element of joy and celebration to the festivities. Followed by Ankita Nandawat closing the ceremony with a breathtaking and original rendition of the Canadian anthem.

During the reception, attendees were delighted by a special surprise: a visit from a couple of the zoo’s charming residents. A friendly snake and a graceful parrot. The newly sworn-in Canadian citizens, along with their family and friends, spent the rest of the day exploring the zoo—a delightful introduction to just a small part of their new home, Canada.

Happy 50th Toronto Zoo and congratulations to the new Canadian citizens!

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 August 12th, Ottawa’s National Arts Centre hosted a citizenship ceremony for 38 new Canadians from 14 countries. The event, themed for International Youth Day, highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future. The NAC’s focus on arts and culture made it the perfect space for celebrating new citizens and inspiring the community with the energy and potential of youth.

The ceremony began with a roundtable discussion, providing candidates a safe space to share their stories and backgrounds, allowing others to connect with these experiences. This was further enriched by Indigenous representative Marc Forgette, who offered his blessings and spoke about his own experiences and Indigenous communities in Canada.

The official ceremony followed, where candidates took the oath of citizenship and officially became Canadian citizens. They were fortunate to have Marianne Keuleman sing the National Anthem with them for the first time, and Kondwani Mwase, Executive Director of Audience Engagement at the NAC, delivered congratulatory remarks.

A big thank you to the NAC, volunteers, and roundtable hosts for their efforts in making the experience memorable and ensuring that candidates and their families had an incredible day. A special thanks also to our photographer, Sandra Ivleva, who captured beautiful moments that will be cherished forever.

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.

Music and art have a unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds. So, it was no surprise that on July 25th, 38 new Canadian citizens from 19 different countries were thrilled to take their oath of citizenship at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The enhanced citizenship ceremony hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship was full of emotions including gratitude and excitement as these individuals took their oath of citizenship. Surrounded by the rich history and cultural diversity that define Canada, they celebrated their journey to becoming part of the Canadian mosaic, a vibrant tapestry woven with stories from around the globe.

Before the storytelling circles began, to share stories and wishes for the future, the candidates left inspirational messages in the ICC guest book to leave a note to future citizens. One person wrote, “Always stay happy, everything comes in time”. These messages are to offer words of encouragement as people join the Canadian family.

Candidates and guests alike were overjoyed to have staff from the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Immigrants Working Centre act as storytelling guides to lead these conversations that helped connect the candidates with each other.

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.