Ernesto, a lawyer, arrived in Canada from Venezuela in 2003 and just over a decade later in the summer of 2016 he became a Canadian citizen. Passionate about people, giving back, and contributing to his community, Ernesto and his family have dedicated themselves to actively volunteering and sharing the importance of helping others. His daughter was recently honoured at her high school graduation with an award from Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell for 2,500 hours of volunteering!
As someone with an interest in history and curiosity for people, Ernesto has said the Cultural Access Pass program has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about the history of Canada to feel closer to his new home. The Royal Ontario Museum has been a favourite attraction for this Toronto-based family, particularly the newest exhibit, Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story (on now until September 4th, 2017). Ernesto has valued his experience with CAP, and has said visiting these cultural attractions and allowing people to connect over similar interests in art and culture is the first step to build a more inclusive society.
Ernesto’s plans for the future as a Canadian citizen are to continue lending support to others with his volunteer work, practicing law, and continuing to explore Canada’s many cultural attractions with his family.
View the July CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Ernesto’s profile originally appeared
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.
Yesterday, we continued our partnership with Luminato, and came together for the fourth year to once again celebrate citizenship, community, and culture by hosting a community citizenship ceremony as part of the 2017 festival. This year’s ceremony took place in the famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto, a stunning venue to celebrate 29 new Canadian citizens!
Steve Paikin (from TVO’s The Agenda) presided over the ceremony that included traditional Indigenous dancers Leanne Enoose and her daughter Alexandria, as well as Maryem and Ernie Tollar who beautifully performed O Canada and gave a moving performance following the ceremony into the reception.
We had the privilege to hear several remarkable Canadians share their own personal stories of immigration; CBC’s Marivel Taruc who spoke of her journey to Canada from the Philippines 37 years ago and experiencing her first Canadian winter. As well as sharing stories we also heard many congratulations from notable speakers that included MPP Cheri DiNovo who welcomed 29 new citizens to “the Canadian family”. Luminato’s CEO Anthony Sargent remarked, “You’ve been engaged to Canada for several years. Today is the wedding!”, likening the significance of a citizenship ceremony to that of a wedding.
Overall, it was a joyous day of celebrating all that we most value as Canadians, with incredible performances, moving speeches, and a strong sense of community. Steve Paikin put it simply, “We have 29 new Canadian citizens now. Brilliant!”
ICC Community Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with Luminato Festival
June 20th, 2017 – The Famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square, Toronto ON
Photos: ICC/Alyssa K. Faoro
Click here for more photos.
For more information on partnering with the ICC to host a community citizenship ceremony, email us: ceremonypartnerships@forcitizenship.ca
In early 2016, the ICC joined the movement to help refugees displaced by the war in Syria. Our goal was to create a program that was free, family friendly, and fun. The result was Ahlan Canada, a program to introduce Canada to hundreds of Syrian families who’d just arrived, through some of its iconic cultural attractions.
The Ahlan program — Ahlan means welcome in Arabic — quickly became a favourite of the ICC staff and our cultural partners. We pioneered Ahlan events with our founding partners at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, and then expanded the program to include 15 cultural partners across the country. There were tours of Canadian exhibits, kids’ activities, visits to outdoor heritage sites, and two train trips on VIA Rail.
The key to every event was translation, and Ahlan Canada would not have been possible without the help of Arabic speakers who volunteered to bridge the language gap between the Syrian families and their cultural hosts. These weren’t professional interpreters, but rather everyday Canadians who answered our call for support. In all, 136 volunteers helped us host 786 Syrian newcomers at 20 Ahlan events across the country from March 2016 to January 2017.
Ahlan Canada, with its emphasis on community and culture, was a project of inclusion, a modest but warm welcome to a new home. At the ICC, it continues to inspire the work we do in creating connections and expanding access to our shared cultural spaces.
Passionate about nature and wide open spaces, Régis and Mathilde came from France to settle in Canada in 2009, and became Canadian citizens in 2016. Both Mathilde and Régis live in Montreal, a city which they describe as one of the most beautiful in the world. Mathilde holds a master’s degree in modern art’s and works at an aid agency for women. Régis holds a master’s degree in computer multimedia. He works as a Technical Director for his own business, which he founded in 2014. Lovers of travel and Canada, they help future newcomers by sharing their experiences and their advice through their travel blog; OmniTerra. Their favourite CAP attraction is the Museum of Fine Arts, in their hometown Montreal. Follow their adventures through their blog, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
View the June CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Régis and Mathilde’s profile originally appeared
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.
Monday May 15th marked the City of Toronto’s third annual Newcomer Day. It was a day of celebration and an example of a city coming together to stand up for diversity and commitment to inclusion. This is the second year that the Institute for Canadian Citizenship has proudly partnered with the City of Toronto to include a community citizenship ceremony as part of the day’s event. These strong partnerships produce significant public events that embody what we believe as Canadians; our differences only make us stronger. As one new citizen explained during the celebrations, “We’ve got different languages, different experiences, and that’s what Canada means to me.”
The day began in the City of Toronto’s council chambers where special roundtable discussions were held by the ICC. Elder Cat Criger opened the discussion by stating the significance of gathering in a circle, and how that action allows us to truly hear one another as equals, “Our people sit in a circle. All heads at the same height. All treated with respect. All have a voice.” Roundtable discussions are a unique part of ICC citizenship ceremonies and involve active members of the community engaging in discussions with new Canadian citizens on what citizenship means to them, and allow them an opportunity to share their stories and aspirations as new citizens.
Following the roundtables, candidates for citizenship were brought outside to Nathan Phillips Square for Mayor John Tory’s official Newcomer Day proclamation. Following Mayor Tory the excited crowd heard personal stories of immigration and inspiring speeches on inclusion and identity from community leaders like Zabeen Hirji, Chief Human Resources Officer at RBC, who stated, “Being Canadian means I can have a multidimensional identity. I don’t have to choose.” Friends and family were also treated to a variety of performances from the Nai Syrian Children’s Choir, Ubuntu Drum and Dance Theatre, and Indigenous dancer Ian Akiwenzie. These performances were a visual representation of the different cultures that come together to make Toronto a shining example of diversity. Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way, Toronto and York region, echoed these sentiments during his speech, “Our city is stronger because you are here… Our city is best when we all belong”.
Finally, the moment came, 40 individuals became Canadian citizens in front of the cheering crowd gathered in Nathan Phillips Square. Judge Albert Wong’s closing words embodied the collective feeling of all new Canadians on this day, “This is not the end of your citizenship journey. Your citizenship is an instrument to make our country even better.” Citizenship does not end after being handed your certificate, it is only the beginning of another chapter as a Canadian citizen.
ICC Community Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with the City of Toronto
May 15, 2017 – Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto ON
Photos: ICC/Alyssa K. Faoro
Click here for more photos.
For more information on partnering with the ICC to host a community citizenship ceremony, email us: ceremonypartnerships@forcitizenship.ca
Trisha moved to Canada in 2010 from Miami, Florida which was her home for 10 years. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she received her citizenship in June 2016 in Mississauga. After moving back to Canada, she decided to go back to school and learn more about sustainability, a subject she is extremely passionate about. Trisha graduated with a Master of Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo in October 2015. She also holds a Masters of Public Health and a Bachelors in Science in Chemistry and Management. Trisha is currently an Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer services. In her spare time, Trisha enjoys connecting with both nature and the built environment in all four seasons. During the winter you can find her ice skating or walking the exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Trisha’s favourite CAP attraction is The Montreal Biosphere at Parc Jean-Drapeau. She describes it as a “mystical landscape,” a term used to reflect a spiritual contentedness with the environment. You can follow Trisha’s journey’s on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
[View the May CAP Members’ Newsletter, where Trisha’s profile originally appeared]
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.
