Toronto, Ontario, Jan 16, 2024  – Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), Canada’s leading newcomer-serving charity, to produce Canada’s largest and most comprehensive insights program to understand the Canadian newcomer experience.  The study, which is the largest of its kind, will provide an understanding of newcomers throughout their immigration journey, from recent arrival to becoming Canadian citizens, and beyond. 

The research will bring the voices of 10,000 verified newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to win in Canada’s fastest growing market segment and play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to, as proud citizens. 

Through this unique partnership, the ICC and Ipsos are launching a new syndicated tracking program to provide continuous access to agencies and service providers, with information to expand and improve the services they provide to newcomers across Canada.  

Cynthia Pachovski, CEO of Ipsos in Canada remarked, “We are delighted at the prospect of building an insights partnership with the ICC that raises the voices of Canadian newcomers. This collaboration reinforces Ipsos’ commitment to understanding a global and diverse population and providing our clients with a total understanding of society, markets and people in an ever-evolving world.” 

Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC emphasized the authenticity and value of the insights that will be generated. “So many people claim to speak for immigrants. Thanks to this partnership, the verified adult immigrants we serve through our Canoo program can speak for themselves, and be heard. We worked hard to find the very best partner to bring this unique enterprise to market. Ipsos is clearly that partner.”  

About Ipsos 

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques. “Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.  

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP.  

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) 

The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship.  Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.  

For more information on this news release, please contact: 

For Ipsos: 
Sanyam Sethi 
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs 
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com 
+1 416 324-2307 

Sébastien Dallaire  
Senior Vice President 
Sebastien.Dallaire@ipsos.com 
+1 514 443-4758 

For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship 

Alex Nanoff 
Principal, Liaison Strategies 
alex@liaisonstrategies.ca
media@forcitizenship.ca
+1 613 709 6318 

By Adiba Hasan

The ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC is well on its way to reaching its goal for the year having admitted 80% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.

According to IRCC data, 37% of the PR admissions were people who transitioned from holding temporary residency in Canada to becoming permanent residents. However, new research commissioned by the ICC shows that immigration levels only show part of the story; immigrants are leaving Canada in growing numbers.

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Diving into the Trends:

The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows a pattern of PR admissions experiencing a dip every August. For reference, the ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the following dips between June to September every year since 2018:

Each year, between July and August, there’s an average decrease of 13%. However, September typically witnesses an uptick in PR admissions. In 2023, we observed a different pattern than in the previous years. There is a steady decrease from 42,405 permanent residents admitted in June, followed by a slight dip to 40,630 in July, a more substantial drop to 34,920 in August, following a further dip to 32,065 in September.

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Challenges and Departures:

While the government diligently focuses on achieving its immigration targets, new research by the ICC and the Conference Board of Canada shows that immigrants are leaving Canada at alarming rates, with spikes in the most recent years for which data are available. The report, The Leaky Bucket, shows that onward migration has been creeping up since the 1980s. The findings suggest that immigration levels and associated concerns with impacts on infrastructure and public services cannot be viewed in isolation — the number of immigrants coming to Canada must be contextualized with the number of immigrants choosing to leave.

Read the full report here: Immigrants leaving Canada in growing numbers

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Source Countries and Naturalization:

The top four source countries for new Canadian citizens between January to September 2023 were India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Pakistan. New Canadian citizens from Iran and China show month-to-month fluctuations.

Notably, India and China, which do not permit dual citizenship, exhibit the most significant disparities between permanent residents and choosing to naturalize.

While naturalization is decreasing among all major source countries, research conducted by Andrew Griffith and published by the ICC shows that restrictions on dual nationality has a “limited impact on overall naturalization rates“. One significant insight from the research is that permanent residents are taking much longer to naturalize. Combined with the recent findings that growing numbers of immigrants are leaving Canada, serious questions are being raised about immigrants’ satisfaction with life in Canada.

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Maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming society is crucial, but it is equally vital to recognize that Canada has not been paying close enough attention to the experiences of immigrants once they arrive. As ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard aptly puts it, “If we are able to attract but not retain talent from the rest of the world, then all of our prosperity is threatened.”

• What are the consequences for Canada if immigrants no longer commit to building their futures here?
• How can Canada proactively work to retain immigrants and continue to attract the diverse talent it needs to thrive in a globalized world?

We invite you, our readers, to share your valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives on these pressing matters. Your engagement is vital as we work to shape Canada’s immigration policies and ensure an inclusive and welcoming future for all.

Stay informed through the immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.

Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2023

More newcomers will gain even more access to the best of Quebec and Canada through the enhanced Canoo Access Pass.

MONTREAL, QC — The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is pleased to certify Montreal’s Danse Danse as a Canoo Newcomer Equity Partner. Newcomers who are members of the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass will now have multi-year access to heavily discounted premium seats to Danse Danse’s programming, starting with the 2023-2024 season in the heart of Montreal’s cultural centre – Place des Arts. 

A recent study by the ICC revealed that newcomers’ disillusionment with Canada is on the rise. Citizenship adoption rates have declined 40% since 2001, and 30% of newcomers under 30 plan to leave Canada within two years.

“Through the Canoo Access Pass, Danse Danse is actively restoring newcomers’ faith in Canada and Quebec, offering transformative, welcoming experiences that make our country easier to love and harder to leave,” says Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “As with every part of Canada, Quebec’s prosperity depends on newcomers not only coming, but staying, thriving and becoming proud citizens. Danse Danse and the rest of Canoo’s Newcomer Equity Partners are stepping up even more to provide this vital service for immigrants and for Canada over the long term.”

Newcomers who join Canoo will enjoy world-class contemporary dance performances, including shows from the iconic Kidd Pivot Company, under the direction of internationally-renowned Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies.

“Danse Danse has been partnered with the Canoo Access Pass since 2018 by offering free and highly reduced tickets to newcomers to encourage their participation in Montreal’s vibrant cultural life. Now, we want newcomers to have a heightened welcome by reserving Canoo tickets in the best seats, says Pierre Des Marais, Artistic and Executive Director of Danse Danse. “This initiative is part of our approach to accessibility and inclusion through various projects and partnerships. The challenge is to meet the needs of different audiences by taking into consideration the multiplicity of realities of each spectator.”

“The show was great! I have rarely experienced shows where technology and danse are combined,” said Lydia, one of Canoo’s members who recently attended Danse Danse’s Jungle Book Reimagined. “This is a great opportunity for us [newcomers] to have more access to these experiences.” 

Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can experience the best of Canada by downloading the free Canoo app. In 2024, Canoo will open to even more newcomers.

About Canoo & Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)

The Canoo Access Pass is designed to make newcomers fall in love Canada by granting access to the country’s best experiences. 
By downloading the free Canoo app, newcomers get access to over 1500 experiences and destinations including parks, museums, galleries, concerts, travel, professional sports, and more. Partner offers include VIA Rail, Parks Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, Cirque du Soleil, and Toronto FC.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. 

About Danse Danse 

Danse Danse, an associate presenter at Place des Arts, invites dance lovers to discover the best of contemporary dance from here and abroad in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
Each season, Danse Danse presents a program of some dozen productions in the Théâtre Maisonneuve, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and Cinquième Salle, proudly contributing to Montréal’s international reputation as a metropolis of movement.

Media Contact

ICC/Canoo
Brooke Timpson 
403.605.2282
media@forcitizenship.ca 

Danse Danse
Sheila Skaiem, Publicist
514.572.8687
sheila@avecsheila.com

Version française.

On October 25, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Montreal. In a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, the ceremony celebrated Latin American Heritage Month. This is a time for newcomers and Canadians to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Latin American communities to the country’s cultural mosaic.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 41 individuals from 19 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Roundtable Discussions give new citizens and their guests a chance to meet other people who are sharing this special day with them before the ceremony begins. Bonds and memories form at these tables as people talk about their journeys, struggles, and ultimately their triumphs.

“In 2019, I started my journey to Canada, and, I must admit, adapting to this new land was quite challenging. However, in 2021, a beautiful addition to my family arrived – my baby. After that, I realized that I had made sacrifices to secure a better future for my family. I now proudly call Canada my home.” – New Canadian Citizen

For many, home represents not just a physical location, but a deep and emotional connection to their roots and their futures. This ceremony underscored that every new citizen embraced their Canadian home. As Montreal continues to be a beacon of multiculturalism, moments like these reinforce the city’s commitment to welcoming and celebrating people from all corners of the globe.

Photos and More Information

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2023

Ottawa, ON — A new report from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), The Leaky Bucket, finds that growing numbers of immigrants to Canada are deciding to leave rather than stay.

The report, produced for the ICC by the Conference Board of Canada, finds onward migration, immigrants leaving Canada, has been increasing slowly for decades, but suddenly surged in 2017 and 2019 — the most recent period of available data. The report also finds the risk of onward migration is particularly high between years four and seven following arrival in Canada.

“As Canada relies more and more on immigrants to fill acute shortages in key sectors like housing and healthcare, our ability to retain them is becoming a matter of vital national interest,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

“Simply put, if Canada cannot deliver for newcomers and help them become Canadian in their passports and in their hearts, we may soon be discussing our prosperity in the past tense.”

“Canada’s future prosperity depends on immigration,” said Stefan Fournier, Executive Director at The Conference Board of Canada. “Our research in this area shows that immigration leads to economic growth, improves the worker-to-retiree ratio and eases labour shortages that add to inflation. But as our research shows, attracting immigrants is only one part of the equation, we also need to retain them once they’re here in Canada.”

The report contains key recommendations for government including:

• Begin monitoring the onward migration rate.
• Invest in programs like the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass, which make the critical early years of immigrants’ time in Canada more enjoyable, driving retention to the benefit of all Canadians. 
• Support further research to help stakeholders understand settlement needs and which initiatives can ease immigrants’ transitions to life in Canada.
• Support employers to recruit, hire, and retain immigrant workers. All three levels of government can provide tools and training.
• Invest in infrastructure. As Canada seeks to increase the population, all levels of government need to plan for increased infrastructure including housing and healthcare.

“Immigrating to Canada has never been easy, there have always been challenges but this study points to burgeoning disillusionment,” said Bernhard. “After giving Canada a try, growing numbers of immigrants are saying ‘no thanks’, and are moving on.”

“That’s not just a problem for immigrants. That’s a problem for everyone. That’s why the ICC will do its best to lead with innovation and creativity to so that newcomers and their talents find a permanent home in Canada.” 

Read the full report here: The Leaky Bucket (Institute for Canadian Citizenship and Conference Board of Canada, 2023)

About

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.

The ICC is best-known for its Canoo Access Pass, a mobile app that currently provides some 250,000 newcomers with free entry to over 1,400 of Canada’s best culture and nature attractions, plus exclusive deals with leading brands, so that they fall in love with Canada, stay, and become citizens. 

Media Contact

Alex Nanoff
613.709.6318
media@forcitizenship.ca

Toronto, ON — The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) announced today that after founding the organization and serving as co-Chairs for 16 years, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul have passed the torch to a new generation of leadership. Mr. Irfhan Rawji, a Calgary-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been named Chair of the ICC.

To honour their ongoing legacy, the ICC is launching the TheDifferenceMakers.ca, a campaign inspired by the stories of real Difference Makers who make Canada stronger and more vibrant.

As a refugee who rose to become Governor General, Madame Clarkson founded the ICC with Mr. Ralston Saul, to continue the centuries-old Canadian tradition of welcoming immigrants not just as residents, but as citizens. This work remains critical, especially in light of recent research by the ICC revealing newcomers’ growing disillusionment with Canada. Citizenship adoption rates declined 40% between 2001 and 2021. 30% of newcomers under 30 plan to leave Canada within two years.  

“We started the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to ensure that the Canada in which a refugee girl could become Governor General would never become a country of the past,” said Mme Clarkson and Mr. Ralston Saul. “But our dream is in jeopardy,” they added. “A strong and effective ICC is our legacy to Canada.” 

Mr. Rawji is Managing Partner at Relay Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, and is the founder and Executive Chair of MobSquad, an innovative Canadian start up that helps software engineers from around the world immigrate to Canada. He has been serving on the ICC’s Board of Directors since its founding.  

“Immigrants aren’t the cause of Canada’s failings. In fact, they’re a big part of the answer.” concluded Irfhan Rawji, ICC’s new Chair. “But we need to deliver on our promise to immigrants. If we fail, Canada’s prosperity and dynamism will suffer. The ICC is leading the effort to turn restore the promise of Canada to newcomers. I am honoured and humbled to be entrusted with the opportunity to safeguard and advance the vision of our founders, who are, simply put, exceptional Canadians.” 

The ICC will be hosting its annual Gala on February 6, 2024.

Full bios and high-resolution photos are here:

About the ICC 

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.

The ICC is best-known for its Canoo Access Pass, a mobile app that currently provides some 250,000 newcomers with free entry to over 1,400 of Canada’s best culture and nature attractions, plus exclusive deals with leading brands, so that they fall in love with Canada, stay, and become citizens. 

Media Contact

Alex Nanoff
613.709.6318
media@forcitizenship.ca  

Version française.

The Halifax Public Libraries hold open their doors every day for community members to feel welcome and at home. With its inviting atmosphere and extensive collection of books, it serves as a symbol of learning, knowledge, and inclusion. The library is not only a place to read and study, but also a hub for cultural events, making it the perfect setting for an ICC Enhanced Canadian Citizenship Ceremony.

On October 19, 2023, Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 27 individuals from 10 countries as Canadian citizens.

Before the ceremony begins, ICC hosts roundtable discussions for the new citizens and their guests. Here, they can connect with one another and build relationships around the memories created on this special day. Following the roundtable discussions, citizens can share their highlights with individuals from other tables.

“Becoming a Canadian citizen is my pathway to endless opportunities, diversity, and the freedom of the true north, strong and free. My journey begins with a single step, and my destination is the heart of Canada, where I’ll thrive and contribute to this wonderful nation.” – New Canadian Citizen

The act of giving back to Canada is a pledge that new citizens take to heart and becomes a promise to make a meaningful contribution to their new home. The blend of cultures and talents that new citizens bring to Canada only enriches the nation, making it an even more welcoming and diverse place to call home. This commitment to giving back is a fundamental part of what it means to be Canadian.

Each citizenship ceremony is more than obtaining a piece of paper. It revels in becoming a part of a larger Canadian family, with shared rights, responsibilities, and dreams. This is a moment where people from different corners of the world unite under the maple leaf, proving that in Canada, diversity truly is our strength.

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 29, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver centering Truth and Reconciliation. In a multicultural country like Canada, the citizenship ceremony has always been a celebration of unity in diversity. It represents the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can become a proud Canadian. This ceremony, however, was a poignant reminder that the country’s history is not without its dark chapters.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially designated to commemorate the legacy of the residential school system, which profoundly impact Indigenous communities across the country. It is a day for all Canadians to remember and reflect upon the history of colonialism, the suffering endured by Indigenous peoples, and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 150 individuals from 36 countries as Canadian citizens.

On this day of remembrance, Dr. Richard Vedan spoke on the importance of conversation surrounding inequity and the actions that must follow in order to create concrete change.

“The many wonderful things that make Canada one of the best places in the world to live and attracted you to make your homes in Canada have come at the expense of Indigenous people who, for generations, have been relegated to the margins. With the revelation of events that many of us have known about all our lives, we are cautiously hopeful that change will finally be brought to bear. While more recent events make it a challenge to maintain an optimistic outlook – we must, and I invite you to be part of the important conversation that will be taking.

Membership in any community is a balance of responsibilities and rights. As Canadians, you will be able to engage in the elements that enable us to thrive as a nation. With that comes the responsibilities to ensure past and present inequities are resolved. It is not sufficient to say that has nothing to do with me as it happened a long time age.” – Dr. Richard Vedan, Guest Speaker

The Canadian citizenship ceremony held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a powerful symbol of Canada’s commitment to learning from its past and building a more equitable future.

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.

ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in Calgary on October 5, 2023. This ceremony is a powerful embodiment of Calgary’s dedication to diversity, highlighting the city’s embrace of different perspectives and experiences.

Presiding Official Jeanne Besner administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 49 individuals from 17 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies include special guest speakers from the community who join the stage in celebrating the new citizens. On October 5, we were grateful to be joined by Usman Tahir Jutt – a father, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur who is passionate about building better communities and helping Albertans succeed.

“Everything is possible here in Canada for you, you just have to seize every opportunity you come across. I welcome you to your new home.” – Usman Tahir Jutt, Guest Speaker

By embracing newcomers and providing them with opportunities and support, Calgary enriches the community, strengthens its bonds, and contributes to the prosperity of the entire province. This ceremony stands as a symbol of the city’s dedication to building a better future for all its residents, ensuring that the path to success in Alberta is open to everyone who call it home.

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.

Montreal recently hosted a heartwarming Canadian citizenship ceremony at the elegant Gentile Venue on September 26, 2023. The event was a celebration of the participants’ journey to becoming Canadian citizens, as it is a pivotal moment in the lives of many newcomers who have chosen Canada as their new home.

Presiding Official Jacques Duchesneau administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 34 individuals from 15 countries as Canadian citizens.

The participants, dressed in their finest attire and took the oath of citizenship with pride. Afterwards, each new citizen waved a Canadian flag as a symbol of their pride in Canada. The national anthem, “O Canada,” then echoed through the venue, filling the hearts of everyone present with a sense of unity and belonging.

Among the new Canadian citizens in Montreal were many individuals who shared their journey of moving to Canada. They were in search of a better life for their future family. As we celebrate these new citizens and their aspirations, we are reminded of the values that make Canada a beacon of hope and opportunity. These individuals have started their families here and work hard every day for their loved ones to have the best future they could possibly have 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.