Citizenship Week Celebrates Over 6,000 New Canadians
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Celebrating New Canadians Across the Nation
During the recent Citizenship Week, 6,442 individuals proudly became Canadian citizens through 72 unique ceremonies held nationwide. This week not only celebrated these new citizens but also marked the first anniversary of Bill C-6. This legislative change has significantly expedited the citizenship process for qualified applicants.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) took festivities to new heights by hosting an extraordinary ceremony atop Toronto’s CN Tower. Six individuals took their citizenship oath during a thrilling EdgeWalk experience, accompanied by Minister Ahmed Hussen. Similar high-altitude ceremonies followed at Vancouver’s Lookout and Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
Recognizing Women’s Contributions
As Citizenship Week coincided with Women’s History Month, the ceremonies also paid tribute to the remarkable women shaping Canada. Influential women from various fields, including civics, business, and science, were guest speakers, enhancing the celebrations.
Impact of Bill C-6
Implemented on October 11, 2017, Bill C-6 has provided applicants with more flexibility. The time requirement for permanent residents in Canada was reduced from four out of six years to three out of five years before applying for citizenship. By October 2018, approximately 152,000 individuals had obtained citizenship, a 40% increase compared to the previous year.
The bill has resulted in a surge of applications, with IRCC receiving over 242,680 applications from October 2017 to June 2018, doubling the previous year’s numbers. Despite this influx, routine application processing remains efficient, staying under 12 months.
Quotes from the Minister
“Citizenship Week is a celebration of Canadian identity, strength, and freedom. It’s a special moment to welcome new citizens to our nation, offering them a sense of belonging and an opportunity to become active societal members.
The changes under Bill C-6 have positively impacted the citizenship process, providing more flexibility in meeting the requirements. A year into these changes, the benefits are clear.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick Facts
- Immigration is pivotal for Canada’s economic growth, addressing labor and talent shortages amidst an aging population and declining birth rates.
- Research consistently shows that immigration brings social and economic benefits to Canada.
- During Citizenship Week, national landmarks were illuminated in red and white to celebrate, including St. John’s Confederation Building and the S.S. Klondike in Whitehorse.
- Bill C-6 also adjusted the language and knowledge requirement age range and allowed temporary residents’ and protected persons’ days in Canada to count as half days towards physical presence requirements.
- For the first time, IRCC livestreamed a citizenship ceremony on Facebook from Memorial University, garnering over 20,000 views.
Related Links
- Infographic – 2017 changes to citizenship requirements
- Citizenship Week website
- Canadian citizenship information
Contact Information
Media Contacts Only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs
What changes did Bill C-6 introduce to the Citizenship Act?
Bill C-6 reduced the physical presence requirement from four to three years and allowed certain temporary residents’ days to count towards the requirement.
How has immigration impacted Canada’s economy?
Immigration plays a crucial role in economic growth by filling labor and talent gaps, vital for addressing demographic challenges.
Were any special events held during Citizenship Week?
Yes, several citizenship ceremonies took place at iconic locations like the CN Tower and were enhanced by guest speakers recognizing Women’s History Month.
What is the impact of Bill C-6 on citizenship applications?
The legislation has led to a significant increase in applications, with over 242,680 received in a nine-month period post-implementation.
Read our immigration guide to learn more about becoming a Canadian citizen.
