Celebrating Citizenship Week in Canada

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Honoring New Canadians

Becoming a Canadian citizen is the final milestone in one’s immigration journey. Each year, Citizenship Week offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our new citizens and the essence of being Canadian, which includes our diverse culture, rich history, and shared values.

On May 23, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, inaugurated Citizenship Week, running from May 22 to 28, 2023. The Minister will participate in ceremonies across Canada, including in Halifax and Vancouver, to welcome thousands of new Canadians.

Experiencing Citizenship Ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies are deeply emotional experiences. They symbolize the pride and commitment of new Canadians as they accept their rights and responsibilities. These ceremonies embody the promise of citizenship, nurturing a strong bond with Canada and its people.

Everyone in Canada is encouraged to join the celebrations by attending citizenship ceremonies nationwide. You can also watch the livestream from Halifax on May 24 or attend a public ceremony in person.

Modernizing Citizenship Services

IRCC has advanced citizenship processes through digital innovations like online testing, virtual ceremonies, and an online application tracker that helps applicants monitor their application status.

Canada proudly surpassed its citizenship goals last year, welcoming nearly 364,000 new citizens. In the first quarter of this year alone, 85,000 new Canadians have been embraced, with more to come.

Insightful Quotes

“It is a great honour to welcome new members to our Canadian family. This week reminds me of the essence of being Canadian—freedom, connection to nature, and limitless opportunities. I am grateful every day to be Canadian and urge everyone to reflect on its meaning.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Key Facts About Canadian Citizenship

• The citizenship ceremony is the final step to becoming a Canadian. During this event, participants take the Oath of Citizenship, administered by a citizenship judge.
• Canada’s Indigenous peoples have a vibrant history. Their stories are integral to Canada’s narrative, and they continue to be vital to Canada’s future. In June 2021, the Oath of Citizenship was updated to acknowledge Aboriginal and treaty rights.
• The Citizenship Application Tracker was introduced in May 2021 to keep clients informed about their application status and necessary steps.
• IRCC offers online applications for citizenship grants, proof of citizenship, and citizenship records searches.
• Since the online testing platform’s launch in November 2020, nearly 546,000 individuals have completed tests online, with IRCC inviting over 5,000 applicants weekly.
• Between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, around 30,000 people took the Oath of Citizenship each month on average, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers.
• During this year’s Citizenship Week, close to 13,000 new Canadians will be welcomed through nearly 100 planned ceremonies.

Further Information

• Citizenship Week

Contact Details

Media Contacts:

Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

Related Information