Citizenship Week Ceremony with Minister Fraser
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Celebrating Canadian Citizenship
Citizenship Week offers Canadians everywhere a chance to celebrate our nation’s rich history, diverse culture, and significant achievements.
May 27, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario— This week, Canadians had the opportunity to embrace their national pride. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, marked the occasion by joining a virtual ceremony where 25 individuals became new citizens of Canada.
Minister Fraser highlighted the importance of citizenship, discussing the rights and responsibilities it entails. He also reassured those awaiting their citizenship that efforts are ongoing to expedite the process.
IRCC has been actively improving operations to manage the influx of applications, surpassing their citizenship goals with over 217,000 new Canadians in the past year. The department aims to welcome even more in the upcoming year.
Advancements and Adaptations
IRCC has embraced technology to enhance the citizenship process. Since November 2020, Canada became a pioneer by offering online citizenship testing. Furthermore, virtual ceremonies initiated in April 2020 have allowed more individuals to participate.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a pivotal moment in a newcomer’s journey. IRCC remains committed to facilitating this milestone, supported by additional funding aimed at reducing application backlogs.
Minister Fraser’s Reflections
“I am proud to be Canadian, and it is always a great honour to participate in welcoming new members to our Canadian family. This week has been a chance to reflect on everything that being Canadian means—the freedom for individuals to live as their authentic selves, the connections to our beautiful landscapes and the chance for everyone to reach their full potential no matter their background. I am thankful every day to be Canadian, and I encourage everyone to reflect on what being Canadian means to them.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Information
- The citizenship ceremony marks the final step in becoming a Canadian, where participants take the Oath of Citizenship administered by a judge.
- The inaugural citizenship ceremony took place 75 years ago, on January 3, 1947, at the Supreme Court of Canada.
- In June 2021, the Oath of Citizenship was amended to acknowledge the rights of Indigenous peoples.
- Canada boasts one of the highest naturalization rates globally, with approximately 85% of newcomers becoming citizens.
- The Citizenship Application Tracker introduced in May 2021 helps applicants stay informed about their application status.
- IRCC has initiated online applications for grants of citizenship, proof of citizenship, and citizenship record searches.
- Since the launch of the online testing platform, nearly 310,000 individuals have taken their citizenship test.
- From April 2020 to April 2022, over 300,000 individuals participated in virtual citizenship ceremonies.
Related Links
Contact Information
Contacts for media only
Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aidan.Strickland@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs about Canadian Citizenship
When was the first Canadian citizenship ceremony?
The first citizenship ceremony in Canada was held on January 3, 1947.
How has the Oath of Citizenship changed?
In June 2021, the Oath was modified to include recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights.
What is the naturalization rate in Canada?
Approximately 85% of newcomers to Canada eventually become citizens.
How are citizenship applications tracked?
The Citizenship Application Tracker helps applicants monitor their application status and next steps.
How did IRCC adapt to COVID-19 restrictions?
IRCC implemented virtual ceremonies and online testing to continue processing citizenship applications during the pandemic.
