Special Citizenship Ceremony at Halifax’s Pier 21 with Minister Mendicino
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Celebrating New Canadians at Pier 21
In a memorable event, fifty immigrants representing 14 different nations embraced Canadian citizenship today at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
A Day of Realizing Dreams
January 15, 2020—Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, administered the oath, warmly welcoming the new citizens.
Among them was Tareq Hadhad, famed owner of Peace by Chocolate, who joined this special occasion to achieve his dream of citizenship.
Like Hadhad, numerous immigrants have journeyed far, overcoming numerous challenges to call Canada home and earn their citizenship.
Canada’s tradition of welcoming immigrants continues to foster integration and success, reflecting our nation’s strength and diversity.
Memorable Quotes from the Ceremony
“Today, we welcomed 50 new citizens to the Canadian family in a poignant ceremony at Pier 21, where generations of immigrants first stepped onto Canadian soil. Canada has always believed in immigration and has been strengthened by the diversity of its citizens. Those who have taken the oath of citizenship today inherit the legacy of those who have come before them and the values that have defined the character and the principles of Canada.”
– The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts About Canadian Citizenship
The citizenship ceremony is a crucial step in the immigration journey, marking the official granting of Canadian citizenship.
Mr. Hadhad arrived as a Syrian refugee, whose family previously sold chocolates throughout the Middle East. In Canada, they reinvented their business with a focus on peace and job creation.
By November 30, 2019, a total of 2,490 Syrian refugees had become Canadian citizens.
Pier 21, a National Historic Site, welcomed over one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971 and was a key military departure during WWII. Now, it hosts the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the only national museum in Atlantic Canada. (Source: Pier 21 website)
In the past decade, Canada has embraced nearly 1.7 million new citizens, with over 175,000 individuals granted citizenship in 2018 alone.
Contact Information
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
FAQ: Canadian Citizenship
What is the significance of a citizenship ceremony?
The ceremony is a fundamental part of the immigration process, marking the official moment when newcomers become Canadian citizens.
Who is Tareq Hadhad?
Tareq Hadhad is a former Syrian refugee and the owner of Peace by Chocolate, a business promoting peace and employment in Canada.
What role did Pier 21 play in Canada’s history?
Pier 21 served as a major entry point for immigrants and a military departure site, now hosting the Canadian Museum of Immigration.
How many Syrian refugees became Canadian citizens by 2019?
By the end of November 2019, 2,490 Syrian refugees had achieved Canadian citizenship.
How many new Canadians has Canada welcomed recently?
In the last decade, Canada welcomed nearly 1.7 million new Canadians, with 175,000 in 2018 alone.
