2005-17

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES A FITTING CELEBRATION FOR CANADA DAY

OTTAWA, June 29, 2005 — The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced that nearly 1,500 people will become new citizens this Canada Day by taking the oath of citizenship at some 26 ceremonies in communities across the country. The ceremonies are part of Celebrate Canada!, which features 10 days of special events beginning June 21 and leading up to Canada Day.

Citizenship and reaffirmation ceremonies will take place in citizenship offices, legislative buildings, museums, historic sites and outdoors in parks. Two of the largest groups to be sworn in will be 101 new Canadians in Mississauga, Ontario, and 100 new Canadians in Calgary, Alberta. One of the most intimate ceremonies will swear in 20 new Canadians at Woodside National Historic Site in Kitchener, Ontario. Several children who recently became citizens through adoption have been invited to attend the Kitchener ceremony and reaffirm their citizenship.

"I can't think of many better ways to collectively open our arms to so many new members of the Canadian family than to do so at the same time that all of us celebrate our collective identity as a nation and as a people," said Minister Volpe. "This is a great day for Canada and a very special moment in the lives of everyone taking part in these ceremonies today. I encourage all Canadians to join in the festivities and to share their pride at being citizens of this great country with relatives, friends and neighbours from coast to coast."

The Minister will attend a citizenship ceremony at historic Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where 50 new Canadians will be sworn in by Citizenship Judge Georgette Ferlatte in the Kenneth C. Rowe Heritage Hall. The event is open to the public. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson will also preside and swear in 50 new Canadians at a special citizenship ceremony to be held in the Senate of Canada. This is the first time a citizenship ceremony will be held in the Senate chambers.

Elsewhere, 80 new Canadians will be sworn in at Canada Place in Vancouver by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo. As well, 50 new Canadians will be sworn in by Citizenship Judge Agnes Potts in Toronto on June 30 at City TV. The ceremony will be telecast nationally on Canada Day.

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For more information (media only):

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064

Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 952-0740