Life in Canada
Celebrating Canada Citizenship Week 2024
As Citizenship Week kicks off from May 13 to 19, 2024, Canadians across the country are preparing to welcome thousands of new citizens into their diverse and vibrant community. This annual event, organized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), honors the journey of individuals who have achieved Canadian citizenship, a status that brings both rights and responsibilities.
The Significance of Canada Citizenship Week
Citizenship Week is more than a series of ceremonies; it is a celebration of what it means to be Canadian. The week offers an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the values of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism that define the nation. This year, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating the integral role of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s history and future.
Minister Miller stated, “Citizenship Week gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and give back to our communities. It’s a chance to be proud of our diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism, and acknowledge the rights and responsibilities we all share as Canadian citizens.”
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Modern Advancements in Citizenship Processes
IRCC has embraced modern advancements to enhance the citizenship process. Innovations such as online testing, application trackers, and virtual ceremonies have made the path to citizenship more accessible and efficient. This year, Canada celebrates significant progress, with 393,500 new citizens welcomed from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
Throughout the week, numerous citizenship ceremonies will take place across the country. These ceremonies mark the final step in the journey to becoming a Canadian citizen, where individuals take the citizenship oath, pledging to uphold the values and responsibilities of their new country. Minister Miller will attend several of these ceremonies, extending a warm welcome to new citizens and visiting local organizations that support newcomers with language training, employment services, and more.
A citizenship ceremony in Canada is a profound event where new citizens are welcomed into the Canadian family. During the ceremony, participants take the citizenship oath, affirming their commitment to the country. This significant moment is often presided over by a citizenship judge and is a time of pride and celebration for the new citizens and their families.
From April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, around 30,000 people took the Canadian citizenship oath each month. This reflects the country’s dedication to building a diverse and inclusive society.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen, permanent residents must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years before applying. Unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens enjoy benefits such as the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections and the ability to obtain a Canadian passport.
As Citizenship Week unfolds, Canadians are encouraged to share their stories and reflections on what being Canadian means to them. Using hashtags like #CitizenshipWeek and #MyCitizenship, individuals can express their pride and celebrate their unique journeys to citizenship.
Minister Miller encourages all Canadians to participate in their communities, whether through voting, volunteering, or advocating for important issues. He reminds us that being Canadian is about more than holding a passport—it’s about contributing to the betterment of our society.
Canada Citizenship Week is a time to celebrate the diversity and unity that make Canada a unique and welcoming nation. As new citizens take the oath and join the Canadian family, the country is reminded of the values of inclusivity and multiculturalism that define it. This week, let’s reflect on our Canadian identity, celebrate our diversity, and welcome the new citizens who enrich our communities. Happy Canada Citizenship Week!