Celebrate Canada Day at a citizenship ceremony near you

52 citizenship ceremonies taking place across Canada on July 1^st

OTTAWA, June 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Join Canada's newest Canadians at a Canada Day citizenship ceremony taking place near you using Citizenship and Immigration Canada's online interactive map.

Ever year on July 1, Citizenship and Immigration Canada organizes special citizenship ceremonies in communities across Canada; these ceremonies serve to celebrate Canada's culture, history and pluralism, and reflect on our collective heritage and status as both a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast are encouraged to celebrate Canada Day by welcoming our newest citizens and reflecting on the many freedoms, rights, responsibilities, and values that are part of our Canadian identity. Those attending the ceremony will have the opportunity to show their pride by reaffirming their citizenship and extending a warm welcome to the newest members of the Canadian family.

Canadians are also encouraged to share their citizenship ceremony experience through social media using the hashtag #StrongProudFree.

Quick facts

• Each year Canada accepts more than 250,000 newcomers from around the world.
  
• Canada has one of the highest rates of naturalization in the world: over 85 percent of eligible permanent residents become Canadian citizens.

Quote

"Celebrating Canada means celebrating all that it means to be Canadian—our history, values, and traditions. At 52 ceremonies across Canada, approximately 2,300 new citizens will enjoy the special honour of taking the Oath of Citizenship on Canada Day. Our government is proud to welcome our newest citizens to our Canadian family and encourages all Canadians to reaffirm their citizenship as a sign of pride in our great country."

Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/CitImmCanada

Photos of Minister Alexander available at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/index.asp

Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.

SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Kevin Menard, Minister's Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]