Minister McCallum welcomes 100 new Canadians - Delivers the Oath of Citizenship for the first time

AURORA, ON, Dec. 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Today at the York Regional Police Headquarters, the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, welcomed 100 new Canadians from 28 countries at a special citizenship ceremony in honour of International Human Rights Day, which occurred earlier this week.

For the first time, Minister McCallum delivered the Oath of Citizenship to new Canadians.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the York Regional Police. It was presided over by Citizenship Judge Albert Wong and included several dignitaries, including Chief Eric Jolliffe, York Regional Police, Staff Sergeant Tony Browne, York Regional Police, Patricia Cousins, Chairperson of the Welcome Centre Principal Partners Group, and Renata Brum Bozzi, Senior Citizenship Judge.

Quotes

"It was truly an honour to celebrate this momentous occasion, welcoming 100 new Canadian citizens as they joined the Canadian family—my first ceremony as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Like many who came before them, today's new citizens made sacrifices to immigrate and build new lives in Canada. Now, they contribute to the diversity that is one of Canada's greatest strengths. To today's new citizens, thank you for choosing to make Canada your new home. We are both honoured and strengthened by your decision."
Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

"On behalf of all the men and women of York Regional Police, congratulations to you all as new Canadians. You live in a nation that not only prides itself on our cultural diversity but acknowledges it as one of our greatest strengths. Though we trace our ancestries to different corners of the globe, we remain united as proud Canadians."
Chief Eric Jolliffe, York Regional Police

Quick facts

• Canada is made up of over 200 ethnic origins, with thirteen of those ethnic groups having Canadian populations over one million. More than one in five Canadians were born outside Canada. This is our strength and a source of great pride.
• In honour and celebration of International Human Rights Day, it is fitting to celebrate both the freedom of our past and the freedom of our future by welcoming new Canadians. As Canada's eighth Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, famously said, "Canada is free and freedom is its nationality."

Associated links

• Oath of Citizenship
• Canadian Citizenship—Information
• Follow us on Twitter: @CitImmCanada
• Photos of Minister McCallum

Building a stronger Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 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

Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]