Education and Activities

Canada continues to be a place where immigrants find hospitality, opportunity and hope for the future. Find out about the journey immigrants take from first arriving in Canada to becoming Canadian citizens.

Read about how you, your class or your community group can get involved.

Mathieu Da Costa Challenge – The National Writing and Artwork Contest
The Department of Citizenship and Immigration’s annual Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is a fun way for young people to learn more about Canada’s cultural diversity.

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Racism. Stop it!
The Department of Citizenship and Immigration’s annual Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition is an innovative educational program as it gives youth a chance to express their feelings about eliminating racism through video.

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Celebrate Citizenship
Every year in October, we celebrate Canada’s Citizenship Week. Schools and community groups, along with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, hold events and celebrations across the country. This year's theme is Our Citizenship.

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Be a Host to a Newcomer
Are you interested in other cultures? Volunteer to be a host to a newcomer and make a new friend.

You will be carefully matched with someone just starting a new life in Canada.

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Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
This study guide is full of useful information about Canada. Newcomers use this guide to prepare for their citizenship test.

Whether we are citizens by birth or by choice, we should all learn about our history, heritage and citizenship.

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Would You Like to Host a Citizenship Ceremony?
Community groups across Canada, working with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, have hosted citizenship ceremonies for more than 50 years.

Find out more about hosting a citizenship ceremony.

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Classroom resources

• Responsible Citizenship and Canada’s Tax System – In this activity, students will learn about how an informed and responsible citizen actively participates in the tax system.
• Cultivating Peace in the 21st Century – Create classroom-ready resources for schools across Canada that will assist teachers and community leaders to educate for change.
• A New Land, A New Life – In this activity, students will learn more about the people of diverse origins who have been commemorated as nationally significant - people who made a new life in a new land and shaped our history.
• Immigration from 1896 (Laurier) to 1947 (King) – Enhance your students’ understanding about immigration in Canada
• The Underground Railroad – Parks Canada  has developed a series of lesson plans on the history of the Underground Railroad for Canadian students at the grade 6, 7, 8, Middle School Level.
• Passages to Canada – Explore the concept of citizenship and share your reflections on the immigrant experience in Canada.
• Canada’s National Anthem – Here are the words to O Canada, Canada’s national anthem. Read about its history. Also read about Canada’s ceremonial and other symbols. This includes information about the Canadian flag and other important symbols.