Backgrounder - Canadian citizenship ceremonies

For a new citizen, the Canadian citizenship ceremony is the formal entry into the Canadian family.

In 2008, 2,700 citizenship ceremonies took place across Canada and nearly 176,000 newcomers became Canadian citizens.

Community groups are often involved in hosting the ceremonies, which are held at local Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices or in other locations in the community such as parks, schools, or museums. There are special ceremonies on Canada Day, during Citizenship Week, and at other times of the year.

A citizenship ceremony is a unique part of Canadian civic life. It is one of the few occasions when we formally reflect on the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of being a Canadian citizen.

Becoming a Canadian means integrating into Canadian society and accepting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The citizenship ceremony is legally and symbolically important. An applicant is granted citizenship after swearing allegiance to the Queen, her heirs and successors by taking the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, and being presented with the certificate of citizenship.

In taking the oath, new citizens promise to follow the laws of Canada and to respect their new duties as Canadians.

The citizenship ceremony is a significant event in the lives of "Canadians in waiting." It is a goal reached after years of transition, and sometimes hardship. It is a starting point to a promising future and a new way of life.

The ceremony is also important for everyone else attending. It is a reminder of our shared values and traditions, and of the remarkable diversity of Canadian society.

For a listing of citizenship ceremonies, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca/specialev/english/search_recherche.cfm