News Release - Canadians encouraged to celebrate 60 years of Canadian citizenship

Ottawa, October 12, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today encouraged Canadians to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Canadian citizenship by taking part in four contests about Canadian citizenship running this fall.

“These contests are designed to encourage Canadians to celebrate Canadian citizenship,” said Minister Finley. “As we celebrate the 60^th anniversary, we reflect on the cornerstones of Canadian citizenship — the values of freedom, respect and belonging. These values that are deeply rooted in the Canadian psyche are also expressed in the way we live our lives and build a stronger Canada.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is supporting the three multimedia contests managed by CanWest MediaWorks, Rogers, and Radio Canada International (RCI) and collaborating with the CBC on an essay writing contest.

• The CBC and Radio-Canada, in partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Citizenship Commission, is holding a national essay contest for high school students on the meaning and values of Canadian citizenship. Launching across Canada on October 16^th, the essays will be judged by a panel of high-profile Canadians.
• The CanWest MediaWorks contest, called CANADIAN COOL, is designed to engage Canadians of all ages, with a focus on young adults. Participants will identify “the coolest person in the country” and explain in a video why they are proud to call them their fellow Canadian.
• The Rogers citizenship contest will run in Macleans and L’actualité. It asks readers to submit a short written message on the topic of “What does it mean to be a Canadian?”
• The RCI contest, called Generation DX2, asks high school students to submit videos, pod casts or photo novellas on the theme of diversity.

Prizes for the winners are being provided by the media organizations managing the contests.

CIC is providing $560,000 and in return, the partner media companies are providing promotional services worth almost a million dollars to the campaign to celebrate Canadian citizenship.

Canada’s New Government is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship with special events and activities throughout 2007.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650