News Release – Sixty New Canadians Welcomed at Special Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony at Canada Place

Vancouver, B.C., July 1, 2011 — Sixty new Canadians from 32 countries took their oath of citizenship in front of friends, family and notable guests, including the Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator; Harry Bloy, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism; his Worship Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver; Rear-Admiral Nigel S. Greenwood, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific; and Robin Wilson, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canada Place Corporation, at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver today.

At the same time, more than 230 new citizens across British Columbia joined the Canadian family at six citizenship ceremonies in celebration of Canada’s 144th birthday.

“Across the country today, thousands of Canadians are taking part in activities to mark the birthday of our dominion and reflect on the value of our Canadian citizenship,” said Senator Martin on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “As our newest Canadians, you are joining a country that places enormous importance on the principles of freedom, respect, peace and the rule of law. We know that today has special meaning for you and your loved ones and we welcome you into the Canadian family.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada hosts citizenship ceremonies – a newcomer’s formal entry into the Canadian family – throughout the year. These ceremonies are significant events in the lives of applicants. They are the starting point to a promising future and a new way of life.

In 2010, 1,723 citizenship ceremonies took place across Canada and 143,329 newcomers became Canadian citizens. Last year, 19,929 newcomers were granted citizenship in British Columbia alone.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CitImmCanada.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Johanne Nadeau
Media Relations
B.C./Yukon Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
604-666-8408