Operational Bulletin 162 –
October 30, 2009

Shaking Hands at Citizenship Ceremonies – Temporary Measure

Background

In response to the Senior Citizenship Judge’s instructions regarding concerns over the flu and H1N1 season, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has reviewed current practices to be better prepared and take precautionary steps to avoid illness.

Current policy and procedures

As per CP 15 section 3.14, Judges and special guests shake hands with citizenship applicants during the presentation of the certificates. They also convey their regards and best wishes by shaking hands with guests before and after the citizenship ceremony.

New policy and procedure

As a precautionary measure and to respect all concerns regarding the current flu and H1N1 season, judges and special guests are asked to refrain from shaking hands with citizenship applicants and their guests. They can extend their best wishes, regards and congratulations without shaking hands.

The following message should be conveyed during the preamble (CP 15, section 3.7) and again before the handing out of citizenship certificates (CP 15, section 3.11):

• “TO RESPECT THE COMMUNITY CONCERNS REGARDING THE CURRENT FLU SEASON AND THE H1N1 VIRUS, THE JUDGE AND SPECIAL GUESTS WILL EXTEND THEIR BEST WISHES AND CONGRATULATIONS WITHOUT SHAKING HANDS THIS MORNING/AFTERNOON”.