Welcome to Canada: What you should know

A few last words

We hope this guide has given you some understanding of what it means to live in Canada. We’ve tried to combine practical information with an idea of the values and beliefs that keep us together as Canadians and as a country. As you journey toward Canadian citizenship, we sincerely hope this information helps you to feel at home and to feel that special sense of belonging. We are a nation of newcomers, and we welcome you to our family.

“I’ve become a Canadian citizen and feel proud, happy and lucky. I was so grateful to Canada. I had missed my childhood and now was starting another period of my life. I think every Canadian should be proud. Even if I am a different colour, I have my rights. I am a Canadian.”

Channa Som, survivor, Cambodian “killing fields.”

“To me, Canada is a unique combination of many things and many people from many places. It’s a creation that the world-and we-should cherish and nourish.”

Serge Radchuk, originally from Ukraine.

“I’ll never forget the immigration officer I met at Dorval. He had an enormous, long ginger handlebar moustache that looked like a flaming sword. This man turned to me and spontaneously said, ‘Welcome to Canada.’ I was so touched that he knew I needed some reassurance and that he would understand my feeling of nervousness.”

Hubert de Santana, originally from Kenya.

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