OTTAWA, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today invited Canadians from coast to coast to coast to take part in Citizenship Week 2013 activities happening in communities across Canada.
"Citizenship Week calls attention to the rights, privileges and responsibilities we have as citizens of this great country," said Alexander. "Canadians understand that citizenship should not be simply a passport of convenience. Citizenship is a pledge of mutual responsibility and a shared commitment to values rooted in our history."
Alexander delivered his remarks at a special citizenship ceremony at the base of the CN Tower. It was the first of 58 such ceremonies across Canada this week where more than 4,400 people will take the Oath of Citizenship for the first time. Many more Canadians will participate in reaffirmation ceremonies nationwide.
The minister's schedule of Citizenship Week events also includes:
- Hosting the popular Citizenship Challenge in Gatineau, Quebec on Tuesday in conjunction with Historica Canada;
- Marking a major milestone in the production of Canada's new 10-year, e-Passport Friday; and,
- Partnering with Canadian Tire and the Ottawa Senators hockey club to welcome 21 new Canadians as the Senators take on the San Jose Sharks next Sunday.
As mentioned in last week's Speech from the Throne, to protect the value of Canadian citizenship, the Government will introduce the first comprehensive reforms to the Citizenship Act in more than a generation.
"Canadian citizenship is uniquely precious and coveted around the globe. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have it share in all of the great advantages it confers," said Alexander.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is collecting video and written testimonials on Facebook and Twitter. We want to know what makes you proud to be Canadian!
Photos of Minister Alexander are available.
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
SOURCE: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
For further information (media only), please contact:
Kevin Menard
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
[email protected]
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