OTTAWA, July 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander issued the following statement to mark Canada Day:
"Today marks the 148th anniversary of Confederation, and what we today proudly hail as Canada Day. Canada Day gives Canadians from coast to coast to coast a chance to pay tribute to our flag, celebrate with family and friends all that is great about our country, and formally recognize the privilege that comes with being Canadian.
"This year we have even more reason to show off the Maple Leaf with pride as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our flag, and as we welcome the world for the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Pan Am and Parapan Games later this month.
"And today, at 52 ceremonies across Canada we will welcome approximately 2,300 new citizens.
"We truly have so much to be proud of and grateful for. Today we celebrate the hard work of generations of people who came from all corners of the world to build the Canada we know and love today.
"Today let us celebrate and honour our shared history, our symbols, our institutions, and the values that define us as Canadians. I encourage all Canadians to share on social media what makes them proud to be Canadian using the hashtag #StrongProudFree / #FortFierLibre.
"As Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I wish all Canadians a safe and happy Canada Day. And to those who are becoming Canadian citizens at special ceremonies across the country today, welcome home!"
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
(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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