Citizenship Ceremony at Rideau Hall

The third week of October has been designated as Citizenship Week to raise awareness of the value of Canadian citizenship. This year’s theme is Our Citizenship. It is an opportunity for communities to get involved in citizenship ceremonies and for citizens to participate in a citizenship ceremony by reaffirming their citizenship.

His Excellency was the presiding official administering the Oath of Citizenship and conferred citizenship certificates to 54 new Canadians from 29 countries. He was joined by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former governor general of Canada.

For a new citizen, the Canadian citizenship ceremony is the formal entry into the Canadian family. Special ceremonies are held during Citizenship Week to celebrate our shared values and traditions, and of the remarkable diversity of Canadian society.

The citizenship ceremony is a significant event in the lives of “Canadians in waiting.” It is a goal reached after years of transition and sometimes hardship. It is a starting point to a promising future and a new way of life.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, accompanied by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, unveiled the Letters Patent granting two new heraldic badges to be used by citizenship judges and presented them with their new badges.

Heraldic badges for Citizenship Judges were granted to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration by Dr. Claire Boudreau (to the right of Minister Kenney), Chief Herald of Canada and formally unveiled at Rideau Hall on October 17, 2011. Two badges were granted, one for the office of the senior citizenship judge, represented by Judge George Springate (to the right of the Governor General), and one for all other citizenship judges.

Citizenship judges are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Judges preside over citizenship ceremonies, during which they have the honour and privilege of welcoming new citizens into the Canadian family. At citizenship ceremonies, judges administer the Oath of Citizenship and speak to new citizens about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. But, more importantly, it is at these ceremonies and at promotional events in the community that judges pass on their pride, enthusiasm and respect for the institution of Canadian citizenship.

As part of Citizenship Week celebrations, a special community round table discussion with 54 new Canadians will take place at Rideau Hall. These unique discussions aim to strengthen the connection between new Canadians and their communities. This event is done in partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is a national non-profit organization that engages Canadians in citizenship through innovative programs, campaigns and partnerships designed to ensure new citizens are welcomed and included as equals; to create meaningful connections among all Canadian citizens; to foster a culture of active, engaged citizens; and to celebrate what it means to be Canadian.