CITIZENSHIP WEEK: CELEBRATING FREEDOM, RESPECT AND BELONGING

The Honourable Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced the launch of Canada’s Citizenship Week from October 18–24, 2004.

“Citizenship Week is a time to reflect on the values that speak to the heart of being a Canadian,” said Minister Sgro. “Citizenship Week is intended to help remind all Canadians — young and old, born in Canada or abroad — that we all have a right to belong and be proud of our country.”

To launch Canada’s Citizenship Week, Citizenship Judge Suzanne Pinel presided over a reaffirmation ceremony with Grade 5 and 6 students at Elgin Public School. Minister Sgro also attended the ceremony along with Jason Dunkerley, Paralympics medalist and recent Canadian citizen.

In schools, community and cultural centers and offices, many new Canadians will take the oath of citizenship in ceremonies from coast to coast and others will reaffirm their citizenship at these events by publicly reciting the oath of citizenship.

“Immigrants bring valuable contributions to Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. I encourage all Canadians to help newcomers to Canada feel that they are part of the Canadian family by extending a warm hand of welcome whenever they can,” said Minister Sgro.

For further information on Canada’s Citizenship Week, including citizenship ceremonies open to the public, and how you can get involved in promoting citizenship in your community, please visit the “What’s New” section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Web site at http://www.cic.gc.ca