CBC Television's Kevin Tiechroeb looks at a group of new Canadians during their swearing in ceremony.  (Runs 03:32)
Judge Sandra Wilking talks about her views on Citizenship. (Runs 05:58)
Why these new immigrants chose Canada
 "I guess my mom wanted us to have a better future." - Maria Isabel Jaramillo, Columbia
"Because it is a peaceful place and it is nice. I don't have to tell. Everybody can see it."- Simcha Klempner, Israel
The Citizenship process
 "It was very nice. It was very exciting to be part of it all to see people from so many different countries coming together. It helps us feel more part of this great country." - Hamed Abdoulraman, Mauritius
The hardest part about becoming a Canadian citizen
"Learning to drive. Nothing else because I don't have any language problems or anything. Just the thing I learned over here was driving. It was hard for me because I never drove before!" - Sobia Kamal Bajwa, Pakistan
How it feels to be Canadian
 "I feel like now I can do anything I want. First of all, I have freedom of moving around on the planet. Wherever I choose to go, I could go now, and I'll be welcome because Canadians are well seen everywhere. So I'm very happy and very proud of myself." - Laura Aslan, Romania
 "I feel really good. Canada has a lot to offer, and Vancouver, in particular, is a beautiful place to live." - Deonie Gaye Seaton, Australia
"It gives us a sense of belonging. It's a great feeling" - Hamed Abdoulraman, Mauritius
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| CBC Celebrates Citizenship
Week |
CBC Celebrates Citizenship Week! October 15 - 21, 2007
Canada's Citizenship Week is celebrated each year during the third week of October. This celebration is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on what it means to be a citizen of Canada, recognize the value of our citizenship and to welcome new Canadians into our communities.
Approximately 262,000 people became Canadians in 2005. Citizenship is much more than being recognized as "Canadian" at international borders. Canadian citizenship also means the principles of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms are part of our the day-to-day interaction with each other; it involves adhering to citizenship values, such as equality, respect for cultural differences, freedom, peace, law and order. Citizenship Week is a time for us to think about the role we each play in building a Canadian society that is more inclusive, democratic and caring.
Throughout the year, CBC examines the significance and impact of immigration and citizenship to Canada's culture and identity. They are a key part of Canada's history and future. With exception to Canada's Aboriginal peoples, every Canadian has come from, or has ancestors from another country.
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| CBC Highlights |
These are just a few of the stories highlighting the experiences and perspectives of today's new Canadians that aired on Canada Now during Citizenship Week 2006.
 Who Gets In? - We know that through the years immigration has shaped our country and this week on Canada Now, we're taking a look at many of the issues raised by having tens of thousands of people moving here every year from around the world. We take a look at who is emigrating to Canada and how they get in.
(Runs 02:37)
 Rural Immigration - (From St. John's, Newfoundland) When immigrants do arrive here, they tend to settle in the big cities. But now, governments in the Atlantic provinces are trying to change that as they see many of their longtime residents move out west. The challenge: not just attract new Canadians but keep them too.
(Runs 02:22)
 Changing Immigration - New numbers today that suggest there is a significant demographic shift underway in this country. Based on the numbers of people applying to emigrate to Canada, the country that has traditionally been the top source of immigrants may be about to change. Here's more on the emerging trend and what might be behind it.
(Runs 02:11)
 Refugee Housing - Imagine leaving your homeland and emigrating to another country. Trying to start a new life without friends, maybe even family, in a place where you might not even speak the language. That's the situation for many immigrants when they arrive in Canada. And add to that the problem of finding a place to live.
(Runs 02:38)
 Think Vancouver: Living Together
An exploration of what it really means to live in a city with so much diversity. What does it take to fit in? And does everyone want to? CBC Radio One, Canada Now Vancouver and The Georgia Straight presented stories and events ranging from marriage and dating, to work, school and home, to food, music and art. Vancouver's true colours revealed!
Radio-Canada Télévision
Coming Soon - Our colleagues at Radio-Canada Télévision are producing more great citizenship stories in French, including portraits of Francophones from Africa, Asia or North Africa who have settled in British Columbia.
Complete programming archive for Citizenship Week 2006
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| Immigration Fast Facts |
- 262,236 people immigrated to Canada in 2005,
- That was an 11% increase from 2004.
- Of these, 60% were economic immigrants, 24% were family class immigrants, 14% were refugees, and 2% were from other categories.
- 38% percent of arriving immigrants between 25 and 64 years of age had a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education.
The top 10 countries of origin for immigrants to Canada in 2005 were:
1. China (42,291)
2. India (33,146)
3. Philippines (17,525)
4. Pakistan (13,576)
5. United States (9,262)
6. Columbia (6,031)
7. Great Britain (5,865)
8. Korea (5,819)
9. Iran (5,502)
10. France (5,430)
(Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada )
- When immigrants land in Canada, they are asked where they plan to settle. In 2005, the top five provinces were Ontario (140,533), British Columbia (44,767), Quebec (43,308), Alberta (19,399) and Manitoba (8,097).
- One out of every six Canadian residents was born outside the country (2001 Census).
- Based on available projections, it is expected that immigration will account for all net population growth sometime between 2026 and 2031 and for all labour force growth between 2011 and 2016.
Citizenship
- 85% of landed immigrants go on to become Canadian citizens.
- 2,228 citizenship ceremonies were held in 2001.
History
In 1947, Canada became the first Commonwealth country to gain its own citizenship act when the Canadian Citizenship Act took effect on January 1.
Prior to that, Canadians were considered British subjects residing in Canada, not Canadian citizens.
Prime Minister Mackenzie King had the honour of receiving the first Canadian citizenship certificate.
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CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content
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