News Release

Minister Finley celebrates the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship

Ottawa, February 16, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today welcomed 17 new Canadian families representing each province and territory in a special commemorative citizenship ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Canada. The ceremony was held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship. Also in attendance were Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverly McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Senior Citizenship Judge Michel Simard.

“I am proud to be a part of 60th-anniversary celebrations. Our values as Canadians make us an example to the world,” said Minister Finley. “Every day we show that our many differences do not have to divide us. It is possible to be a diverse and harmonious society. Each and every time someone chooses to become a citizen of Canada, they are saying that this is a great country.”

In 2006, 259,267 people took the oath of Canadian citizenship. Today, 17 families chosen from each province and territory of Canada took the oath of citizenship at the Supreme Court ceremony, while special citizenship ceremonies and reaffirmation ceremonies were held in communities across the country to commemorate six decades of Canadian citizenship.

Canadian citizenship was legally and officially created on January 1, 1947, when the first citizenship act came into effect. Until then, people living in Canada were considered British subjects living in Canada.

“As someone who came to Canada early in life, seeking freedom and hope, I know deeply and personally the value of Canadian citizenship,” Governor General Michaëlle Jean told those at the ceremony. “As each of you is welcomed into the Canadian family, I hope you will take an active role in the ongoing task of building this country.”

“I am honored to greet some of Canada’s newest citizens in the very same building where the first Canadian citizenship ceremony took place in 1947,” said Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin. “Today’s event marks a milestone for both our new citizens and our country. We should all be proud that Canada continues to be a place where immigrants find hope for the future”.

Canada’s New Government will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship with special events and activities throughout 2007. For more information, please visit CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca.

For more information:

Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

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