FEDERAL NEWS

Minister Diab to participate in a Canada Day citizenship ceremony in Halifax

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By PathToPR Team

June 29, 2025

Federal immigration news: Minister Diab to participate in a Canada Day citizenship ceremony in Halifax

On July 1, 2025, Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, will take part in her first official ceremony by welcoming 51 new citizens on Canada Day. The event will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where individuals from 18 different countries will formally receive their citizenship certificates. Presided over by Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney, the ceremony underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. For many of the participants, this milestone caps a long journey through the immigration system and marks the beginning of their new lives as Canadians.

Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 1, 2025, at the Halifax Convention Centre. Minister Diab will deliver remarks highlighting the role of newcomers in strengthening Canada’s social and economic fabric. Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney will administer the Oath of Citizenship, officially welcoming participants into the Canadian family. Family, friends and community members are invited to attend, creating a festive atmosphere of celebration and pride.

New Citizens: Who and How

Among the 51 new Canadians are skilled workers, international graduates and entrepreneurs who have completed all requirements under the Citizenship Act. They represent 18 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, reflecting Canada’s global reach as an immigration destination. Each candidate has passed a citizenship test—or, in the case of applicants aged 55 or older, met the exemption criteria—and demonstrated adequate knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages. These new citizens now gain the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport and benefit from full access to social services.

Requirements and Application Timeline

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must have held permanent resident status for at least 1,095 days within the five years preceding their application. They also need to file income taxes for at least three tax years in that period, pass a language test in English or French, and successfully complete the citizenship knowledge test. Processing times for complete applications currently average 12 months, although timelines can vary depending on case complexity and volume. IRCC advises prospective applicants to check the official website for the most up-to-date guides and processing benchmarks.

Context in the Canadian Immigration Landscape

Canada Day ceremonies offer a visible reminder of the country’s long-standing openness to newcomers—a policy that has helped fuel economic growth and cultural vitality. Under Minister Diab’s leadership, IRCC has signaled a continued focus on attracting skilled talent and supporting international graduates. With immigration targets set to rise in the coming years, ceremonies like this one serve both to welcome newcomers and to showcase Canada’s diversity on a national holiday. They also complement broader efforts, such as provincial nominee programs and pilot streams, to meet regional labour market needs.

In practical terms, those preparing for citizenship should begin their preparations well in advance of application, ensuring all residency and documentation requirements are met. Candidates can find step-by-step checklists and language resources on the IRCC website. As July 1 approaches, future applicants may wish to mark their calendars for next year’s ceremony invitations and stay informed about any updates to eligibility criteria. This Canada Day event not only celebrates the arrival of new Canadians but also points to how immigration continues to shape the nation’s future.

Original source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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