```html
Canada Welcomes New Citizens: A Closer Look at the Final Step to Canadian Citizenship
- What's Happening: A formal citizenship ceremony will be held in Calgary on July 10, 2025, where 20 new Canadians will officially take the Oath of Citizenship.
- Who Is Affected: This event is a key milestone for the participants and serves as an important update for all permanent residents who have applied for citizenship and are awaiting their ceremony notice.
- Why It Matters: The citizenship ceremony is the final legal requirement to become a Canadian citizen, granting new members of society fundamental rights, including the right to vote and hold a Canadian passport.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on July 9, 2025, that a citizenship ceremony will take place in Calgary, Alberta. The event, attended by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, marks the culmination of the long immigration journey for 20 individuals. While this ceremony is a local event, it highlights the ongoing process and profound significance of obtaining Canadian citizenship, the final step for permanent residents integrating into the fabric of Canadian society.
Who Does This Affect?
This announcement and the process it represents directly impact several groups:
- The 20 New Canadians: The participants of the July 10 ceremony in Calgary, hailing from four different countries, will officially become Canadian citizens on this date.
- Permanent Residents with Pending Applications: Individuals who have successfully passed their citizenship test and interview and are now awaiting their ceremony invitation.
- Future Citizenship Applicants: Permanent residents planning to apply for citizenship can view this as a reminder of the final, celebratory step in their future journey.
Detailed Breakdown of the Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is more than just a formality; it is a legal proceeding steeped in tradition. Understanding its components is key for all successful applicants.
<h4>
The Invitation and Check-in
After an applicant successfully passes the citizenship test and interview, IRCC will send a "Notice to Appear" for the citizenship ceremony. On the day of the event, attendees must check in with officials and present required documents, such as their Permanent Resident card and the Notice to Appear. Officials will confirm their identity before the ceremony begins.
<h4>
The Oath of Citizenship
The core of the ceremony is the collective recitation of the Oath of Citizenship. Presided over by a Citizenship Judge, in this case, Judge James Clover, all candidates for citizenship must repeat the oath. Taking the oath is a public declaration of allegiance to Canada's monarch and a promise to obey the laws of the country. This is the legally binding moment a person becomes a Canadian citizen.
<h4>
Receiving the Certificate and Celebrating
After taking the oath, new citizens are presented with their Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. This document is the official proof of citizenship and is required for applying for a Canadian passport. The ceremony concludes with the singing of the national anthem, "O Canada," and often includes welcoming remarks from the presiding judge and any attending dignitaries.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
Citizenship ceremonies are a cornerstone of Canada's immigration strategy, which focuses not only on attracting skilled workers and families but also on their successful integration. These events serve as a powerful symbol of the country's commitment to multiculturalism and nation-building.
For the individual, the implications are profound. Becoming a citizen grants the right to vote in municipal, provincial, and federal elections, the ability to run for political office, and the privilege of holding a Canadian passport, one of the most valued travel documents in the world. It signifies a transition from being a resident to becoming a full member of the Canadian family, with all the associated rights and responsibilities.
How to Prepare
If you have received your Notice to Appear for a citizenship ceremony, here are the essential steps to take:
- Confirm Your Attendance: Respond to the invitation from IRCC as instructed in your notice.
- Gather Your Documents: Ensure you have your Permanent Resident card and all other documents listed in your notice ready to present at the event.
- Review Ceremony Information: Familiarize yourself with the words to the Oath of Citizenship and the national anthem, "O Canada." IRCC often provides this information with the invitation.
- Plan Your Day: Ceremonies require you to arrive early for check-in. Plan your travel to the location, as noted in the Calgary advisory, which asks attendees to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. for a 9:45 a.m. start.
- Consult Official Sources: For any questions, always refer to the official government website. You can find more information on the .
Conclusion
The upcoming citizenship ceremony in Calgary is a welcome event that celebrates the final chapter in the immigration story for 20 new Canadians. It serves as a vital reminder of the meaning and process behind becoming a citizen. For thousands of permanent residents across the country, these ceremonies represent the ultimate goal: the moment they gain the full rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship and officially call Canada their home.
```
