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Saint John, New Brunswick, May 21, 2012 — Thirteen people became Canada’s newest citizens today in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney spoke at the special ceremony held at the historic Old Post Office building in Saint John. He thanked the Royal Couple for their participation and offered congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“It is fitting that we hold this ceremony here today in Saint John to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,” said Minister Kenney. “Saint John was the first incorporated city in British North America in 1785, and became the home to loyalists to the Crown. New citizens have taken the Oath of Citizenship today in a city which was created on allegiance to the Royal tradition.”
In Canada, we pledge allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen rather than a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Queen. When we take the Oath of Citizenship, we make a solemn promise to follow the laws of Canada and to perform our duties as citizens. In return for that allegiance, the Canadian state – the Crown – guarantees to protect our rights and freedoms.
“Today’s Victoria Day ceremony provided a rare and moving opportunity to pledge the Oath in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and I’m honoured that they could be here for this occasion,” said Minister Kenney.
Today’s 13 new Canadians, originally from nine different countries, represent each decade of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and range in age from six to 59 years of age. They live in various areas of the province of New Brunswick.
The Diamond Jubilee is an occasion to celebrate our traditions and history and engage Canada’s newest citizens in understanding the role of the Crown in Canada. This is only the second time Canada has celebrated a Diamond Jubilee – the first occasion was for Queen Victoria in 1897.
Today’s special citizenship ceremony is part of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s Royal Tour of Canada. Further details on the tour and other Diamond Jubilee activities can be found at www.CanadianCrown.gc.ca.
Photo of Minister Kenney will be available later today.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Ana Curic
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Jon Stone
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
902-426-1419
Jon.Stone@cic.gc.ca
