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Ottawa, October 27, 2013 — Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander joined 21 of Canada’s newest citizens as they took the Oath of Citizenship in a special ceremony at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa prior to an Ottawa Senators hockey game this afternoon.
“Hockey has long been Canada’s most popular sport, not to mention our country’s national winter sport,
” said Alexander. “Welcoming new Canadians by involving them in one of country’s finest sporting traditions is a great way to make their moment of citizenship even more memorable.
”
This special ceremony capped off a week-long celebration of Citizenship Week that featured special events across Canada focusing on the rights, privileges and responsibilities we have as citizens of this richly diverse country. The ceremony was sponsored by Canadian Tire, which is partnering with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to raise awareness of the importance of Canadian citizenship.
“Organized sports, like hockey, are a great way for newcomers to get involved in their communities. It’s an honour to collaborate with CIC and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club to celebrate this event and welcome our new citizens,
” said Johnny Misley, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
Following their induction into the Canadian family, the new Canadians opened the Ottawa Senators home game by participating in the singing of the national anthem at centre ice.
“We are proud to have had the opportunity to host this special event as part of today’s Senators game at Canadian Tire Centre,
” said Cyril Leeder, president of Senators Sports Entertainment. “We all have a different attachment to the game of hockey, be it through playing, watching or simply cheering on friends or a favorite team. It is great to have had the chance to offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience to this entire group on the day they became Canadian Citizens.
”
In the past week, more than 4,400 people became Canadian citizens in 58 ceremonies across Canada. Citizenship Week, an annual celebration, will return in 2014.
Tell us your reasons why you are a proud Canadian at: facebook.com/Cit and twitter.com/CitImmCanada.
Photos of Minister Alexander are available.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Kevin Menard
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
