Building Citizenship

ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies are a celebration of the newest members of the Canadian family and offer unique opportunities to reflect on what it means to be active, engaged citizens.

Our Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies reflect on what it means to be Canadian and the value of active citizenship and inclusion. Hosted across the country, ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies celebrate the plethora of cultures and languages that constitute Canada. 

350+  

ceremonies hosted

14,000+  

new Canadians sworn in

4,324

roundtable hosts

6,500  

volunteers

Commitment to
Reconciliation

We acknowledge the history of colonization in Canada, including the ways in which colonial systems and intergenerational trauma continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. We commit to working towards reconciliation and to building better relationships in the future.  

Past Highlights

A Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Vancouver, British Columbia, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse set the stage for a truly special occasion on December 6, 2023. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific, the ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony unfolded with a theme that echoed the spirit of the season. In this unique space, 35 individuals from 14 different countries came together to embark on their Canadian journey.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Toronto Reference Library: Uniting Stories in Celebration of Canadian Dreams

The Toronto Reference Library, in the heart of downtown Toronto, transformed on December 1, 2023, as this vibrant community space played host to an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. The ceremony celebrated not only the legal status of citizenship, but the strength found in the diversity of voices. The 43 citizens taking their oath represented a harmonious blend of 24 nationalities.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

A Celebration of Citizenship at Beaverbrook Art Gallery

On November 22nd, 2023, in the vibrant Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, an enhanced citizenship ceremony took place and marked a momentous occasion in the lives of 31 individuals from 12 different countries. As part of Canada History Week, the gallery transformed into a symbol of unity and diversity, hosting a ceremony that beautifully encapsulated the essence of what it means to be Canadian.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

New Beginnings at the Discovery Centre: A Celebration of Canadian Citizenship

The vibrant city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, once again hosted a heartwarming ceremony at the Discovery Centre on January 22, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for 36 individuals from 8 diverse countries, embarking on a transformative journey as they officially became proud Canadian citizens.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Saskatoon’s Tapestry: Embracing Diversity at Remai Modern’s Citizenship Ceremony

On November 28, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the stunning Remai Modern in Saskatoon. Against the backdrop of the theme Celebration of Giving, this ceremony brought together 30 individuals from 10 different countries, transforming a moment of transition into a celebration of diversity and the spirit of giving.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Home and Heritage: Montreal’s Citizenship Ceremony

On October 25, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Montreal. In a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, the ceremony celebrated Latin American Heritage Month. This is a time for newcomers and Canadians to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Latin American communities to the country’s cultural mosaic.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

The Halifax Public Library: Where Dreams of Canadian Citizenship Come True

The Halifax Public Libraries hold open their doors every day for community members to feel welcome and at home. The library is not only a place to read and study, but also a hub for cultural events, making it the perfect setting for an ICC Enhanced Canadian Citizenship Ceremony.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Remembering and Reflecting: A Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver

On September 29, 2023, ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver centering the theme of Truth and Reconciliation. In a multicultural country like Canada, the citizenship ceremony has always been a celebration of unity in diversity. It represents the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can become a proud Canadian. This ceremony, however, was a poignant reminder that the country’s history is not without its dark chapters.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Calgary’s Path to Prosperity: A Canadian Citizenship Ceremony

ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in Calgary on October 5, 2023. This ceremony is a powerful embodiment of Calgary’s dedication to diversity, highlighting the city’s embrace of different perspectives and experiences.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Rochelle Ivri

Citizenship Judge

“What I like about ICC Ceremonies… is being able to hear stories of people’s perseverance, their reasons for coming to Canada, what they appreciate about Canada and what they’ve learned since they’ve been here, and how they’ve been able to contribute to Canada. It sets a really beautiful tone for what it means to be Canadian.”

Meet our guests

Headshot of Carine Bado

Carine Bado | Musician

Carine, a bilingual Christian artist and songwriter originally from Ivory Coast, now calls Winnipeg her home. With a musical gift inherited through generations, she began singing passionately at a young age. Music is central in her life, leading her to compose her first song at just fifteen and many more since. Carine’s diverse musical influences, from Pop Rock to French/Afro Contemporary and Gospel, give her a distinctive tone. Her songs aim to inspire self-identity, strength, kindness, beauty, and love in people.

Headshot of Usman Tahir Jutt

Usman Tahir Jutt | Owner/Operator at McDonald’s Corporation

Usman Tahir Jutt, a dedicated father, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, focuses on community development and supporting fellow Albertans amidst a dynamic environment. Named Calgarian of the Year in 2023, Usman’s journey began when he acquired a struggling gas station during his university days. After six years as a Husky Energy retailer, Usman ventured into McDonald’s ownership in 2013, now overseeing twenty restaurants, a significant employer for young people in Southern Alberta.

Headshot of Mamselle Ruiz

Mamselle Ruiz | Musician

Mamselle Ruiz is a Canadian-Mexican-songwriter settled in Montréal, Québec since 2010. Festive, romantic, infused with jazz and Latin American rhythms, her music is influenced by her own North-South mix of cultures. Mamselle was awarded several prizes in Canada, she is named Radio-Canada’s world music “Revelation” for 2013-2014. Known for her magnetic stage presence, raw emotional delivery, her charisma allowed her to sing for several show of famous Cirque du Soleil.


This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Conferring citizenship is the sole purview of the Government of Canada through the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Contact IRCC for any questions about the citizenship or immigration process.