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Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Citizenship Ceremony at the Legislature

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino, minister responsible for multiculturalism, today welcomed 30 new Canadians at a swearing-in ceremony for the nation’s newest citizens.
“I congratulate Canada’s newest citizens for deciding to make Manitoba their home province,” said Marcelino.  “Today, we are celebrating this milestone and wish them great success and happiness for the future.  It is a privilege to share in this experience.”
The new citizens were given a provincial welcome certificate, a gift reflecting the province’s multicultural values and a commemorative photo as a memento of their accomplishment.
The special ceremony was held in the Legislative Building and was co-ordinated with assistance from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and presided over by Judge Harold Gilleshammer.  The Inkster Honour Choir led the singing of the national anthem.
The minister noted more than 100 languages are spoken in Manitoba and over 300 ethnocultural organizations play a significant part in attracting newcomers.
“New citizens in Manitoba are actively encouraged to maintain and share the traditions of their homelands,” said Marcelino.  “Today’s new Canadians reflect the diversity of Manitoba itself, a quality we proudly cherish.”
From January to June of this year, more than 3,530 people took the oath of citizenship in Manitoba.
Each year, approximately 4,500 immigrants are sworn in as Canadian citizens in Manitoba.  Canada has one of the highest naturalization rates in the world, with 85 per cent of immigrants becoming citizens.
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