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Friday, May 10, 2013

Citizenship Ceremony on Manitoba Day

May 10, 2013

NEW CANADIANS TAKE OATH AT SPECIAL CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE MANITOBA DAY


Manitoba welcomed 27 new Canadians from 13 different countries at a special citizenship ceremony today.
“As our newest Canadians, today marks a milestone in your lives,” said Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “This occasion provides us all the opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities, rights and benefits of living in this country and the high value our citizenship holds.”
“Manitoba is proud to be the place these families will now call home,” said Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick. “Our province continues to benefit from the many contributions of new Canadians who bring diversity and growth to our communities and economy.”
The minister presented a provincial welcome package to every new Canadian, which included information about Manitoba attractions, a unique Manitoba buffalo lapel pin and a commemorative photo. To reflect the diversity of their new home province, the ceremony featured entertainment by the Wolseley Choir, the Rising Sun Pow Wow Club from the Ma Mawi Chi Itata Centre and Thebahatizz, a vocal group of four sisters who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and were refugees in Uganda for 10 years before coming to Winnipeg in 2012.
Today’s ceremony was held at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police headquarters in Winnipeg.  Along with other special guests, two dozen RCMP attended in full uniform.
“The RCMP is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Canada. We are proud to represent our country and uphold its respected reputation,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of “D” Division. “It is a pleasure to be here today to welcome new Canadians to our community and our country.”
The citizens welcomed as Manitobans today came to Canada from Ethiopia, the United States of America, Chile, Philippines, Vietnam, Guatemala, Poland, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, England, El Salvador and Jordan.
In 2012, 13,391 newcomers arrived in Manitoba, one of the largest numbers on record.  About 71 per cent arrived through the Provincial Nominee Program. Manitoba’s newcomers have immigrated from over 150 countries, speak over 148 languages and are living in more than 120 communities throughout the province.
The province and the federal government have partnered to hold citizenship ceremonies commemorating Manitoba Day since 2010.

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