New Canadian citizens welcomed during week-long celebrations

Canada has one of the highest naturalisation rates in the world, with 85 per cent of immigrants moving from a Canadian visa or a Canadian work permit to become citizens.

Last year alone, over 176,000 immigrants became Canadian citizens.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said Canadian citizenship is highly valued and Citizenship Week 2009 was an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate their citizenship.

“The theme of Citizenship Week 2009 is Our Citizenship. We want all Canadians to recognize that, no matter where you came from, when you become a Canadian citizen, Canadian history becomes your history and Canadian values become your values.”

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canada visa and immigration applications.