February 1, 2017
Premier Welcomes New Canadians in Citizenship Ceremony at the Legislative Building
Manitoba has a long and proud history of welcoming new citizens and today Premier Brian Pallister and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires welcomed 25 new Canadians at a citizenship ceremony at the Legislative Building.
“Manitoba was built on a foundation of hope, inclusion and acceptance. Each new Canadian who we welcome to our province makes our community stronger as we celebrate the inclusion of their traditions and cultures in the diverse Manitoba we are proud to call home,” Pallister said. “Our province’s strong tradition of welcoming newcomers with open arms dates back centuries. In our nation’s 150th year, there is nothing greater to celebrate.”
Following the enhanced ceremony, new Canadians from 11 countries took the oath of citizenship and received their citizenship certificates and a special Manitoba welcome package. They were greeted by the premier, minister, an Indigenous elder and representation from the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces, then sang O Canada along with guests and the choir from École Henri-Bergeron.
“Congratulations to all our new Canadians. As we celebrate Canada 150 and the 25th anniversary of Manitoba’s Multiculturalism Act, we’re especially pleased everyone chose Manitoba as their home,” added Squires. “It is an honour to share in this amazing experience and personally welcome them to our great province.”
Every year, approximately 10,000 immigrants become Canadian citizens in Manitoba. The province is made up of more than 250 ethnocultural groups and 64 First Nations, who speak 150 languages and represent at least 148 countries.
- 30 -