Canada celebrates Citizenship Week 2021
May 17 to 23, 2021 is Citizenship Week 2021. Every year, Canadians take a week to celebrate the rights and responsibilities shared by all Canadian citizens. During Citizenship Week, Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture, achievements and shared citizenship.
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, thas issued the following statement to mark Citizenship Week 2021:
Today, Canadians celebrate the start of Citizenship Week, a time to express pride in our shared history, our diverse heritage, and our collective achievements. It is also an opportunity to highlight the tremendous contributions of immigrants to their communities and the Canadian economy.
Canadian citizenship is both highly valued and sought after around the world. Without a doubt, one of our greatest achievements is the shared recognition that Canada is stronger and more prosperous because of its diversity.
While we are by no means perfect, Canadians share a profound commitment to equality, inclusion, and respect for our differences – this includes our ethnicities, our gender identities and expressions, and our beliefs.
As Canadian citizens, we all have a responsibility to help others in our communities, and that has never been more important than during the global COVID-19 pandemic we’ve faced together this past year. We will forever be grateful to the front line workers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and all Canadians who have worked tirelessly to help Canada throughout the pandemic.
The hopes, the commitment, and the energy that newcomers and new citizens bring to Canada are expressed in countless positive contributions, and that has never been truer than over the past year.
As Canadians, we share a profound commitment to be there for one another. It is one of our defining attributes, and time and time again, newcomers and new citizens have embraced this spirit. I encourage all Canadians to take the time to find ways to be active in your communities, to do some volunteer work, and to help welcome new Canadians in your community.
Throughout Citizenship Week, I encourage all Canadians to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, and the many rights, freedoms, and responsibilities we all share as citizens.”
Minister Mendicino marks Citizenship Week
How to celebrate Citizenship Week in Canada
Now more than ever it’s important to stay connected with each other. How are you staying connected with your neighbours and friends across the country? Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published the following Citizenship Week celebration guidance on its website.
Celebrate virtually
Watch a video (virtual) oath ceremony to launch the 2021 Citizenship Week!
The ceremony includes special appearances by
- The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino (Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship)
- Colonel Chris Hadfield
- Gurdeep Pandher
- Grandmother Kim Wheatley
- Reeny Smith, performing our national anthem
This ceremony is hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
You can also use the hashtag #MyCitizenship to share your citizenship story and Canadian pride on IRCC’s social media:
Be active in your community
Get involved with your community to make Canada a stronger and more inclusive country.
Due to COVID-19, IRCC advises that you
- participate virtually in your community if possible
- be sure to follow public health guidelines
Learn about Indigenous peoples
Find out more about Indigenous peoples and cultures.
Get inspired
See inspiring stories of immigrants making a difference in our communities.
Other ways to celebrate
Share your stories by using hashtags #CitizenshipWeek and #MyCitizenship.
See also Canadian citizenship requirements
