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Citizenship Week –
October 16-22, 2006

Canada, We all Belong

Canada’s Citizenship Week is intended to encourage all Canadians to reflect on the value of citizenship, what it means to be Canadian and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.

Mini History

• 2006 marks the 59th anniversary of Canadian citizenship.
• In 1947, Canada became the first Commonwealth country to gain its own citizenship act.
• Before 1947, Canadians were considered British subjects living in Canada, not Canadian citizens.
• The prime minister at the time, William Lyon Mackenzie King, became the first Canadian citizen.

Fast Facts

• Since the first citizenship act was enacted, almost 5.7 million people have been granted Canadian citizenship.
• In 2005, citizenship grants were up by 2% from 2004: 196,068 individuals took the oath of citizenship in 2005, compared to 193,025 in the previous year.
• According to the 2001 census, about 84% of eligible immigrants are Canadian citizens.
• In 2005, 2,575 citizenship ceremonies were held across Canada.

Links

Education and Activities

Events Celebrating Citizenship

Reaffirmation Ceremonies

News Release

Listen to the minister's comments (off site)

Canada’s Citizenship Act (off site)