Premier Greg Selinger and Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick today welcomed 40 new Canadians at a special Diamond Jubilee swearing-in ceremony for the nation’s newest citizens.
“Few events are more inspiring than a ceremony to welcome new Canadians,” said Selinger. “Manitoba continues to attract skilled professionals and their families through our Provincial Nominee Program that has become a model for the country. As these new Manitobans put down roots here, they are helping drive our economy and build a prosperous future for all Manitobans.”
The new citizens were given a provincial welcome certificate, a Diamond Jubilee pin, a flag to reflect Her Majesty’s special Diamond Jubilee year and a commemorative photo as a memento of their accomplishment.
Melnick noted that citizenship is a pivotal point in each new immigrant’s life.
“Each of you has chosen to live here and we invite you to join us in building a province where we strive to ensure all citizens are treated with respect, understanding and acceptance,” she said to the new citizens. “The global perspective that you bring strengthens our communities in countless ways, and helps to promote the values of pride, equality and partnership; the principles on which multiculturalism in Manitoba is based.”
Since 1999, more than 70,000 new immigrants have settled in Manitoba through the Provincial Nominee Program, with approximately 12,000 in 2011. Manitoba’s population growth rate over the last five years is the highest it has been in 50 years according to census information released earlier this month by Statistics Canada.
