Multiculturalism and Literacy Minister Flor Marcelino congratulated 40 new Canadians starting new lives in Manitoba at a citizenship ceremony held today at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
“As Manitoba prepares to welcome hundreds of Syrian refugees, hosting this citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a fitting location that reflects our government’s commitment to multiculturalism,” said Minister Marcelino. “As Manitobans, we’re proud to build an inclusive and vibrant province that values a range of different traditions, experiences and ideas, while offering a safe haven to those who need it.”
Today’s ceremony marks the final step in attaining Canadian citizenship. Each new Canadian swore an oath of citizenship and the Peaceful Village Program performed.
Minister Marcelino presented the new citizens with a citizenship certificate during the ceremony and they each received a welcome package, which included a 2016 multi-faith calendar and a copy of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“Newcomers help us enrich the multicultural fabric of our province,” said Minister Marcelino. “Immigrants and refugees have helped make Manitoba the province it is today. Our society and our economy continue to benefit from the new citizens we welcome every year.”
In 2014, 16,223 newcomers arrived in the province. Today in Manitoba, 148 different languages are spoken by people from 150 different countries. Close to 250 ethnocultural organizations contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of the province’s communities. Each year, approximately 4,500 newcomers are sworn in as Canadian citizens in Manitoba.
