CWF Welcomes New Canadians

Maria Assunta Rude received Canadian citizenship at a ceremony in Regina Oct. 19. She moved to Saskatchewan from the southern European island of Malta about 24 years ago.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation was honoured to participate in a unique citizenship ceremony in Regina Oct. 19. Executive Director Rick Bates and Media and Community Relations Officer Heather Robison served as hosts for round table discussions with candidates prior to oath taking. Through this role, they joined other distinguished community members and volunteers in stimulating discussion between new and established Canadians about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The 62 new Canadians identified safety, freedom of speech, religious freedom and opportunities for education and employment as among the benefits of Canadian citizenship. Responsibilities include voting and helping to make the country a better place through philanthropy, volunteerism and community engagement. The new Canadians are a diverse group, having moved to Saskatchewan from 26 countries and representing all ages from toddler to senior.

Held at the CBC gallery in Regina and organized in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the ceremony was an opportunity to make new citizens feel welcome. Family members and friends were invited to witness the new Canadians take the oath of citizenship and receive their citizenship certificates. Several guest speakers attended the ceremony, which was co-ordinated by a local volunteer committee, the Insitute for Candian Citizenship Regina Committee. A reception followed the ceremony.
Attended by about 200 people, the Regina celebration was part of the Community Citizenship Ceremonies developed by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Since its inception in 2005 by Canada’s 26th Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, the Institute encourages active participation of local communities and grass roots organizations to establish volunteer-based committees to host citizenship ceremonies across the country. CWF also participated in a citizenship ceremony in Toronto in May 2008.

Diversity is a fundamental characteristic of Canada, in society and in nature. Conservation is one of the most rewarding responsibilities of citizenship and CWF looks forward to working with new Canadians to help maintain a brighter future for Canada’s wildlife.

For more information on the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, please visit http://www.icc-icc.ca/en/