Ottawa, April 20, 2026 – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, marked the end of Citizenship Week 2026 by participating in citizenship ceremonies across Ontario and Nova Scotia, celebrating alongside Canada’s newest citizens, their families, and their communities.
From April 12 to 18, 2026 , more than 80 citizenship ceremonies were held across the country, welcoming approximately 6,000 new citizens from 40 different countries as they took the oath of citizenship – the final step in their journey to becoming Canadian.
“It’s a privilege to welcome new citizens to Canada and to recognize the journeys that have brought them here. These moments reflect the values that define Canada—openness, inclusion and the opportunity for all to succeed and contribute.”
– The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick Summary
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Citizenship Week 2026 |
| Dates | April 12–18, 2026 |
| Number of ceremonies | Over 80 |
| New citizens welcomed | Approximately 6,000 |
| Countries of origin | 40 countries |
| Minister’s locations | Ottawa (ON), Lunenburg and Halifax (NS) |
| Average annual new citizens (2022–2025) | Over 356,000 |
Citizenship Week is held annually to recognize and celebrate the rights, responsibilities, and shared values of Canadian citizenship.
Indigenous Welcome and Reconciliation
Many ceremonies during Citizenship Week included the participation of an Indigenous Elder or community member , who offered a land acknowledgement, shared knowledge, and a message of welcome.
Minister Diab emphasized that becoming Canadian includes understanding the history and rich cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as the shared responsibility to participate in the ongoing work of reconciliation.
This focus reflects Canada’s commitment to building a more inclusive society that honours the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial.
Minister’s Message: Belonging and Civic Participation
Throughout Citizenship Week, Minister Diab spoke about the importance of:
- Belonging – feeling connected to Canadian society and its diverse communities.
- Civic participation – engaging in local and national life, from voting to volunteering.
- Collective responsibility – building a strong and inclusive Canada together.
In Halifax , the Minister presented a young member of the Girl Guides of Canada with a signed Girl Guides Pathfinders Building Belonging Certificate , recognizing the group’s commitment to community and the values that bring Canadians together.
Ceremonies Across the Country
From large urban centres to smaller communities, citizenship ceremonies took place nationwide. Some of the key locations included:
- Ottawa, Ontario – Minister Diab attended ceremonies in the national capital.
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia – A historic town known for its UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia – The province’s capital, where the Minister highlighted youth engagement.
Each ceremony was a moment of celebration, as new citizens took the oath of citizenship, received their citizenship certificates, and sang the national anthem.
The Journey to Canadian Citizenship
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone. The final step is the citizenship ceremony , where participants:
- Take the oath of citizenship (a solemn promise to obey Canadian laws and uphold democratic values).
- Accept the rights and responsibilities of citizenship (including the right to vote, run for office, and carry a Canadian passport).
- Receive a citizenship certificate as proof of their new status.
Quick Facts About Canadian Citizenship History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1947 | First Canadian citizenship ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Canada (January 3) |
| 2027 | 80th anniversary of the Canadian Citizenship Act |
| 2027 | 40th anniversary of Citizenship Week |
Over the past four calendar years (2022–2025), an average of more than 356,000 people became Canadian citizens annually.
Why Citizenship Week Matters
Citizenship Week is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on:
- What it means to be Canadian – the shared values of diversity, inclusion, and democracy.
- The contributions of newcomers – who enrich the country’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.
- The importance of reconciliation – recognizing Indigenous history and working toward a better future together.
Minister Diab encouraged all Canadians to look ahead with confidence and hope , and to participate actively in building a strong and inclusive Canada.
“Canadian citizenship is more than a legal status; it is a connection to one another and to the future we are building together.”
– Minister Diab
Photos and Media
Photos of the Minister’s participation in this week’s citizenship ceremonies are available for media. Contact IRCC’s media relations office for access.
Frequently Asked Questions (Simple Answers)
1. How many people became Canadian citizens during Citizenship Week 2026?
Approximately 6,000 new citizens from 40 countries took the oath during over 80 ceremonies.
2. Where did Minister Diab attend ceremonies?
She attended ceremonies in Ottawa (Ontario) , Lunenburg (Nova Scotia) , and Halifax (Nova Scotia) .
3. What is the oath of citizenship?
A solemn promise to obey Canadian laws, fulfill duties as a citizen, and uphold the values of democracy and diversity.
4. Why are Indigenous Elders involved in ceremonies?
To offer a land acknowledgement, share Indigenous knowledge, and welcome new citizens in the spirit of reconciliation.
5. How many people become Canadian citizens each year on average?
Over 356,000 annually from 2022 to 2025.
6. What important anniversaries will be celebrated in 2027?
- 80th anniversary of the Canadian Citizenship Act (1947)
- 40th anniversary of Citizenship Week
7. Where can I find photos of the events?
Contact IRCC Media Relations or check the official IRCC website.
Official Sources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| IRCC Newsroom | canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news |
| Citizenship ceremonies | canada.ca/citizenship-ceremonies |
| Become a Canadian citizen | canada.ca/immigration/citizenship |
Final Bottom Line (In Plain Language)
Citizenship Week 2026 was a time of celebration, reflection, and welcome.
- 6,000 people from around the world became new Canadians.
- Over 80 ceremonies took place across the country.
- Indigenous Elders shared their knowledge and welcomed newcomers.
- Minister Diab reminded everyone that Canadian citizenship is about belonging, participating, and building a shared future.
If you are on the path to citizenship, know that Canada welcomes you. If you are already a citizen, take a moment to appreciate the diversity and strength of this country.
Happy Citizenship Week to all Canadians – new and old.