Tell us what being a Canadian means to you.

Ottawa, ON – Citizenship Week is being celebrated across Canada from October 9 to 15, 2017. As we continue to mark Canada 150 by celebrating our citizenship, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invites you to be part of making Citizenship Week even bigger this year by reflecting on what it means to be a Canadian. This year’s Citizenship Week is particularly special as we are also celebrating recent changes to the Citizenship Act that make acquiring citizenship more flexible and accessible, help strengthen diversity and promote greater attachment to Canada. There are many ways you can celebrate Citizenship Week this year. Share stories of your citizenship journey and photos or video of your citizenship ceremony with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CitizenshipWeek. Your photos, videos and stories will help others join in the conversation. Keep an eye out on social media for video testimonials from well-known Canadians sharing what being Canadian means to them. Everyone is also invited to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies where you can reaffirm your citizenship in celebration of Canada 150 and Citizenship Week. Details of ceremonies in your area can be found at Canada.ca/celebrate-citizenship.

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“During Citizenship Week, I encourage everyone to engage and inspire each other, and celebrate our shared values, our achievements and our pride as Canadians. This is a great time to reflect on what it means to be a Cana- dian and to be part of the Canadian family.” -The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts •2017 marks the 70th anniversary of Canadian citizenship. •On October 11, 2017, changes to the Citizenship Act resulting from Bill C-6 become law. These changes include: reducing the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada before applying; amending the age range for applicants who must meet the language and knowledge requirements; and counting the days applicants spend in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons as half days toward their physical presence requirements, up to 365 days. •In the past 10 years, Canada has welcomed over 1,750,000 proud new Canadians. •So far in 2017, 70,000 people have become Canadian citizens. This year during Citizenship Week, more than 4,000 people will become Canadian citizens at 49 ceremonies across Canada