“Citizenship Week is a time to celebrate what it means to be Canadian and to reflect on the many privileges that Canadian citizenship confers.
“Canada is a pluralistic, multicultural country where citizens of various ethnicities, cultures and faiths live in peace and prosperity. Each year, hundreds of thousands more apply to come to Canada, attracted by our way of life, the wealth of our nation, and the peace and security of our communities.
“Citizenship also confers responsibilities, including the responsibility to work hard, abide by Canadian laws, and contribute to the social and economic fabric of our country.
“Our Government is doing its part to attract the world’s best and brightest to Canada. That is why we have launched the Federal Skilled Trades Program to make it easier for skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada; the Start-Up Visa Program to allow immigrant entrepreneurs who have secured support from Canadian firms with expertise in working with start-ups to get permanent residence in Canada; and the new and improved Canadian Experience Class Program to allow applicants who are already successfully employed in Canada to transition faster to permanent residence.
“I would like to encourage all citizens – both newcomers and those whose families have been here for generations – to learn more about Canada’s wonderful history. The activities taking place ‘On the Road to 2017’ mark some of the milestones in our collective history, a past that unites us all.
“Finally, I would like to congratulate all those who will become Canadian citizens during Citizenship Week 2014. This is a country of immense opportunity and endless possibilities for those willing to work hard. I wish you well on this exciting journey.”