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“In becoming part of our Canadian and Island family, these individuals have chosen to join an accepting and diverse community, united by mutual respect and compassion,” said Premier MacLauchlan. “In Canada, we make room for each other’s traditions and beliefs and learn from one another. As our country becomes stronger, a better life is created for all citizens.”

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Prince Edward Island Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC) put on three ceremonies to welcome the province’s newest Islanders. As a congratulatory memento, the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, on behalf of the Province, presented each new citizen with a tree sapling so that these new citizens can plant their roots in their new home here in Prince Edward Island.

“Congratulations to all the new citizens who have made Prince Edward Island their home. Citizenship ceremonies are the end of a long process of immigration, settlement, and integration for a newcomer to Canada, but the beginning of a new identity as a Canadian – a truly momentous achievement,” said the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “Canada is a land of immigrants, made up of over 200 ethnic origins, all contributing to the richness that is Canada. This is our strength and a source of great pride.”

Approximately 160 individuals from 34 countries were sworn in as new Canadian citizens during ceremonies that began on Sunday, June 26 in Prince Edward Island. On Sunday, approximately 30 new citizens were welcomed during PEIANC’s DiverseCity Multicultural Festival. DiverseCity is a free admission festival and all are welcome to attend events. This festival will also be held in Montague on July 3 and in Summerside on July 24.

Two Canadian Citizenship ceremonies took place in Charlottetown. The Province hosted the first event on Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00 am and another followed at 2:30 pm.

Citizenship ceremonies are a moving and emotional celebration, as well as a necessary legal step to citizenship. Last year, 252,000 people became Canadian citizens.

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada reported that Prince Edward Island’s population has seen significant growth, the largest in Atlantic Canada, with a current population of 147,390. Prince Edward Island credits much of this increase in population to new residents, including newcomers to Canada.