STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON CITIZENSHIP WEEK

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Citizenship Week:

“Our country, Canada, is regarded as one of the best countries in the world to live, work, and raise a family in peace and prosperity. This is recognized both by Canadians and by the hundreds of thousands of people from around the world who apply for Canadian citizenship every year.

"During this Citizenship Week, Canadians will have an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and
the rights and responsibilities that come with it.

“Canada is an open and generous society that welcomes hundreds of thousands of immigrants every year. Immigrants play an important part in shaping Canada’s growth and future. They not only bring a commitment to hard work and fair play, but also a wealth of new ideas, new ways of doing business and closer ties between Canada and their countries of origin.

“Canada is admired around the world as a strong, free country committed to freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Our Government will ensure that those rights and freedoms continue to be protected. I encourage Canadians to learn more about the values, institutions and traditions that we hold dear.

“On behalf of Canadians, I congratulate and welcome all new Canadians on becoming citizens of our great country.”

-StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto