Warden's Message
The Importance of Citizenship
As Warden, I was recently honoured to represent the County the Peterborough at the Citizenship Ceremony where 50 immigrants were officially made Canadian Citizens. The ceremony was held at the Canadian Canoe Museum where Canada’s history is well displayed. We were ‘all in the same boat’ that day, in more ways than one.
I was struck, once again, with the importance of welcoming immigrants to become a part of our communities and help us build Canada.
As I looked in the faces of these individuals it became ever so apparent that we sometimes take life in this great country for granted. I saw the pride, the hope and the sincere appreciation for the moment in their eyes. It was truly a memorable event for me and one that I will never forget.
With our aging population and low birth rate, immigrants are expected to account for 100% of labour force growth (as of last year)*, and 100% of population growth by 2030**.
Now, according to law, these new citizens can vote, must pay taxes and can receive benefits. However, most of these people became citizens because they want to work and live in Canada, They have come because they hope to achieve a dream here… to raise their children in a safe place or have more education opportunities… to live in political or religious freedom. Perhaps they fell in love with a Canadian and choose to call Canada home. No matter what the reason, it was a pleasure to have them take the step of citizenship.
As I said in my remarks during the ceremony, "Canada just got a little bit better..."
*Canada’s Innovation Strategy, Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians, Section 5.1
**Stats Canada