2009 News and Information
Forum Rounds Out Citizenship Ceremony
28 January 2009Becoming a Canadian citizen is a proud and memorable moment for most immigrants, but the journey undertaken to reach the citizenship ceremony is often overlooked during the pomp and pleasure of achievement.
It’s one of the reasons the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee (RIAC) has been working with the Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Institute of Canadian Citizenship on a special citizenship ceremony and roundtable discussion, held this week at the Cultural Centre. Immigrants make up 57.4 percent of Richmond’s population—the highest proportion of any municipality in Canada.
The moderated forum provided an opportunity for the new citizens to share their experiences and insights as an immigrant to Canada with those who work in immigration services or policy development. In addition to federal representatives, members of RIAC, Richmond Parks and Recreation and other agencies involved in promoting intercultural understanding will use the forum as an educational tool to improve and streamline immigration services. The forum also serves as a vehicle to recognize the contribution of immigrants to Richmond and Canada as well as a network opportunity for new citizens themselves. At the first event in March 2007 in Vancouver, connections led to education and job opportunities.
The ICC is a national, non-profit organization founded and co-chaired by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul to connect established Canadians with new Canadians through programs such as enhanced citizenship ceremonies and roundtable discussions.
Council established RIAC in 2002 to advise and assist in the development of policies and programs that strengthen intercultural relations and harmony. The City's Diversity Services section works with RIAC to offer a range of services for newcomers to the community, such as bus tours and facilitating access to information. The City works in partnership with many community groups, agencies and societies to share information, develop opportunities for promoting intercultural understanding and create pride in being a new Canadian.
