Canada began its annual Citizenship Week on May 26, running until June 1, with a focus on celebrating the country’s diverse population and the shared values of Canadian citizenship. In 2024, Canada granted citizenship to 3.74 lakh individuals, with Indian nationals forming the largest group—accounting for 23% of the total, according to a report by Lubna Kably in The Times of India.
Though the total number of new citizens dropped slightly from around 3.80 lakh in 2023, the number of Indians gaining citizenship increased significantly—from 78,714 in 2023 to 87,812 in 2024.
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s immigration minister told Lubna, “Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation. This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians. We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here.”
She added, “It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one’s family. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home. I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week. Being part of this important milestone in someone’s life is an honour and a privilege.”
As per the TOI report, even as Citizenship Week is being celebrated, the federal government has confirmed it will stay with reduced immigration targets. The current immigration levels plan has set lower figures for both permanent and temporary residents, including international students.
For permanent residents—who have a pathway to citizenship—the government plans to admit 3.95 lakh in 2025, 3.80 lakh in 2026, and 3.65 lakh in 2027. In 2024, India remained the top source country, with 1.27 lakh Indians becoming permanent residents. This marked a nearly 9% decline from the previous year.
(With inputs from TOI)
Though the total number of new citizens dropped slightly from around 3.80 lakh in 2023, the number of Indians gaining citizenship increased significantly—from 78,714 in 2023 to 87,812 in 2024.
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s immigration minister told Lubna, “Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation. This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians. We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here.”
She added, “It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one’s family. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home. I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week. Being part of this important milestone in someone’s life is an honour and a privilege.”
As per the TOI report, even as Citizenship Week is being celebrated, the federal government has confirmed it will stay with reduced immigration targets. The current immigration levels plan has set lower figures for both permanent and temporary residents, including international students.
For permanent residents—who have a pathway to citizenship—the government plans to admit 3.95 lakh in 2025, 3.80 lakh in 2026, and 3.65 lakh in 2027. In 2024, India remained the top source country, with 1.27 lakh Indians becoming permanent residents. This marked a nearly 9% decline from the previous year.
(With inputs from TOI)
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