Press Release Department: Federal - Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney (Levis-Bellechasse, Que.) and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) welcomed immigration officials from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States for a four-day meeting. As long-time allies and partners, the five countries work together on a number of common issues, including irregular migration, transnational crime, terrorism threats … Read more

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) announced that Canada’s active recruitment model for economic immigration will officially be called “Express Entry.” Set to launch in January 2015, “Express Entry” is a major step forward in the transformation of Canada’s immigration system into one that is fast, flexible and focused on meeting Canada’s economic and … Read more

Approximately 33,700 people from 199 countries became Canadian citizens at citizenship ceremonies held across Canada in March 2014. This is almost twice as many compared to March 2013 when 17,089 people were granted citizenship across Canada. Canada’s new citizens were welcomed at 312 citizenship ceremonies held across the country, from college campuses to Citizenship and … Read more

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) has concluded a visit to China during which he highlighted the many opportunities that exist in Canada for Chinese skilled workers, travellers, businesspeople and students. Alexander visited Hong Kong and Shanghai to position Canada as a destination of choice for leisure travel, business and study. He highlighted the … Read more

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) immigration ministers reiterated their commitment to actively recruit economic immigrants that have the skills the Canadian economy needs most. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) and Alberta’s Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour Minister Thomas Lukaszuk co-chaired the meeting of FPT ministers responsible for immigration. Economic immigration was a top priority … Read more

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) will travel to Hong Kong and Shanghai this week to highlight the many opportunities that exist for Chinese businesses, students and travellers in Canada. During the visit, Minister Alexander will promote the government’s efforts to build a fast and flexible immigration system with a primary focus on meeting Canada’s economic and labour market needs. Alexander … Read more

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, Ont.) issued a statement on immigration fraudsters. “I would like to acknowledge the good police work that led to recent charges against three people in southwestern Ontario who allegedly hired stand-ins to write English proficiency tests on their behalf, using fake passports for identification. These allegations of forgery … Read more

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Costas Menegakis (Richmond Hill, Ont.) recognized winners of the International Qualifications Network Awards (IQN) who devote their time to the successful integration of new Canadians. The IQN Awards recognizes the hard work, dedication, and creativity of individuals and organizations in their commitment to helping newcomers become part of Canada’s economy and … Read more

More than 19,200 people from 193 countries have become Canadian citizens at citizenship ceremonies held across Canada over the month of February. This is almost 100 percent higher compared to the same period last year (February 2013) when approximately 9,980 people were granted citizenship across Canada. More information is available online. Call 613-954-1064.

The Canadian Chair Year of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) officially concluded at a handover ceremony in Berlin. Dr. Mario Silva, Canadian Chair, formally passed the Chairmanship to the United Kingdom (UK) and Sir Andrew Burns, the UK’s Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues. Canada assumed the Chair of the IHRA in March 2013 and … Read more