It’s Citizenship Week in Canada (April 12-19, 2026)
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a personal choice. Not every permanent resident chooses to become a citizen; in fact, numbers have been declining in recent years from about three-quarters to less than half of immigrants.
For those who do take this journey, the moment of become Canadian is meaningful.
“I became a proud Canadian citizen in February 2024, just days before joining DIVERSEcity,” says Lin Lin, Manager, Community & Volunteer Programs, at DIVERSEcity, including its citizenship programs. “To me, citizenship represents the opportunity to live a life of dignity — something not everyone in the world has the privilege to experience.”
The Canadian Citizenship Act came into effect on January 1, 1947, establishing Canadian citizenship as a distinct category, allowing residents of Canada to obtain citizenship regardless of their country of origin. Prior to 1947, individuals born in Canada and naturalized immigrants were classified as British subjects.
Alka Vijh, who teaches the Canadian Citizenship Preparation and Civic Engagement Course at DIVERSEcity with Lin, also became a citizen herself during the pandemic. “Becoming a Canadian citizen has meant a deep sense of belonging and pride for me. Even though my ceremony took place online during COVID, it was an emotional moment that allowed me to reflect on my journey and the opportunities Canada has given me. Taking the oath felt like a true commitment to this country and its values. It marked not just a change in status, but a meaningful step in calling Canada my home and being part of its future.”
Citizenship comes with new rights as well as responsibilities, including mobility and voting rights, while contributing to the greater good of the country.
Discovering Canada
Learning about Canada’s vast history, freedoms, laws and values is an important step in the process, something DIVERSEcity’s Canadian Citizenship Preparation and Civic Engagement Course is designed to do.
“The amount of knowledge and material to learn was overwhelming,” says course participant Ewelina. “I didn’t know where to start. In the summer of 2024, I attended your preparatory course for my citizenship test. Thanks to participating, everything became organized and logical, and my learning process began to become enjoyable and interesting.”
After applying for citizenship, Ewelina was invited to take the theory exam in February 2025, “My nerves were sky high. I studied hard, read the [Discover Canada] book, but above all, I focused on the notes from your course, because the knowledge you shared was very specific and well-organized. You gave me a lot of support and boosted my confidence.”
She passed on her first attempt in March 2025. “I am sure that this would not have been possible without your help. My oath was taken on January 12, 2026. Today, I am a Canadian citizen.”
As for Lin, she adds, “I’m deeply grateful for citizenship, and for the opportunity to support others through my work at DIVERSEcity, helping more people access a life of dignity in an equal and equitable way.”
Learn more about DIVERSEcity’s citizenship programs here.