On May 23, 2008, Metro Central YMCA hosted its very first citizenship ceremony in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Fifty-seven people from 21 countries received their Canadian citizenship status at this unique event.

The ceremony began with an hour of animated roundtable discussion involving new and established Canadians, including the Superintendent from the Toronto District School Board, YMCA staff and YMCA Board Members.  

“Fostering these types of discussions makes the process of becoming a citizen more personable and memorable,” said Bahadur Madhani, YMCA Board Chair who attended the event.  

At the official ceremony, Judge Agnes Potts warmly welcomed everyone with her own immigration story. The new Canadians swore their oath of citizenship and were presented gifts by the YMCA, CIC, and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). 

The singing of “O Canada” in both official languages, led by YMCA staff, finished the official part of the ceremony, which was followed by a wonderful reception.

The event was a huge success, and the ICC has recommended the YMCA be selected to organize another citizenship ceremony in the future.

Did You Know?
According to Statistics Canada, between 2001 and 2006, more than 447,000 immigrants decided to make Toronto home. The YMCA Newcomer Programs, through the Language Assessment & Referral Centre and the Information Centre, assist one out of every two newcomers adapt and settle in Toronto.