Multicultural Association Highlights Significance of In-Person Citizenship Ceremonies

The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association is advocating for the return of in-person citizenship ceremonies in the city. These ceremonies have been on hold since they were suspended nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Cathy Woodbeck, the association’s executive director.

“It’s a special time for families to become Canadian citizens together as a group, and it’s nice to watch,” Woodbeck said. “When they’re in a group, they can sing the national anthem, take the oath, and congratulate each other.”

Woodbeck noted that residents from the area, including new Canadians, community groups, and individuals, have been lobbying Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Minister Marc Miller to resume in-person ceremonies. One Thunder Bay resident, Julie Hutka, even started a change.org petition, stating that virtual ceremonies conducted over a computer screen are insufficient.

Although the multicultural association hasn’t directly lobbied the federal government, Woodbeck confirmed their full support for the initiative. Historically, the association has collaborated with IRCC to organize the ceremonies, coordinating venues, stakeholders, and preparation for citizenship tests.

The proposed in-person ceremonies would not only serve new citizens from Thunder Bay but also from across northwestern Ontario. Woodbeck explained that these events could bring together 100 to 120 new Canadians, along with their families and friends, up to three times a year.

In a statement to Newswatch, IRCC said the federal government is committed to offering both in-person and virtual ceremonies across all regions. However, they acknowledged that Thunder Bay hasn’t hosted any in-person ceremonies “recently.”

“In-person ceremonies are often organized when there is demand and/or multiple applicants from an area awaiting a ceremony,” the statement read. The department also stated that candidates are invited to either in-person or virtual ceremonies based on “operational considerations,” though it didn’t clarify what those considerations are.

Currently, the closest in-person citizenship ceremonies for Thunder Bay residents are listed on the Government of Canada’s website as taking place in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area.

Woodbeck emphasized the importance of bringing in-person ceremonies back to Thunder Bay, citing the challenges of travel in such a geographically large region.

“We’d encourage them to return to in-person ceremonies, especially in a region like ours where travel is difficult,” she said. “Online ceremonies aren’t the same. Larger centres have them in person, and it’s such a special day for people. We’d love to see them return to our city.”