Ceremonies on Hold Since the Pandemic
The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association is advocating for the revival of in-person citizenship ceremonies in the city. These ceremonies, an integral milestone for new Canadians, were suspended nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to return locally. Cathy Woodbeck, the association’s executive director, highlighted the emotional significance of these events.
“It’s a special time for families to become Canadian citizens together as a group, and it’s nice to watch,” said Woodbeck. “When they’re in a group, they can sing the national anthem, take the oath, and congratulate each other.”
Community Advocacy Pushes for Change
Residents, community groups, and individuals have been actively lobbying Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and federal Minister Marc Miller to bring back in-person ceremonies. Thunder Bay resident Julie Hutka even launched a change.org petition, expressing dissatisfaction with virtual ceremonies, which she says fail to capture the moment’s significance.
Although the multicultural association hasn’t directly lobbied the federal government, Woodbeck confirmed their full support for the push. Historically, the organization has played a key role in organizing these ceremonies in partnership with IRCC, handling event logistics and citizenship test preparation.
Significance of Local Ceremonies in Northwestern Ontario
Thunder Bay’s proposed in-person ceremonies would benefit not just the city but also surrounding communities in northwestern Ontario. Woodbeck explained that these gatherings, which could host 100 to 120 new Canadians and their loved ones, are vital for a geographically vast region like Thunder Bay, where travel can be challenging.
“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.”
Federal Government Response
In a statement to NetNewsLedger, IRCC affirmed its commitment to offering both in-person and virtual ceremonies across Canada but noted that Thunder Bay has not 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 department said, though it did not specify the operational considerations influencing these decisions. Currently, Thunder Bay residents must travel to Winnipeg or the Greater Toronto Area for in-person ceremonies.
Woodbeck and the multicultural association remain hopeful that local ceremonies will resume soon, ensuring new Canadians in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas can celebrate this milestone in their home communities.
