Mr. Speaker, next week the Department of Citizenship and Immigration has organized a series of events to celebrate Citizenship Week.
During Thanksgiving week we should think about the fact that Canadian born citizens may sometimes forget the benefits and privileges of being Canadian. In fact, sometimes it takes new Canadians to remind us of the value of Canadian citizenship.
The chance to reaffirm our citizenship is one of the best ways for those of us who are already Canadian citizens to think again about what it means. I encourage those of us who are able to attend to attend one of the many ceremonies scheduled next week during which new Canadians will take the Oath of Citizenship and where all Canadians can reaffirm their commitment to this country.
Being a Canadian citizen means many things, but mostly it means freedom, respect and belonging, belonging to the greatest country in the world.