Our Minister of Immigration, the Honourable Jason Kenney, has released a new study guide entitled `Discover Canada - The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship’.  Compared to the out-dated 1994 study guide, ‘Discover Canada’ offers more information on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship; better highlights the sacrifices made by Canada`s veterans and promotes a deeper understanding of Canada’s history, symbols and values.

The previous guide did not mention ‘Remembrance Day’, what the poppy represents, or Canada`s military history.  Instead, it had an entire section devoted to Sustainable Development, including the importance of recycling.

Immigrants come to Canada from all over the world to seek Canadian citizenship. They want to enjoy our freedoms, our law and order of civil society, and the opportunity afforded to all who work hard and use their individual gifts to prosper and contribute to their community.

We expect new Canadians to have a good understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the values and institutions rooted in Canada’s history.  By strengthening the citizenship study guide, we are increasing the value of Canadian citizenship.

The citizenship test is also being revised to reflect changes to the study guide. Canada opens its arms to all immigrants and favors no ethnic heritage.  We want new Canadians to understand the sacrifices made to make this country great, and to know about the founding nations of this land -- Aboriginal, French and English -- our countries official languages.

G.K. Chesterson said:  “Men did not love Rome because she was great.  She was great because they had loved her.”  This could be said equally of Canada.  Our history reveals the many pioneers and defenders of Canada who loved Canada and because of their love made Canada great.  New Canadians must know about Canada, embrace her and contribute to making Canada even greater.


Colin Mayes, MP
Okanagan - Shuswap