The Canadian government is currently reviewing the practice of conducting virtual citizenship ceremonies in response to a petition signed by over 1,500 Canadians, which calls for an end to this method.

The Significance of In-Person Ceremonies Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed his preference for in-person citizenship ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of such ceremonies, which are typically held in public in front of family and fellow new Canadians. He stated, “Doing your citizenship ceremony in public, in front of all your family and with people that are becoming new Canadians, is a moment to remember in people’s lives. It is the absolute preferred option.”

The Need for Flexibility However, Miller also recognized the need for flexible options, especially in rural regions where individuals might face challenges in attending in-person ceremonies. He stated, “We need options that are flexible, especially in rural regions. And we’ve certainly heard from rural colleagues and from people that don’t want to move 100 or 200 kilometres to do an in-person citizenship ceremony.”

Virtual Ceremonies During the Pandemic Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced virtual ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic to address a rising backlog and overcome challenges posed by public health measures like social distancing. The virtual option gained popularity, with fewer than 10% of new Canadians opting for in-person ceremonies in the latter half of 2022.

Petition Against Virtual Ceremonies Opposition to virtual ceremonies has been growing. A petition launched by Andrew Griffith, a former director general at IRCC, argues that virtual ceremonies undermine the significance of this important moment in immigrants’ lives. It states that the cost and time savings of virtual ceremonies are unlikely to be realized and are minimal compared to the total processing time and overall cost of the citizenship program.

Prominent Supporters of In-Person Ceremonies The petition has received support from prominent figures, including former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. They both emphasized the importance of in-person ceremonies as bonding experiences for new and existing Canadians. Clarkson noted that citizenship is not just about administrative procedures; it’s a shared experience that unites people.

Counterargument in Favor of Virtual Ceremonies Despite the opposition, some individuals have shared positive experiences with virtual ceremonies. Kimberly Simon, who became a Canadian citizen online in 2021, highlighted the emotional connection and sense of belonging she felt during the virtual ceremony. She argued that in a digital age, online ceremonies can still foster a sense of connection and inclusion.

The debate continues, and the government is considering its options in light of these contrasting perspectives.