1. Canadian Citizenship

2. History of Canadian Citizenship The Citizenship Act (1947): anyone born in Canada was a citizen, as well as anyone born outside Canada with a Canadian parent In 1977: new Citizenship Act passed; made it much more fair for people immigrating to Canada from other countries--all restrictions and conditions were the same, no matter what

3. Canadian Citizenship Today Citizenship is outlined by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms You are now considered Canadian if: you were born in Canada; one or both of your parents is Canadian or; you have gone through the naturalization process

4. To become a Canadian citizen you must: Be 18 years of age or older Be a permanent resident who was legally and lawful permitted to live in Canada Have lived in Canada for three consecutive years in the last 5 years Speak either English or French Know and be able to communicate the information about Canada outlined in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada handbook, A Look at Canada

5. One you have met those requirements, you must swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen and you will be an official Canadian citizen. Oath: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

6. Being a Canadian citizen gives you the right to participate in the political process in Canada, by voting or running for a political office yourself.