S.U.C.C.E.S.S. celebrates 30 new Canadians with Canada Day ceremony held on HMCS Vancouver in North Vancouver

Media Release

July 2, 2025

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. celebrates 30 new Canadians with Canada Day ceremony held on HMCS Vancouver in North Vancouver 

North Vancouver, B.C. – S.U.C.C.E.S.S., together with the Royal Canadian Navy and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, celebrated 30 new Canadians in a special citizenship ceremony July 1.

New citizens from 12 countries attended the oath swearing ceremony at a unique venue: the flight deck of HMCS Vancouver, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy docked in North Vancouver for Vancouver Fleet Week. They took their citizenship oath in front of IRCC Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart and celebrated with their families and friends. In attendance were S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo, Board Chair Doug Purdie, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson.

“What an exciting time it is to join the Canadian family on the 158^th anniversary of confederation as we celebrate each of you and what it means to be Canadian together,” said Judge Carol-Ann Hart. “For many new Canadians, a citizenship ceremony is an occasion which marks an incredible milestone.”

Guests were invited to celebrate their special day aboard the Halifax-class frigate which was alongside for Canada Day and Vancouver Fleet Week. The operational vessel, which is based at CFB Esquimalt, has a crew compliment of approximately 240 personnel and has the ability to embark a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. It’s the third naval ship to bear the name Vancouver, as a tribute to the city.

“When I immigrated to Canada more than 40 years ago, I struggled to adjust to the culture and cold and to find community,” said S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo. “Focusing on public service allowed me to find a place for myself. Today, it is my privilege to serve S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and to serve as an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy. I am proud that our agency supports newcomers to find their own community in Canada and to reach their goals.”

“It is a huge honour for me to be here with you on your first day as new Canadian citizens,” said Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson. “It is really important to us to that we did this on Canada Day on a Canadian naval ship: the ship represents the freedoms, rights and responsibilities that we all share together as citizens.”

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Board Chair Doug Purdie wrapped up the ceremony by urging new Canadians to contribute to building a new story of what it means to be Canadian. “Your success today in achieving Canadian citizenship is what our agency is all about.”

Learn more about S.U.C.C.E.S.S. settlement programs for newcomers, affordable housing programs, and seniors care: https://successbc.ca/.

Learn about the Royal Canadian Navy: https://forces.ca/en/about-us/navy.

Learn how to get involved in your community from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/take-part-citizenship/active-community.html.

For more information:
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[email protected]

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people on their Canadian journey. Program and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care, and affordable housing. For more details, please visit www.successbc.ca.

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