S.U.C.C.E.S.S. celebrates 50 new Canadian citizens in Vancouver ceremony following National Citizenship Week

Media Release
May 22, 2024

Vancouver, B.C. – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. opened its doors to fifty new Canadian citizens today from 27 countries during a Canadian Citizenship ceremony held at agency headquarters in Vancouver.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada oath swearing ceremony took place at S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s Choi Hall on the heels of May’s National Citizenship Week, a time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian.

At the event, new Canadians 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, board members Dr. Tanya Petraszko and Rebecca Clapperton Law and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Secretary Linh Le, alongside agency staff. Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson of the Royal Canadian Navy delivered a keynote address.

“As of today, you have all the rights and privileges of Canadian citizens, and I hope you cherish them,” the Rear Admiral said. “The variety of your expertise and lived experiences is what makes this country a stronger and better place to live.”

“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been helping newcomers for more than 50 years, since we were first founded in 1973 in Vancouver,” said CEO Queenie Choo. “Today, I’m reminded of my own Canadian journey. I arrived 40 years ago to work in Alberta as a foreign-trained nurse. Back then, I could never have imagined one day I would lead one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Yet this is proof anything is possible for newcomers to Canada.”

“As a non-profit social services agency, we help more than 77,000 people each year to achieve their goals through services and advocacy that promote belonging, wellness and independence,” Board Chair Doug Purdie added. “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 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.

Follow us
Get the latest news from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. on Twitter (@SUCCESSCanada), Facebook (facebook.com/SUCCESSBC) and LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/company/SUCCESSBC)