This week is Canada's Citizenship Week 2010. It is a time for Canadians to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, and on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. In 2009 alone, more than 155,000 newcomers to Canada became Canadian citizens, embracing the Canadian values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

"This is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about Canadian political institutions and history," said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

The Canadian citizenship study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, is extremely popular and not just among immigrants but Canadian citizens as well. It was first released in 2009, and more than 300,000 printed copies have been distributed since. Many more electronic (PDF) copies have been downloaded. It is a tool everyone can use to understand the importance of Canadian citizenship.

Also this week, Canadians are discussing the meaning and importance of citizenship to them via Facebook and Twitter as part of a social media campaign. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is asking:

• “What does being—or aspiring to be—a Canadian citizen mean to you?”
• “What symbolizes Canadian citizenship—an idea, a person, an organization?”
• “How will you celebrate being Canadian?”

To join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter, use the hashtag #CitCan. 

Image source: CIC