With Summer In The City canceled again this year, it will be two years since Steinbach had a citizenship celebration of new Canadians.

Held on stage at Cultures in the City and organized by Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS), the event recognizes residents who recently took the oath of citizenship. Officials from the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government would typically be in attendance to bring greetings. In more recent years, a citizenship judge and an RCMP officer garbed in iconic red and black gala uniform would also be among the well-wishers.

EIS program director Gwen Reimer shares her thoughts about how the COVID-19 health and safety restrictions made an impact on their programs related to citizenship and other subject areas. 

“Our programs have just taken on a whole a different look, for lack of better terminology. We've just been kind of going with whatever we can do. We can't status quo, but let's go with the times. So that's meant going remote and being able to adjust things on the fly.”

Aside from the citizenship celebration, new Canadians have also been taking their oath virtually. The website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that in response to COVID-19, taking the oath of citizenship has been done virtually since April 1st of last year.

Reimer reminds new Canadians that the citizenship oath-taking remains special even when it's done virtually.

"You become a citizen. You've done the work. You've gone the distance. Don't let the pandemic not help you celebrate with the rest of the people that are joining the citizenship celebration because it's still very exciting. It's just a different platform, a remote platform."

At the national level, Canada is celebrating Citizenship Week from May 17 to 23. On the IRCC website, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino reminded Canadians both new and old about the significance of citizenship in these times.

"As Canadian citizens, we all have a responsibility to help others in our communities, and that has never been more important than during the global COVID-19 pandemic we've faced together this past year. We will forever be grateful to the frontline workers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and all Canadians who have worked tirelessly to help Canada throughout the pandemic."