This was a fantastic weekend for skating. The temperature crept up to around -6 during the day and dipped down to -20 overnight. During the day the sky was blue and the ice was hard and clear. We went out on Saturday and on Sunday to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and the wonderful skating conditions.

On Saturday, we went to the outdoor skating rink in our park, the parque des Trembles. We met Max, Isabelle, Philip and Éric for a rousing session of skate tag, ball hockey, push the stroller and drink hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.

On Sunday, Monique, Chloée, Corinne and I went down to the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink and skated for a bit then had beaver tails and piping hot coffee. The canal was packed so it was bit more difficult to get going with the girls, Chloée is still a bit tentative and Corinne needs to be pushed, but all things considered, it was phenomenal. The canal is still in great condition from Winterlude so it’s pretty hard not to have a good time.

Chloée’s skating has greatly improved. The new skates that she got for Christmas really help her a lot. They’re girl’s skates with the picks on the toe. She can really cruise. That really seems to have made a big difference for her.

Corinne tried skating for the first time this weekend, too. Our neighbour, Jenny, lent us a pair of beginner skates, each with two blades, that we could strap onto Corinne’s boots. Corinne cruised around and was very proud of herself.

See all the pictures from our skating weekend.

Well, Friday the 16th was a fabulous day at the Supreme Court. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, welcomed 17 new Canadian families representing each province and territory in a special commemorative citizenship ceremony.

Many notable people were present to see the families get sworn in and become Canadian citizens. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverly McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Senior Citizenship Judge Michel Simard welcomed the families and spoke eloquently on what Canadian citizenship means to them.

I was present at the ceremony as the representative of Strategic communications. For me, it was an inspiring and very moving event. I was amazed by the stories that I heard of the courage, perseverance and sacrifice that many of the newcomers had demonstrated in coming to Canada. Some of them had travelled great distances looking for peace from war, some looking for freedom, some seeking the respect and acceptance they knew Canadians would provide. Most of them had to say goodbye to friends, loved ones and familiar surroundings.

Canadian citizenship was legally and officially created on January 1, 1947, when the first citizenship act came into effect. Until then, people living in Canada were considered British subjects living in Canada.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean told those at the ceremony:

As someone who came to Canada early in life, seeking freedom and hope, I know deeply and personally the value of Canadian citizenship. As each of you is welcomed into the Canadian family, I hope you will take an active role in the ongoing task of building this country.

Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin had this to say:

I am honoured to greet some of Canada’s newest citizens in the very same building where the first Canadian citizenship ceremony took place in 1947.

What do you have to say?

Sixty years ago, Canadian citizenship was officially created when the first citizenship act came into effect on January 1, 1947. Until then, people living in Canada were considered British subjects.

On February 16, a commemorative citizenship ceremony will be held at the Supreme Court of Canada to launch a series of celebrations and events marking the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will talk about the importance of citizenship. Families who have been chosen from each province and territory of Canada will also be present to get their citizenship. I will be present at the celebration and will post on this blog some photos and some of my thoughts on citizenship.

The 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship is a milestone in the history of our country. Throughout the year, special events and activities will be held in all regions and all Canadians will be invited to take part in the celebrations. I will try to keep you updated on those as much as possible, as well.

To learn more about the history of Canadian citizenship, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Web site.

It’s -40 in Winnipeg and people are happy.

Why?

Free parking.

Winnipeg drivers pleased as parking meters freeze