More than 200,000 new Canadians have been welcomed across Canada so far in 2014–more than double the number of new citizens compared to the same time period in 2013.
Owing to the new simplified application and approval process that came into operation on August 1 backlogs have been reduced and 50,000 people have been granted citizenship.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander issued the following statement:
“Recent changes to the Citizenship Act mean deserving new citizens are welcomed to the Canadian family more quickly. Because of our efforts, backlogs are reduced, processing times are improved and more new Canadians are forming a stronger connection to our country.”
