Interview, photo and filming opportunities available

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - In honour of citizenship week, Canadian Tire - with the participation of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) - is inviting all Canadians to join in a celebration of Canada's national winter sport tradition and its long-standing connection to our citizenship. "A celebration of Hockey and Canadian Citizenship" will highlight one of the many characteristics that have come to define the shared Canadian experience.

The event will include:

• The Great Canadian Oath, a citizenship reaffirmation ceremony open to all Canadians, organized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and read by NHL Alumni Player Thomas Steen
• Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits and trophies
• Notable Hockey Alumni
• A Ball Hockey rink for those wanting to get into the game
• Interactive Hockey Fun Zone (mini-stick games, bubble hockey, target shooting, etc)
• Iconic Canadian food (ie., Beaver Tails & Poutine)

On hand to help Canadians celebrate citizenship and speak at the event will be Maureen Lalla-Khan, Director of Operations Greater Toronto Area East of CIC and John Jobin, Vice President, Merchandising, Playing and Fixing at Canadian Tire.

Canadian athletes will also join in the celebration, including NHL Alumni Players Kevin Weekes, Michael Gartner and Curtis Joseph; three-time Olympian Sami Jo Small and Paralympian Billy Bridges.

WHAT:  A celebration of Hockey and Canadian Citizenship

WHO:  

• Maureen Lalla-Khan, Director of Operations Greater Toronto Area East of CIC
• John Jobin, Vice President, Merchandising, Playing and Fixing at Canadian Tire
• NHL Alumni Players Thomas Steen, Kevin Weekes, Michael Gartner and Curtis Joseph
• Three-time Olympian Sami Jo Small
• Paralympian Billy Bridges

WHERE: Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto

WHEN:

• Wednesday, October 17, 2012
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the official reaffirmation ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m.

SOURCE: CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED