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The guide also has a new section on the Canadian Forces that notes Canada’s role during the First and Second World Wars and encourages newcomers to learn more about Canada’s military history. It also explains that immigrants can serve part-time in local navy, army or air force reserves as well as in the Coast Guard or as police officers or firefighters. The section features a photo of Lt-Col. Harjit Sajjan, the first Sikh to command a Canadian army regiment.

Like it’s predecessor, the guide also notes the legality of same-sex marriage, although the topic is now under the heading “your rights and freedoms in Canada” rather than “sexual orientation.”

The booklet contains a single reference to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, compared to two in the previous booklet, and also makes reference to the Bill of Rights. The Conservatives have been criticized for downplaying the role of the Charter, which was entrenched in the Constitution by then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau. It’s also not the first time the Conservatives have referenced the Bill of Rights, former Conservative prime minister John Diefenbaker’s precursor to the Charter.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also gets a mention for the first time as the booklet notes that the Queen has “known all 11 prime ministers from “Louis St-Laurent (1948-56) to Stephen Harper (2006-).”

The latest version of Welcome to Canada does not include the lyrics to O Canada, but does contain more information about the country’s geography and history than the previous version. It also includes handy check lists for newcomers before they arrive, during their first two weeks in Canada and first two months in the country. Nick Noorani, a native of India who was initially disappointed with his prospects when he arrived in Canada who soon found work in his field also offers his “seven success secrets for Canadian immigrants.” Noorani has previously shared his experiences in a book, magazine and seminar series.

Little blurbs about the experiences and contributions of real immigrants — like Michel Cubric of Brazil who went back to school to become a mortgage broker or Hong Kong-born Maggie Ip who co-founded an immigrant service organization — also offer a unique touch.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney will officially release the guide Tuesday in Vancouver during a press conference with Noorani. He will also unveil a new online tool to help newcomers create a customized plan to assist with settlement and integration.

Welcome guide for new Immigrants to Canada