April 5, 2017: Malala Yousafzai will receive her honorary Canadian citizenship in Ottawa next week.
The 19-year-old was bestowed Canadian citizenship in 2014. Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper was to have presented the award to her in Toronto on October 22, 2014. However, the event was cancelled as a gunman attacked Parliament Hill after killing a soldier at the National War Memorial.
A statement released by Trudeau’s office said he wants to discuss “girls’ empowerment through education and how they can actively contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and countries.”
“Malala’s courageous response to those who threatened her life, and her advocacy for girls’ education, has inspired many millions of people around the world. Her story is one of determination and dignity, and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country,” Trudeau was quoted as saying in a statement from his office.
On April 12, Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada, address Parliament, and receive honorary Canadian citizenship: https://t.co/5KIVLELtyR
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 3, 2017
The Canadian premier’s press release also quoted Malala as saying, “The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honoured by Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes.”
