Malala to receive honorary Canadian citizenship on April 12

OTTAWA, Ontario: Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has announced the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada on April 12, 2017 to address the country’s Parliament and officially receive the honorary Canadian citizenship bestowed upon her in 2014.

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada was quoted as saying, “I am pleased to announce Malala Yousafzai’s upcoming visit to Canada. Ms. Yousafzai’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. I look forward to attending the upcoming ceremony and witnessing the historic moment when she becomes the youngest person to address the Parliament of Canada.”

PM Trudeau will take this opportunity to meet with Malala to discuss girls’ empowerment through education and how they can actively contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and countries.

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

Malala was targeted by Taliban militants after she became an outspoken advocate for the right of girls to learn and to attend school. She has since become an international spokesperson for girls’ education and the rights of women and girls.

In recognition of this work, she was named a co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.

“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,” says Malala.

On October 21, 2014, the House of Commons unanimously supported bestowing honorary Canadian citizenship upon Ms. Yousafzai, to recognize her bravery in the fight for the rights of women and girls to go to school.

Ms. Yousafzai is one of just six people to receive honorary Canadian citizenship. The others are Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, the 14th Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Aga Khan.