Malala to officially receive honourary Canadian citizenship

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai will officially receive honourary Canadian Citizenship on her visit to Canada on April 12, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday.

Malala was bestowed honorary Canadian citizenship by the House of Commons in October 2014, in recognition of her courage in the fight for women and girls’ education.

Malala, the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize, will also address the Canadian Parliament during her visit, making her the youngest person to do so.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with Malala to discuss the empowerment of girls through education and how they might contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.

“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," Trudeau stated.

On April 12, Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada, address Parliament, and receive honorary Canadian citizenship: https://t.co/5KIVLELtyR

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 3 April 2017

Since surviving a Taliban attack at age 15, Malala has become an internationally recognised spokesperson for women’s rights.

“The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis," said Malala ahead of her visit.

“I am honoured by the Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes,” she said.

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