It is an official document that is issued by the Government of Canada. The document can be used as definitive proof of your citizenship status when applying for jobs, passports, etc. It can also be used in certain circumstances when you travel. The citizenship certificate is currently accepted in North America as documentary evidence of your right to be re-admitted to Canada. When you travel it is advisable to carry both a citizenship certificate and a Canadian passport.
Any Canadian citizen is entitled to apply for a citizenship certificate.
Naturalized Canadians automatically receive the document when they are granted their citizenship. Virtually all people born in this country are considered to be Canadian citizens. Likewise, anyone born to a Canadian parent is considered to be a Canadian citizen. If you live in Canada, you can obtain an application kit by calling a Citizenship and Immigration Call Centre. The kit you need is the Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Inside Canada .