The Citizenship Dilemma
In a significant move, the Canadian government is addressing a long-standing issue affecting children of Canadian citizens born abroad. Under a previous Conservative government, some of these children lost their right to citizenship, a decision later declared unconstitutional. These affected individuals became known as “Lost Canadians.”
Proposed Changes
Mark Miller, the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, has announced new legislation aimed at rectifying this situation. The proposed bill seeks to extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation, upholding the value of Canadian citizenship in a more inclusive manner.
Background2009 Conservative Government Changes
The roots of this issue trace back to 2009, when Prime Minister Steven Harper’s government altered the law. This change prevented Canadian citizen parents born abroad from automatically passing their citizenship to children also born outside Canada.
Legal Challenge
In December, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared the current citizenship system unconstitutional, necessitating legislative action from the federal government.
Bill C-71: The Proposed SolutionKey Provisions
Bill C-71 promises to extend automatic citizenship to anyone born outside Canada to a Canadian parent before the legislation comes into force. It also aims to restore citizenship to “Lost Canadians” and addresses issues raised in parliamentary committees and courts.
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure legitimate ties to Canada, the bill stipulates that Canadian parents must reside in the country for at least three years to pass on their citizenship to children born abroad.
Political LandscapeMulti-Party Support
The announcement of Bill C-71 saw support from multiple political parties. Members of Parliament from the Liberal, Green, and NDP parties were present, with an NDP representative emphasizing both the moral and legal imperatives of this legislative fix.
Uncertain Conservative Stance
While support seems broad, the Conservative Party’s position on the bill remains unclear at this stage.
Timeline and ImplementationCourt-Imposed Deadline
The federal government faces a tight deadline, with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice mandating implementation of these changes by June 19th. This leaves less than a month for the bill to pass through all legislative stages.
Challenges in a Minority Parliament
The current minority government situation poses challenges for swift passage of the bill, given the typically lengthy legislative process.
Potential Extension
Minister Miller has indicated that while the government may seek a deadline extension from the court, there’s a preference for prompt implementation of these changes.
Advocacy for ChangeNon-Partisan Nature of Citizenship
Advocates for the bill stress that citizenship transcends political affiliations. They argue for universal support, emphasizing that Canadian identity should not be a partisan issue.
Importance of Canadian Identity
Supporters of the bill describe citizenship as “the glue that binds us together,” underscoring its fundamental importance to Canadian society.
Conclusion
Bill C-71 represents a crucial step towards addressing historical injustices in Canadian citizenship law. As the government races against time to meet the court-imposed deadline, the potential impact on Canadian families and individuals abroad hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this legislative solution becomes a reality for “Lost Canadians” and future generations.
