Winnipeg —

Today Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring those who serve Canada by highlighting measures proposed in Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act. 

To recognize the important contributions of those who have served Canada in uniform, and those who currently serve, permanent residents who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces will have quicker access to Canadian citizenship. Bill C-24 also stipulates that children born to Canadian parents serving abroad as servants of the Crown are able to pass on their citizenship to children they have or adopt outside Canada.

With these changes, Canada will be in line with most of our peer countries, by providing that citizenship can be revoked from dual nationals who are convicted of terrorism, high treason, and spying offences (depending on the sentence received), or who take up arms against Canada. Permanent residents who commit these acts will be barred from applying for citizenship.

The changes proposed in Bill C-24 honour the contributions and sacrifices of those who serve Canada while ensuring those who commit crimes against Canada are barred from accessing Canadian citizenship.

Quick facts

• The United States and Australia have a similar fast-track mechanism for members of the military as a way of honouring their service and addressing deployment challenges.
• Proposed amendments would deny citizenship to criminals charged with or convicted of serious crimes outside Canada as well as criminals serving a sentence outside Canada. 

Quotes

“Canada was built on the sacrifices of the men and women who have served - and who currently serve - our great country. The government’s changes to the Citizenship Act honour the service of members of the Canadian Forces by fast-tracking their citizenship.” 

Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister

“Dual citizens who are convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism and treason should not have the privilege of Canadian citizenship. The government’s changes to the Citizenship Act reinforce the value and integrity of citizenship by ensuring those who commit crimes against Canada are stripped of their Canadian citizenship.”

Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister