By: Don Chapman, Head of The Lost Canadians
Canada Strong – Is Citizenship Strong?
For there to be a strong Canada, first you need a secure, engaged, and strong base of citizens. Without that, the country doesn’t exist.
The purpose of government is to: 1) Make life better for its citizens; 2) Protect its citizens.
For the strongest countries, it’s a two-way street.
On Canada Day, when you took the stage, you said: “What a view from up here. You get great perspective of our country from up here.” You then expressed your pride of being Canadian. You talked about values making us who we are, and that working as a family would propel Canadians to achieve extraordinary things. You talked about putting values into action; about Canadians living in security, in dignity, and in harmony. And you said, “the world needs more Canada.
Well, yes, and no.
Just under a month ago, via email, your government suspended citizenship to about 100 people—not that they did anything wrong—then revoked their passports. Why? Because of IRCC errors. That was on a Saturday. On Monday Citizenship Minister Diab publicly blamed the victims—not her department.
The world was watching.
You talk up Canada by saying our country is stable, dependable, and trustworthy. There’s no direct comparison to Trump and the U.S., but it’s strongly inferred. And to a great extent, you’re right, except for one caveat; a caveat so big that it could be described as a crevasse.
Trump threatens to strip people of citizenship. He hasn’t done it simply because citizenship in the U.S. is a constitutional right. But in your Canada, citizenship is a “product of statute and has no meaning apart from statute” (these are the exact words used by your Department of Justice). It means that Canadian citizenship is not a right, but a statutory privilege.
Again, Trump threatens to strip people of their citizenship—in Canada Minister Diab has already done it.
I’m a retired airline pilot. As Captain, no matter what happens, I’m responsible. Likewise, it’s your government. In aviation when something goes wrong we hold hearings—not to blame but to learn and correct past mistakes. In that same way, you need to conduct a thorough review of IRCC. How could they—how dare they—suspend and revoke citizenship and passports to legitimate Canadian citizens just three weeks before “Canada Day.” And they did it without giving any explanation to the people affected.
Why do I use the word legitimate? Because some people, but not all, had their citizenship reinstated—but not their passports. That’s a section (7) Charter violation: Life, liberty, and security of the person, not to mention section (6.1) mobility rights.
Due process went by the wayside. So too did common decency.
I believe you were not aware, but nonetheless now that it’s happened, you’re the “Captain,” and thus it’s your responsibility to right the wrong. Let me quote from your press release dated June 1st: “The protection of citizens is the most fundamental responsibility of government.”
Indeed it is.
As the head of the Lost Canadians, and one of the leading experts in the world on Canadian citizenship, I welcome that inquiry. Together, let’s “make the greatest country in the world even better” (your words from Canada Day). Let’s build a Canada worthy of its values. A Canada worthy of its people.
Your vision, your legacy—as I see it—is Canada being a beacon of light to the world. Kudos. But until there’s a brand-new, mint-fresh citizenship act, Canada will not be that shining example. The current act has become a barnacled creature so convoluted that no one, including the bureaucrats and Parliamentarians, has any idea of just who is, or is not, entitled to be Canadian. May I suggest the Honourable Marc Miller as the lead? I’ve worked with, around, or against 16 Citizenship ministers. Marc stood out as the most competent, knowledgeable, and involved of the bunch. As Canada’s Minister of Culture and Identity, he’d be the perfect choice.
After decades of an outdated, anachronistic Citizenship act whereby Canadians have not been secure in their status; where a bureaucrat is allowed to disenfranchise people without due process and via email, Canada will never be Canada Strong unless it’s also Citizenship Strong.
Governor General Louise Arbour’s said in her induction speech: “Institutions remain trustworthy only as long as someone is willing to hold them accountable.”
In your Canada Day speech you had two words: “Oh Canada.” I’ll add six more: “To Stand on Guard for Thee.”
I’ll end with your Canada Day closing remarks in describing Canada:
“A country that does things because they’re right, not because they’re easy.”
“A Canada for all – and for all time.”
“Vive le Canada.”
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