Looking to hear stories of people affected by Citizenship Act reforms

[brendanross]

I'm a journalist with CBC Radio. I'm looking to connect with people in the Toronto area who are planning to apply for citizenship, who would be affected by the government's reforms. If you have a story to tell, I'd love to speak with you today. Please drop me a line at brendan.ross@cbc.ca Thanks!

 

[farrous13]

Hi, that's awesome. I don't live in Toronto. But I really hope candidates/future candidates do get in touch with you.
I believe the media will play a big role in this reform.
Thank you

I'm a journalist with CBC Radio. I'm looking to connect with people in the Toronto area who are planning to apply for citizenship, who would be affected by the government's reforms. If you have a story to tell, I'd love to speak with you today. Please drop me a line at brendan.ross @ cbc.ca Thanks!

 

[ghatot201]

I'm a journalist with CBC Radio. I'm looking to connect with people in the Toronto area who are planning to apply for citizenship, who would be affected by the government's reforms. If you have a story to tell, I'd love to speak with you today. Please drop me a line at brendan.ross @ cbc.ca Thanks!

Oh we do have lots of stories to tell. You bet!!

 

[links18]

Hi Brendan,

Might you also include something in your story about the unreasonable discrepancies in processing time for applications between local CIC offices? I.e. it takes under a year in some places in Ontario but close to three in Winnipeg and other places out West? How can such inequitable treatment be justified?

 

[links18]

I believe the media will play a big role in this reform.
Thank you

Yeah, probably not the most constructive role, judging by many of the sound bite headlines I am seeing: "Government to take steps to crack down on fraudsters." Who could be against cracking down on fraudsters? Of course, the bill is much more than that, including a major set-back for those with time in Canada before receiving PR status, attempting to create two tiers of citizenship, etc.

Please media do your job reporting on this. Someone ask some knowledgeable lawyers if the "intent clause" would pass a Charter challenge?

 

[farrous13]

I got you.

Yeah, probably not the most constructive role, judging by many of the sound bite headlines I am seeing: "Government to take steps to crack down on fraudsters." Who could be against cracking down on fraudsters? Of course, the bill is much more than that, including a major set-back for those with time in Canada before receiving PR status, attempting to create two tiers of citizenship, etc.

Please media do your job reporting on this. Someone ask some knowledgeable lawyers if the "intent clause" would pass a Charter challenge?

 

[Drea]

BrendanRoss, I'm sure you'll find some great feedback on this site. I think most people are particularly concerned with the "intent to reside" portion. I really hope that it pertains only to the period of time until one receives his/her citizenship, not for the rest of his/her life!

Please don’t misunderstand me by thinking I’m bragging or anything, but I came here fair-and-square – no fraud involved – under the Federal Skilled Worker Program because I had a high level of education, skills and work experience in the then desired fields. I speak both English and French fluently. Since I started working in Canada in 2011, I have been promoted several times and I am now in a management position of my company. I pay my taxes, I contribute to society, I am involved in charitable programs, and I have no criminal history. I will be applying for citizenship this year and I will be doing it – fair-and-square – by fulfilling my required days, being a law-abiding member of society and passing the citizenship exam. I have every intention to live here for the rest of my life. But if one day, 10 years down the line, I want to spend a year in, say, Switzerland, teaching yoga or writing a book, I want to be free to do that. How would that make me any less of a Canadian citizen?


I am also hoping that this “intent to reside” does not create 2 official classes of citizens. I would not want to be asked one day if I am a “real” Canadian citizen or an “accepted” Canadian citizen.

This brings up the question: How can you define who is Canadian? Is it someone who is born in Canada? If so, then the fact that one of this new bill’s goals is to eliminate “passport babies” clearly indicates that being born in Canada doesn’t necessarily mean that one is Canadian!

Therefore, I do not think that the government should attempt to classify their citizens because it is just not possible. Canada is a nation of immigrants. Instead of drawing lines between who is Canadian and who is not, they should put the emphasis on appreciating the strength in our diversity.

I understand that the government wants to cut down on fraud and people who want to just have the passport, but they also need to realize that there are highly skilled, good, honest people who make great contributions to the nation and have every right to be seen and treated as a complete citizen.

Before this bill is passed, I hope that factors such as the above are seriously thought about and taken into consideration by the government.

 

[Canadian2007]

What about the fact that people are waiting for 3-4 years or longer to be processed for their Citizenship application. People were given RQ left and right and most cases based on their country or origin. This new bill has everything about making it harder to qualify for citizenship but no clear guideline on how to reduce backlog and process application within a reasonable time frame like other developed countries. can you address those issues as well please. Just like another poster said here before that withholding genuine applicants from getting their citizenship cannot be a part of strengthening citizenship.

 

[links18]

Sounds like this reporter wants to do more of a human interest piece than report on the policy issues involved here. That's all fine and such, but please someone look hard at the policy here. How will it affect Canada in the long run? Will it make the country more or less attractive to the immigrants everyone claims the country still needs? Maybe people will go elsewhere where citizenship is valued like its supposed to, free of caveats like intent clauses, possible revocation by ministerial fiat, etc. Media do your job......

 

[Ehab22]

Came to canada on 2008 as a foreign worker. Applied for canadian citizenship on October 2013 . File received by cic worker but not start process it till now. That mean if my file lost at their office I have to apply again but guess what .i will apply on October 2015 . So i will be canadian citizen on October 2016 if we believe what the minister said about the process time . So I will be canadian after 9 years living , working and paying tax every year . Is it fair?

 

[flusty]

Came to canada on 2008 as a foreign worker. Applied for canadian citizenship on October 2013 . File received by cic worker but not start process it till now. That mean if my file lost at their office I have to apply again but guess what .i will apply on October 2015 . So i will be canadian citizen on October 2016 if we believe what the minister said about the process time . So I will be canadian after 9 years living , working and paying tax every year . Is it fair?

it seem unfair, but citizenship is a privilege not a right... some people seem to forget that.....

 

[Bethel7]

Hello Guys,
I am just filling my Citizenship application. I hope they have not started implementing the new Citizenship Reform bill?

 

[links18]

it seem unfair, but citizenship is a privilege not a right... some people seem to forget that.....

Actually, its a right under the law. They can change the law if they want, but you have the right to be granted citizenship if you meet the requirements of the law. Its a concept called the rule of law--some people seem to forget all about that.

 

[links18]

Hello Guys,
I am just filling my Citizenship application. I hope they have not started implementing the new Citizenship Reform bill?

They just tabled it yesterday. They can't implement it until it becomes law.

 

[MasterGeek]

I applied and became a permanent resident with the assurance of Citizenship and Immigration Canada that I will be eligible to apply for citizenship after living in Canada as a permanent resident for 3 years. It is unfair to change the rules for those who are on the path to citizenship. This bill shouldn't apply to current residents if and when it passes.

I want to become Canadian soon in order to feel equal and have full rights. There are many jobs that give priority to Canadian citizens before permanent residents.

I spent more than two years in Canada as a temporary workers before becoming a PR, and this period will no longer be counted under this bill.