The language in the form is virtually verbatim what section 5(1)(c.1) prescribed. It is straight-forward. The subject-predicate is clear and in present tense.
"I intend . . . " All the rest is merely describing what that intention must be, that
current intention.
The applicant must have this intent to be qualified for citizenship. The applicant must remain qualified throughout the processing of the application right up to the taking of the oath. So the applicant must have this intent, currently, at all times between applying and taking the oath.
Once the oath is taken, the individual is no longer a PR, no longer an applicant for citizenship, and thus this section will no longer be at all applicable. Period.
Straight-forward, simple.
Canadafrenzy said:
I strongly believe that the intent-to-reside clause is merely a symbolic measure by the PC government to shore up votes come election time. We can see that in the context of Canada's recent ratcheting up of its anti-terrorism stance. The citizenship Minister has said in a YouTube video that the so-called "intention" wouldn't apply once citizenship is granted.
This requirement is far more than symbolic. It will give CIC authority to deny applicants who are residing abroad while the application is pending. This has been a pet peeve of the Tories for many years. In addition to essentially precluding
applying-on-the-way-to-the-airport (which is obviously a key purpose of this requirement), in conjunction with other requirements it is designed to discourage
taking-the-oath-on-the-way-to-the-airport. Obvious example: applicant has already taken a job abroad, entered into a lease agreement for a residence abroad or purchased a home, before taking the oath, and already has plans, before taking the oath, to soon go to that job or home . . . that will be fraud. If discerned prior to the oath, application will be denied. If discovered and investigated later, after the oath, at risk for imprisonment and revocation of citizenship. Straight-forward, simple.
Additionally, this requirement gives CIC a number of additional tools to assist in the investigation and assessment of an applicant's qualifications, including a basis for requiring disclosure of
all ties abroad to compare to ties in Canada. This opens the door for CIC inquiries very wide.
Canadafrenzy said:
Also, this clause can be challenged in court as it contravenes our Charter Rights.
Not really since it has no impact on the Charter Rights of citizens. None. Claims to the contrary are unfounded and a red herring, a persistent red herring.