Bill C-24 Citizenship Act: House of Commons Question Period – June 11, 2014

The following is a partial/selected dialogue which took place during Canada’s House of Commons Question Period on Bill C-24 – Canada’s New Citizenship Bill: Mr. Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP):Mr. Speaker, now yesterday as the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration took evasive action after being asked about the constitutionality of his immigration bill. While he refused
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Canadian Bar Association Concerned by Proposed Changes to the Citizenship Act

The Government’s proposed citizenship bill is ringing alarm bells for the Canadian Bar Association, which feels that some of the more controversial measures included in the bill could be unconstitutional, thereby contradicting the government’s own evaluation of the bill. In February, the Government had proposed some drastic changes to the Citizenship Act by introducing Bill
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Test Results Reflect Weaknesses in Citizenship Reform

A surprising new internal government report has found that those immigrants who have been in Canada longest are the ones most likely to fail the citizenship test. The citizenship test is one of the last steps completed by immigrants wishing to obtain full citizenship rights as a Canadian, including the ability to carry a Canadian
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Citizenship Changes Could Weaken Newcomers’ Commitment to Canada

More critics are expressing concern over the government’s proposed reforms to citizenship laws, saying it creates a two-tiered system. Young educated newcomers are some of the most sought-after immigrants not only in Canada, but also throughout the global marketplace. However, some critics say that the new regulations could alienate this highly desirable population by lengthening
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A Summary of Canada’s Proposed Citizenship Reform

There has been much talk in the news of the government’s proposed reforms to Canada’s citizenship rules and procedures, but it is important for newcomers and prospective newcomers to understand exactly what these changes mean. Firstly, newcomers will have to wait at least four years before applying, instead of three. The proof of residency requirements
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Critics Speak Out Against Proposed Citizenship Reforms

This month Immigration Minister Chris Alexander tabled new legislation that will transform Canada’s citizenship system. Though experts are praising many of the changes, critics are pointing to some of the smaller, “illogical” moves that have been slipped into the reform package. Among the changes being hailed by observers is a new language requirement for citizenship
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Canadian Citizenship Policy Changes Could Dissuade Potential Skilled Immigrants

Critics are expressing concern over reforms to Canada’s citizenship laws, saying that the changes will both make it harder for newcomers to gain their citizenship status, as well as devalue the citizenship of Canadians living abroad. The Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act was introduced by the Conservative government to Parliament early this year, and seeks to
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