Department of Justice

REVOCATION OF CITIZENSHIP PROCEEDINGS
TWO NEW CASES

OTTAWA, September 24, 1997 -- Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced today that the federal government has begun revocation of citizenship proceedings in two new cases. By beginning these cases the federal government has continued its policy concerning proceedings against those alleged to have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity or reprehensible acts in times of war.

The grounds for the proceedings are that the individuals were admitted to Canada and obtained citizenship by false representation or fraud or knowingly concealing material circumstances relating to their war time activities during W.W. II. The names of the individuals will be released when these matters are referred to the Federal Court.

"We will proceed as expeditiously as possible with these two new cases, consistent with the policy we have been following," said Minister McLellan.

These are the thirteenth and fourteenth revocation of citizenship cases undertaken by the federal government. The government met its 1995 pledge to begin 12 cases by March this year.

"The federal government is determined to protect the integrity of its immigration programs. We must ensure that our generosity is not abused and that Canadian citizenship remains a valued privilege," said Minister Robillard.

Ref.:    Pierre Gratton                Paul Vickery
         Minister's Office             Department of Justice
         Department of Justice         (613) 954-7902
         (613) 992-4621

         Benoît Chiquette              Huguette Shouldice
         Minister's Office             Citizenship and Immigration 
         Citizenship and Immigration   Public Affairs Branch
         (613) 954-1064                (613) 941-7035