REVOCATION OF CITIZENSHIP PROCEEDINGS

NEW WW II CASE

OTTAWA, February 2, 2000 - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced today that the Government of Canada has begun revocation of citizenship proceedings in a new WW II case. The announcement follows the government's pledge to strengthen its campaign to bring war criminals to justice.

"Canadians have made it clear that war criminals, regardless of when or where their crimes were committed, are not welcome in Canada. This case reflects the Government of Canada's continuing commitment to its citizens and to the international community to bring war criminals to justice," Minister McLellan said.

In a statement of claim filed with the Federal Court of Canada today, the government alleges that the individual, Walter Obodzinsky, was admitted to Canada and obtained citizenship by false representation, fraud or knowingly concealing material circumstances related to his war time activity during WW II. Mr. Obodzinsky is alleged to have concealed his membership in German-sponsored police forces and attack units that were responsible for the deportation and killing of Jewish and non-Jewish civilians in Belarus during WW II. Mr. Obodzinsky has exercised his right to have the case referred to the Federal Court, which will hear the case.

"Canadian citizenship is a valued privilege. We will continue to send a strong message to war criminals and those involved in crimes against humanity that we are determined to remove them from Canadian soil," Minister Caplan said.

This case is the most recent in a series of 17 cases underway since 1995, when the government reiterated its commitment to ensure that Canada will not be a safe haven for individuals who have committed crimes against humanity, war crimes or other reprehensible acts during times of conflict. In 1998, the government reaffirmed its determination by allocating $46.8 million over the next three years to initiate new cases and to improve its ability to address modern-day war crimes.

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Line Chabot-Racine
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

 Terry Beitner, Deputy Director
Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section
Department of Justice
(613) 954-2351

Derik Hodgson
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 954-1064

René Mercier
Departmental Spokesperson
Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 941-7042