News Release

Amendments to the Citizenship Act

OTTAWA, November 17, 2005 — Today, the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced two bills in the House of Commons to amend the Citizenship Act. The current Act has been in place since 1977.

“Today’s amendments are an important first step in our efforts to ensure Canada’s Citizenship Act continues to reflect present day realities,” Minister Volpe said. “The changes we are proposing will help strengthen the integrity and fairness of the system.”

The two bills support the Government of Canada’s commitment in the Speech from the Throne to modernize Canada’s Citizenship Act and respond to the concerns expressed by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. The amendments will make important changes to recognize adopted children and ensure foreign criminal offences are properly considered in citizenship applications.

With respect to adoption, the proposed provision will reduce the distinction between children born to, and children adopted by, Canadian citizens outside Canada by eliminating the requirement that adopted children first obtain permanent residence status before becoming Canadian. Upon application, adopted children will be able to obtain citizenship after the adoption is finalized. Requirements will ensure that the adoption is legal and the best interests of the child are protected.

Foreign charges and convictions are currently not a bar to obtaining Canadian citizenship. The proposed foreign criminal prohibitions provision will, with respect to foreign offences, prevent people from acquiring citizenship if they are currently serving a sentence, have been convicted of a serious crime in the last three years or are currently charged with a serious offence. However, the Minister may use his discretion to waive a prohibition on compassionate grounds.

For further information (media only):

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064

Greg Scott
Spokesperson
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 941-7028

Backgrounder:

• Citizenship bills