“If a person is accused of misrepresenting themselves to obtain their citizenship, they must have the know the case against them, and to defend themselves in front of a judge who can assess the facts and make an independent decision”. There was particular concern in ethnic communities that, over time, the criteria to revoke citizenship would expand to include convictions for lesser crimes.
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Other changes in the law included an expanded requirement for people to pass language tests to qualify for citizenship, increased regulation of immigration consultants and a retroactive grant of citizenship to the so-called “Lost Canadians” and their descendants.
Here’s a look at some of what the current law says and the proposed changes.
The most controversial of the Tory changes to the Citizenship Act allowed the immigration minister to revoke the Canadian status of dual nationals convicted of crimes like terrorism, treason or taking up arms against the country. “Whether they were born in Canada or were naturalized in Canada or hold dual citizenship”.
The age range for language and citizenship knowledge exams would also be amended, exempting those younger than 18 or older than 54. Also requires people to have been physically present in Canada for four out of six years before qualifying, but time spent as a non-permanent resident may not be counted toward that requirement.
This is an election promise the Liberals made, but is this an election promise they shouldn’t keep? McCallum said new resources have been brought in and applications are now being processed within 12 months. He fell into Islamist extremism as a teen, helping form a group the members considered calling al-Qaida in Canada.
“His need to attempt terrorist acts may have included his determined need to follow through on commitments of Muslim loyalty”, the judge wrote in his sentencing decision.
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The faction led by Amara built detonators and acquired explosive materials for large truck bombs that were to be detonated in 2006 near the Toronto Stock Exchange and CN Tower.
