Canada benefits from the many Canadians who hold dual citizenship says Canada’s NDP, in response to reports that the Harper Conservatives are considering denying Canadians the right to hold two passports. "Immigration has been key to Canada and our role in the world," says NDP Citizenship and Immigration Critic Bill Siksay, MP for Burnaby-Douglas. "Revoking dual citizenship would hurt our country, be a major blow to many Canadian citizens, decrease mobility, make international travel more difficult, hurt tourism and immigration, and impact negatively on trade and Canada’s international relationships." "Dual citizenship is a distinct advantage - not just for individuals but for the country," said Siksay. "Many immigrants chose Canada over other potential destinations because Canada has recognized dual citizenship since 1977. Forcing these citizens to make a choice between Canada and their country of origin now makes no sense," said Deputy Critic Olivia Chow, an immigrant herself and MP for Trinity-Spadina in Toronto, where many residents hold dual citizenship.
"All immigrants face the risk of being made to feel like second class citizens. This summer, during the war in Lebanon, we saw the loyalty of many dual citizens questioned most inappropriately during a time of crisis when Canadians were actually dying. That is shameful,” said Chow. Chow also noted that at that time, two young girls from her riding were visiting relatives in Lebanon. "Fortunately, they were safely evacuated. Ensuring the safety of all Canadians should never have been an issue. There is only one class of Canadian citizen so citizens are citizens, no matter where they were born. And they should receive Canada's assistance during a crisis." "Narrow-minded members of the government should open their eyes and get a grip on the essence of Canada’s advantage in the world," MP Peter Julian concludes. "We should celebrate our international bonds, not discourage them. Canada is well respected around the world, and dual citizens are among our most passionate ambassadors when they travel in other countries."
"All immigrants face the risk of being made to feel like second class citizens. This summer, during the war in Lebanon, we saw the loyalty of many dual citizens questioned most inappropriately during a time of crisis when Canadians were actually dying. That is shameful,” said Chow. Chow also noted that at that time, two young girls from her riding were visiting relatives in Lebanon. "Fortunately, they were safely evacuated. Ensuring the safety of all Canadians should never have been an issue. There is only one class of Canadian citizen so citizens are citizens, no matter where they were born. And they should receive Canada's assistance during a crisis." "Narrow-minded members of the government should open their eyes and get a grip on the essence of Canada’s advantage in the world," MP Peter Julian concludes. "We should celebrate our international bonds, not discourage them. Canada is well respected around the world, and dual citizens are among our most passionate ambassadors when they travel in other countries."
