On February 16, MLT Aikins immigration lawyer Reis Pagtakhan will present to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. He will speak on Bill C-6, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act.
Last year, when Reis appeared before the House of Commons Committee on this bill, he noted that Bill C-6 missed an opportunity to codify two of the recommendations put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC called for the federal government to change the Citizenship Oath and to revise the study guide and citizenship test for soon-to-be new Canadians to include more information about Canada’s treaties with indigenous people and the history of residential schools. The TRC specifically recommended adding a line to the Citizenship Oath in which new citizens would agree to “faithfully observe the laws of Canada including treaties with indigenous people.”
In addition to encouraging Senators to act on these recommendations, Reis will also speak to the issue of requiring citizenship applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English or French before being granted citizenship. Finally, he will address the issue of revoking Canadian citizenship for dual citizens guilty of terrorism.
Reis is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee at 10:30 a.m. Eastern (9:30 a.m. Central) on Thursday, and his presentation will be available via webcast.
Related articles from Reis:
- “New Canadians know too little about indigenous peoples.” Canada needs to adopt Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations for immigration system.
- “Language requirement for citizenship unnecessary.” Immigrants must pass a language test to become Canadian citizens years after they arrive.
- “Canadian citizenship should have 2 tiers.” Nothing wrong with taking citizenship away from those convicted of treason, espionage, terrorism, lawyer says.