Protecting Canadian Citizenship - Government's changes to the Citizenship Act reinforce integrity of citizenship system
OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - As Citizenship Week draws to a close, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister highlighted the government's commitment to protecting Canada's citizenship system from fraud and abuse.
Since the beginning of 2014, the Government has revoked the citizenship of 22 people who obtained their Canadian citizenship through fraud or misrepresentation.
Recent changes to the Citizenship Act include further measures to help combat fraud and protect the citizenship program from abuse. These measures include: increasing penalties for fraud; defining who is an authorized representative and providing authority to develop regulations to designate a regulatory body whose members would be authorized to act as consultants in citizenship matters; and refusing an applicant for fraud at any point in the citizenship process and barring them from reapplying for five years.
In addition, changes to the Citizenship Act will make it possible for the Government to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, high treason, treason or spying, depending on the sentence imposed.
Quick facts
- Since 2006, Canada has enjoyed the highest sustained levels of immigration in Canadian history-an average of a quarter million newcomers each year. Accordingly, the demand for citizenship has increased by 30 percent.
- Citizenship Week took place this year from October 13-19, 2014.
- Since 1988, the government has revoked citizenship from 119 individuals who were found to have obtained their citizenship fraudulently.
- The Government is revoking citizenship on a scale that has never been done before with 300 Notices of Intent to Revoke Citizenship since July 2011.
Quote
"Canadian citizenship is incredibly valuable, and our Government's changes to the Citizenship Act will help protect our citizenship system from abuse and uphold the integrity of Canadian citizenship. As Citizenship Week draws to a close, this is an ideal time for all Canadians to reflect on the high value of our citizenship."
Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister
Related products
News Release – Celebrating Canadian Citizenship
News Release – Government welcomes Royal Assent of Bill C-24
Backgrounder – Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act: Cracking down on citizenship fraud
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Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
SOURCE: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
For further information: Kevin Menard, Minister's Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations: Communications Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]
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