QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Children of Canadian Citizens
June 5, 2024
Senator Gold, Bill C-71, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, responds to gaps and deficiencies in the legislation affecting the lost Canadians but not for those Canadians born abroad and adopted by their Canadian parents. These children are prevented from passing on citizenship if they also choose to adopt children broad. This first generation cut-off rule, which affects no other Canadians, is not cured by the proposed 1,095-day substantial connection test. Born and adopted abroad, these Canadians will not have access to the full breadth of their citizenship rights. They are, in effect, citizens minus. This is a fundamental breach of their citizenship rights.
Senator Gold, will you ask the government to consider a simple amendment to the bill to correct this inequality before it comes to the Senate?
Thank you, senator, for your question and for raising this very important question. I will certainly bring this concern to the attention of the minister.
My understanding is that the intent of the bill is to treat everyone equally, whether they are biological or adopted children. Indeed — colleagues may know — adopted children are specifically mentioned in Bill C-71.
I have also been advised that the government is aware that some stakeholders have concerns in this regard, and the government is open to having a conversation in that respect.
Senator Gold, will you ask the minister to support and promote a simple amendment? It says, “children who receive citizenship after their adoption is complete are exempt from the substantial connection test.” This amendment would easily correct the obvious breach of their citizenship rights in this bill before it reaches the Senate.
Thank you, colleague. I will certainly add that to my conversation with the minister.
