QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Citizenship Test
September 28, 2023
My question is for the government leader in the Senate.
Senator Gold, my office has yet again received disturbing reports regarding online citizenship application procedures.
A permanent resident cardholder applied for their citizenship online and was sent a citizenship test link. However, the instructions clearly stated that they could only complete this online test between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. that night. Fortunately, the applicant was aware of standard procedure and was ultimately given 21 days to complete the test.
Many applicants have undoubtedly found themselves in this situation, which is unacceptable and applies unnecessary additional stress on applicants who are not aware of their rights. My question, Senator Gold, is: What is being done to rectify these mistakes?
Thank you for the question, and that is a very disturbing story that you recount.
There are internal procedures for monitoring the performance of the processes that are in place. I hope that you are wrong and that not many people have been placed in that very uncomfortable situation.
Not having details of the file, I obviously can’t comment on that. I’ll certainly bring this matter to the attention of the relevant minister.
Senator Gold, these mistakes do not end there. We have also heard reports of frequent errors in the system that lead applicants to believe their oath ceremonies have been scheduled, only for them to be cancelled at the last minute. These administrative errors can have important consequences on applicants’ emotions and schedules.
Senator Gold, the citizenship process in Canada is lengthy, stressful and filled with administrative hurdles. Why do such administrative mistakes continue to happen?
One would wish that we had systems that were completely error-free; that, alas, is clearly not the case. The relevant minister and his officials are responsible and diligent, and I’ll bring this matter to their attention.
