Proposed changes in the Canadian Citizenship Act

Image caption: John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, welcomes new citizens at a special citizenship ceremony in conjunction with York Regional Police in Aurora, Ontario. (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum introduced legislation to amend the Citizenship Act. The proposed changes would make it easier and faster for applicants to meet the requirement for Canadian citizenship.

If the Bill An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act is is passed, the time required for permanent residents to be physically present in Canada before applying for citizenship will be reduced by a full year. The proposed legislation would also credit applicants for the time spent in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons.

The age range to meet English or French language requirements and pass a citizenship test would change to 18-54 from 14-64.

The Bill also proposes to repeal provisions that allow citizenship to be revoked from dual citizens if they engage in acts against the national interests. All Canadians who commit crimes would face the consequences of their actions through the Canadian justice system.

“The Government is keeping its commitment to repeal certain provisions of the Citizenship Act, including those that led to different treatment for dual citizens,” Minister McCallum said. “Canadian citizens are equal under the law. Whether they were born in Canada or were naturalized in Canada or hold a dual citizenship.”