OTTAWA — The Liberal government introduced a bill Thursday that would repeal some of the controversial changes the previous Conservative government made to how someone gets or loses their Canadian citizenship.
Here's a look at some of what the current law says and the proposed changes. None will take effect until the bill becomes law, and several require a specific date to be set for their implementation.
GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION
Current law: Those convicted of crimes against the national interest such as terrorism, treason or spying could have their citizenship revoked if they also held citizenship in another country. Citizenship can also be revoked if it was obtained fraudently.
Proposed change: Repeals national interest grounds and restores citizenship of anyone who has been affected. Keeps the ability for the minister to revoke for fraud or misrepresentation.
RESIDENCY
Current law: Requires people to declare on their citizenship applications that they intend to continue to reside in Canada if granted citizenship.
Also requires people to have been physically present in Canada for four out of six years before qualifying, but time spent as a non-permanent resident may not be counted toward that requirement. This meant, for example, that international students could not have their time in school counted towards their residency requirement for citizenship.
Proposed change: Repeals the "intent to reside" provision. People will have to be physically present for three out of five years before qualifying but each day they have spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident will be credited as a half day toward that requirement, up to a maximum one year of credited time.
LANGUAGE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Current law: Everyone between the ages of 14 to 64 must pass language and knowledge tests.
Proposed change: Applicants between the ages of 18 to 54 must pass language and knowledge tests.
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