UCC seeks changes to bill on citizenship

OTTAWA - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) on September 26 continued its efforts to seek modifications to Bill C-16, the Citizenship of Canada Act as it appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Appearing before the Standing Committee were UCC President Eugene Czolij and noted lawyer and legal advisor Peter Doody.

As in his appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, Mr. Czolij presented proposals that would strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship.

"The UCC wants to ensure that the core values of the Canadian justice system are utilized to ensure fairness and justice for all Canadians," said Mr. Czolij.

Specific amendments presented for consideration by the Senators included:

• modifying sections 17 and 18 to ensure naturalized Canadians due process of law in cases of revocation and annulment of citizenship, including a right of appeal;
  
  
• modifying section 17 to insert a limitation period of five years for the minister to initiate revocation of citizenship proceedings;
  
  
• modifying the standard of proof in revocation and annulment of citizenship proceedings from a "balance of probabilities" to "beyond a reasonable doubt"; and
  
  
• modifying sections 22 and 27 to ensure that a permanent Canadian resident can submit to the courts for review an order or declaration of the Governor in Council prohibiting such person to obtain Canadian citizenship.

Mr. Czolij further noted that the Ukrainian community in Canada understands the privileges and responsibilities that go with citizenship and has made a positive contribution in strengthening this legislation.

Copies of the presentation and backgrounder are available on the UCC website, www.ucc.ca.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 29, 2000, No. 44, Vol. LXVIII

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