Changes to Citizenship Act now in Effect

Today, changes to the Citizenship Act through the adoption of Bill C-6 came in to effect. These changes to the Citizenship act were applauded by Brampton’s Members of Parliament. These changes will allow for more flexibility for eligible applicants to meet the requirements for Canadian Citizenship.
Specifically, Bill C-6 reduces the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada before applying for citizenship, amends the age range for applicants to meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship, and changes the physical presence requirements for citizenship. It also reduced the time required for applicants to file income taxes before applying for citizenship from four out of six years to three out of five years, to align with the physical presence requirements.

More changes to the Citizenship Act are expected to take effect later this year and in early 2018. Passing these improvements to the Citizenship Act fulfils a campaign commitment made by the Liberal Party in 2015.
(Pictures attached from last week when Minister Hussen visited Brampton)
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Quotes
“As Members of Parliament for the city of Brampton, we have seen first-hand that one of the strongest pillars for successful integration into Canadian life is achieving Canadian citizenship. Today we made it clear: Canada is a welcoming country that values all of its citizens equally.”
– Raj Grewal, Member of Parliament for Brampton East

“Delivering on this key election promise removes barriers to citizenship and gets rid of the unfair two-tier system created by the Harper Government. Unlike the previous government, we know that our diversity is our strength, and we are proud that Canada is a welcoming country that is both diverse and inclusive.”
– Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North

“The changes that came in to effect today will make it easier and faster for many of our newest constituents to achieve Canadian citizenship as they continue to build successful lives in Canada, contributing to the country’s economic, social and cultural success.”
– Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“In the 2015 election, our Party said loud and clear – A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian. We are keeping our commitment to that principle today through this new law.”
– Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament for Brampton West, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue

“I am so proud that our government has delivered on this key election promise. I know what a difference this will make for new Canadians not only in Brampton, but also from all over Canada.”
– Ramesh Sangha, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre

Quick Facts
Bill C-6, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act and make consequential amendments to another Act, received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017.
Some changes to the Citizenship Act took effect immediately upon Royal Assent on June 19, 2017. They include: repealing of the ability to revoke citizenship from dual citizens convicted of crimes against the national interest; no longer requiring applicants to intend to continue to reside in Canada once granted citizenship; and making it easier for minors to apply for citizenship without a Canadian or permanent resident parent.
More changes expected to take place later in 2017 and 2018 include strengthening the citizenship revocation process so that the Federal Court is the decision-maker on most cases, and giving clear authority under the Citizenship Act for citizenship officers to seize fraudulent or suspected fraudulent documents.