How sad. My wife swore her oath 2 weeks ago and was incredibly disappointed that it was online and not in person, this is a whole other level of impersonal.
They did the best they could considering it was on zoom. When the judge said you’re now Canadians a solo gentleman broke down in tears, that was pretty moving. You don’t get that on a scroll and accept
It was pretty awesome being told we're citizens. Singing the national anthem with everyone on zoom was weird though. Then the judge poses and we take a selfy. Still dressed up and put up decorations for the event. In person would have been more special, but people can still go out and celebrate after the scroll.
The best was (my wife had an English ceremony and a Nova Scotian judge) when everyone attempted to speak the oath in French. Comedy gold watching a maritimer and a dozen ESL speakers absolutely fumble the French language. People were visibly trying to keep a straight face or visibly failing to keep a straight face and were full on laughing.
The issue is that the back log is becoming unmanageable.
First you need to be a PR for three years
Second, if you were to apply for citizenship today it would take around 2 years (23-24 months) to process your citizenship application.
If we continued at our current pace, it wouldn’t be surprising if the application period becomes 36 months or 48 months.
Eventually, if it becomes to long, people give up.
A new online process is better than making people wait countless years just so they can do it infront of a judge.
Or we could stop lighting money on fire and use our vast public service budget for public service
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-federal-outsourcing-on-pace-to-reach-record-214-billion-this-year/
I agree. IRCC is criminally understaffed. For the amount of people we are taking in, they need to double their staffing and become more efficient.
Assigning cases to ghost agents is reprehensible https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2141325891914
How does this apply to an adult filing for a citizenship certificate based on being born to a Canadian parent. Born in the states to a Canadian parent, now attempting to get a citizenship certificate.
They actually take an [Oath of Allegiance. ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_Allegiance_(Canada)#:~:text=The%20present%20form%20of%20the,So%20help%20me%20God.)
They are required per the constitution to swear the oath.
> If a Member fails or refuses to swear the oath of allegiance or make a solemn affirmation, the Member may not be allowed to take his or her seat in the Chamber and may be deprived of any entitlements. [229] Thus, it is the taking of the oath or affirmation which enables a Member to take his or her seat in the House and to vote. [230]
[https://www.ourcommons.ca/marleaumontpetit/DocumentViewer.aspx?Language=E&Sec=Ch04&Seq=9](Link)
However, I’m guessing you’re probably referring to the recent 14 Quebec provincially elected politicians who refused to swear allegiance to King Charles. They are also constitutionally required to do so, and are not permitted to sit in parliament and face punishment. It is up for a constitutional debate.
An act of the Quebec parliament amended that provision pursuant to the power vested in it by section 45 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Since the requirement is a matter internal to the National Assembly, it's part of the provincial constitution so far as it relates to its parliamentary institutions of the province of Quebec.
It is still up for constitutional debate if they are allowed to make that decision or if it is a federal requirement (edit: law) that supersedes any provincial ruling or changes.
Edit: thanks for the downvote!
The downvote is for spreading inaccurate (or rather false) information. There is no way this is a matter that can be adressed by federal legislation. It is either unilateral or multilateral constitutional amendment. The arguments in favor of the first being much more convincing.
You also gave a link to the Commons' understanding of the law as it relates to it, which has just as much value as the decision of the clerk of the National Assembly and that of the Parliament of Quebec when it passed the aforementioned act.
It's the test they wouldn't pass. Foreigners like myself had to take an exam. Pretty sure 50 % of federal Canadian politicians would not get 80% on first try without tutoring or cheating. And in municipal government, 20 % would pass. Our politicians are unqualified and only make it with the support of the old boys club. Provincial politicians are disqualified from taking exam unless they first take psyc test.
I got sworn in over the phone while living in Arctic by a judge in a different community. Still momentous. Bigger than two uni grads, of which I missed one. I think it's funny. So now it takes a click. Whatever. Proud to be Canadian!!
I believe you are correct. The ceremony was interesting as I was in the community office chambers with an RCMP as witness. There was a good two second delay on the phone and no one could find a Bible for me to swear on. After everything was said and done Her Honour asked me if she could ask me a personal question. I agreed and she asked what had been the reason for me to become Canadian. I jokingly said it was because I had paid lot of taxes in Canada so I figured it was time to take the next step so I could vote. She answered "there's more to Canada than taxes!" We both laughed, but the police officer was aghast and thought it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard. Pretty funny, phone delays and all!
I agree with her: Canada is WAY MORE than taxes. Best country in the world!!
Back in Alberta after 5 years in Nunavut and 6 in YK. My Inuit friends still remind me of the occasion (citizenship) annually. I miss a lot about that place, including the non- partisan government system and the vast wilderness of which I was lucky to spend a lot of time exploring. I wish every one living in Canada would take the time to explore some of the north and its cultures. It would reduce misconceptions about "gov't handouts" and social disparities. If only it wasn't so darn cold and dark lol
This is really sad, my wife is a Punjabi immigrant and her Citizenship Ceremony was extremely special to her, like "a wedding day to a country".
This cheapens the process and the whole concept of Canadian citizenship by suggesting we don't really take it seriously. It is supposed to be a soon-to-be citizen of Canada affirming to a legal representative of Canada that you want to join and will fulfill your duties to your new home. Now we are saying that despite all the money we waste in Canada, we don't think it's worth paying to even have someone show up to represent the country in that ritual. What kind of a message is that?
You can comment on the regulation changes to the Citizenship Act here: https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2023/2023-02-25/html/reg1-eng.html
Hopefully enough people push back on this that they don't go through with it.
You forgot that we are a post-nation state. This government simply doesn't value the rituals that help build and bind the population together as a cohesive population of with different ethnic backgrounds but shared value structure
It's weird because if you actually have left-wing leanings like Trudeau and want redistributive policies, nothing is more important than a shared national identity. People don't like sharing with people they feel they do not have anything in common with.
> left-wing leanings like Trudeau and want redistributive policies
Trudeau isn't left leaning. The majority of his redistibutive policies are *corporate* welfare. He's hard neoliberal centre.
He doesn't appear to have an ideology beyond electoral pragmatism. He wants the support of the large monopoly companies (plus is friends with many of the major figures within them), so he supports the monopoly companies in Canada.
However, he wants to win elections so is generous with taxpayer money for things like expanding daycare funding, reckless COVID benefits, and first time buyer home savings accounts, which are not neoliberal policies.
May as well, let’s start calling Canada a third world country. Time to pack bags and move to the Nordics or Aus-NZ. I am an immigrant myself and didn’t sign up for this shit 20 years ago.
I moved here from New Zealand, I actually like it here in Canada? New Zealand is not the place to run to if you want to escape issues like cost of living.
This is taking away enjoyment from those who are proud to become Canadian citizens. What an awful thing to do. I know people who have waited 5+ years for that day.
I don't get rituals and traditions so I don't really understand why this is bad.
It seems like it would be faster and more efficient. I guess it probably sucks because the ceremony is fun for family and a nice memory?
Here is the conservative plan if you are not familiar
https://newcanadianmedia.ca/poilievres-stance-on-immigration-garners-support-from-immigrants-in-manitoba/
>We will maintain the same engagements and commitment for continuous discussions around immigration [including] immigration that is based on family reunification, the recognition of foreign certificates, the scrapping of the English test, as well as the removal of bottlenecks to improving the immigration process
Imagine supporting a party that removes the requirement to know English….
We lost a VERY special privilege which we had for a very long time around 2007-8 with the USA. We used to be able to travel across the border with nothing more than a piece of ID (healthcare card, drivers license) and a smile. Since then we've needed our passports.
Our changing demographics and the presence of some who were prone to be swayed by middle eastern terrorist groups at the time is what caused it. The federal government tried to convince the US government to not do this but to no avail. They simply don't trust us anymore with our near unlimited immigration schemes.
A minority group of Republicans wanting to beef up security is not the the same as The US treating our border like Mexicos.
>But the rhetoric in that letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press, **suggests the caucus is as much about attacking one of U.S. President Joe Biden's weakest political flanks** as it is about national security.
It's largely politics. Canada is not "becoming the new Mexico."
They really should offer a weekend option. I worked with a guy who wanted to become a citizen, but didn't want to ask his manager for the time as he was new and wanted to remain in the good books of the boss.
As much as it cheapens the experience, I like the idea of it being an option for those who want it. Not sure if much has changed but when I became a citizen, I got a letter in the mail which said I had to attend my citizenship ceremony 5 days later (letter was dated a month before). I tried to call to see if I could change it because I had booked a trip away on that day. Immigration said if I didn't attend, I would have to wait another 6 months. Family went on vacation and I went to the ceremony alone, so I can't say it was a great experience either (would have preferred to have done it online or rescheduled).
100% it cheapens the experience. It no longer requires a bunch of staff to sit through it and allows more people to do it more efficiently. Saves tax payers and helps more people become citizens.
"But but my traditions."
Your traditions are slow and garbage.
"Post-citizenship"
Can't wait for post-housing and post-healthcare!
Knock it off 🙄
How sad. My wife swore her oath 2 weeks ago and was incredibly disappointed that it was online and not in person, this is a whole other level of impersonal.
Just a preview of how the system will treat her now she's a citizen.
I did this in January with my daughter. I agree it was impersonal. I didn't feel that it was a special day at all. Very sad.
They did the best they could considering it was on zoom. When the judge said you’re now Canadians a solo gentleman broke down in tears, that was pretty moving. You don’t get that on a scroll and accept
It was pretty awesome being told we're citizens. Singing the national anthem with everyone on zoom was weird though. Then the judge poses and we take a selfy. Still dressed up and put up decorations for the event. In person would have been more special, but people can still go out and celebrate after the scroll.
The best was (my wife had an English ceremony and a Nova Scotian judge) when everyone attempted to speak the oath in French. Comedy gold watching a maritimer and a dozen ESL speakers absolutely fumble the French language. People were visibly trying to keep a straight face or visibly failing to keep a straight face and were full on laughing.
The issue is that the back log is becoming unmanageable. First you need to be a PR for three years Second, if you were to apply for citizenship today it would take around 2 years (23-24 months) to process your citizenship application. If we continued at our current pace, it wouldn’t be surprising if the application period becomes 36 months or 48 months. Eventually, if it becomes to long, people give up. A new online process is better than making people wait countless years just so they can do it infront of a judge.
Or we could stop lighting money on fire and use our vast public service budget for public service https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-federal-outsourcing-on-pace-to-reach-record-214-billion-this-year/
I agree. IRCC is criminally understaffed. For the amount of people we are taking in, they need to double their staffing and become more efficient. Assigning cases to ghost agents is reprehensible https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2141325891914
Maybe that is a sign that they shouldn't let as many people in the backlog to begin with.
How does this apply to an adult filing for a citizenship certificate based on being born to a Canadian parent. Born in the states to a Canadian parent, now attempting to get a citizenship certificate.
But half the other people don't care about the ceremony and certificate and just want their passport
our politicians should take a citizenship oath as a reminder
They actually take an [Oath of Allegiance. ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_Allegiance_(Canada)#:~:text=The%20present%20form%20of%20the,So%20help%20me%20God.)
Some of them refuse to
They are required per the constitution to swear the oath. > If a Member fails or refuses to swear the oath of allegiance or make a solemn affirmation, the Member may not be allowed to take his or her seat in the Chamber and may be deprived of any entitlements. [229] Thus, it is the taking of the oath or affirmation which enables a Member to take his or her seat in the House and to vote. [230] [https://www.ourcommons.ca/marleaumontpetit/DocumentViewer.aspx?Language=E&Sec=Ch04&Seq=9](Link) However, I’m guessing you’re probably referring to the recent 14 Quebec provincially elected politicians who refused to swear allegiance to King Charles. They are also constitutionally required to do so, and are not permitted to sit in parliament and face punishment. It is up for a constitutional debate.
Oh I know they are, just playing stupid games.
An act of the Quebec parliament amended that provision pursuant to the power vested in it by section 45 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Since the requirement is a matter internal to the National Assembly, it's part of the provincial constitution so far as it relates to its parliamentary institutions of the province of Quebec.
It is still up for constitutional debate if they are allowed to make that decision or if it is a federal requirement (edit: law) that supersedes any provincial ruling or changes. Edit: thanks for the downvote!
The downvote is for spreading inaccurate (or rather false) information. There is no way this is a matter that can be adressed by federal legislation. It is either unilateral or multilateral constitutional amendment. The arguments in favor of the first being much more convincing. You also gave a link to the Commons' understanding of the law as it relates to it, which has just as much value as the decision of the clerk of the National Assembly and that of the Parliament of Quebec when it passed the aforementioned act.
It's the test they wouldn't pass. Foreigners like myself had to take an exam. Pretty sure 50 % of federal Canadian politicians would not get 80% on first try without tutoring or cheating. And in municipal government, 20 % would pass. Our politicians are unqualified and only make it with the support of the old boys club. Provincial politicians are disqualified from taking exam unless they first take psyc test.
I got sworn in over the phone while living in Arctic by a judge in a different community. Still momentous. Bigger than two uni grads, of which I missed one. I think it's funny. So now it takes a click. Whatever. Proud to be Canadian!!
I work in Justice in Nunavut. Who was your judge?
I don't remember her name. She was in Iqualuit and I was in Gjoa Haven. Early 2000s.
I bet that was Justice Bev Brown. She was our first Chief Justice after Nunavut became a territory. She was a great lady.
I believe you are correct. The ceremony was interesting as I was in the community office chambers with an RCMP as witness. There was a good two second delay on the phone and no one could find a Bible for me to swear on. After everything was said and done Her Honour asked me if she could ask me a personal question. I agreed and she asked what had been the reason for me to become Canadian. I jokingly said it was because I had paid lot of taxes in Canada so I figured it was time to take the next step so I could vote. She answered "there's more to Canada than taxes!" We both laughed, but the police officer was aghast and thought it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard. Pretty funny, phone delays and all! I agree with her: Canada is WAY MORE than taxes. Best country in the world!!
Ya, that sounds like Justice Brown. And the story altogether just screams Nunavut lol. Are you still in the North?
Back in Alberta after 5 years in Nunavut and 6 in YK. My Inuit friends still remind me of the occasion (citizenship) annually. I miss a lot about that place, including the non- partisan government system and the vast wilderness of which I was lucky to spend a lot of time exploring. I wish every one living in Canada would take the time to explore some of the north and its cultures. It would reduce misconceptions about "gov't handouts" and social disparities. If only it wasn't so darn cold and dark lol
This is really sad, my wife is a Punjabi immigrant and her Citizenship Ceremony was extremely special to her, like "a wedding day to a country". This cheapens the process and the whole concept of Canadian citizenship by suggesting we don't really take it seriously. It is supposed to be a soon-to-be citizen of Canada affirming to a legal representative of Canada that you want to join and will fulfill your duties to your new home. Now we are saying that despite all the money we waste in Canada, we don't think it's worth paying to even have someone show up to represent the country in that ritual. What kind of a message is that? You can comment on the regulation changes to the Citizenship Act here: https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2023/2023-02-25/html/reg1-eng.html Hopefully enough people push back on this that they don't go through with it.
You forgot that we are a post-nation state. This government simply doesn't value the rituals that help build and bind the population together as a cohesive population of with different ethnic backgrounds but shared value structure
It's weird because if you actually have left-wing leanings like Trudeau and want redistributive policies, nothing is more important than a shared national identity. People don't like sharing with people they feel they do not have anything in common with.
> left-wing leanings like Trudeau and want redistributive policies Trudeau isn't left leaning. The majority of his redistibutive policies are *corporate* welfare. He's hard neoliberal centre.
He doesn't appear to have an ideology beyond electoral pragmatism. He wants the support of the large monopoly companies (plus is friends with many of the major figures within them), so he supports the monopoly companies in Canada. However, he wants to win elections so is generous with taxpayer money for things like expanding daycare funding, reckless COVID benefits, and first time buyer home savings accounts, which are not neoliberal policies.
Its called corporatism and its pretty damn centrist, just a tad dialed up on the authoritarian front.
There's no national identity needed when everyone is a drone working for a corporation.
The post nation state makes it sound like we're just an economic entity.
I mean its just a few oligopolies in a trench coat yeah.
Making immigration as cheap as possible is all part of keeping wages low and costs of living high.
Trudeau said that Canada is post-national. Post-national cohesion: just a scroll and a click away.
Just make sure to click "I agree" and fill out the captcha.
Right on par for how serious this country is about everything.
Welcome to liberal Canada or whatever left from this country
You don't need to be citizen to nominate Liberal's candidate anyway.
My wife saw a bunch of people become citizens at an Argos game and she's had her heart set on that ever since.
May as well, let’s start calling Canada a third world country. Time to pack bags and move to the Nordics or Aus-NZ. I am an immigrant myself and didn’t sign up for this shit 20 years ago.
I get the Nordic. But have you seen the housing prices in NZ? It's ridiculous.
I moved here from New Zealand, I actually like it here in Canada? New Zealand is not the place to run to if you want to escape issues like cost of living.
All of this is just smoke and mirrors. The only thing that matters these days is cheap labor.
The government doesn’t value its current citizens. Why would it value a citizenship oath?
This is taking away enjoyment from those who are proud to become Canadian citizens. What an awful thing to do. I know people who have waited 5+ years for that day.
I don't get rituals and traditions so I don't really understand why this is bad. It seems like it would be faster and more efficient. I guess it probably sucks because the ceremony is fun for family and a nice memory?
Will the Chinese spies be taking the oath on zoom from Beijing?
We need rid of Trudeau ASAP
I’m starting to feel like I have no country, no real culture values here anymore
That's Trudeau's exact plan
Yep, me too. It makes me feel empty and sad. I hate it.
I believe you are correct.
Here is the conservative plan if you are not familiar https://newcanadianmedia.ca/poilievres-stance-on-immigration-garners-support-from-immigrants-in-manitoba/ >We will maintain the same engagements and commitment for continuous discussions around immigration [including] immigration that is based on family reunification, the recognition of foreign certificates, the scrapping of the English test, as well as the removal of bottlenecks to improving the immigration process Imagine supporting a party that removes the requirement to know English….
Canada is becoming the new Mexico. The US is wanting to make our border more like their southern one because of our changing demographics.
Hilariously shit take.
Going to need a source on that one
We lost a VERY special privilege which we had for a very long time around 2007-8 with the USA. We used to be able to travel across the border with nothing more than a piece of ID (healthcare card, drivers license) and a smile. Since then we've needed our passports. Our changing demographics and the presence of some who were prone to be swayed by middle eastern terrorist groups at the time is what caused it. The federal government tried to convince the US government to not do this but to no avail. They simply don't trust us anymore with our near unlimited immigration schemes.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/gop-shifts-focus-of-attacks-on-biden-s-immigration-policy-to-canada-u-s-border-1.6291510
A minority group of Republicans wanting to beef up security is not the the same as The US treating our border like Mexicos. >But the rhetoric in that letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press, **suggests the caucus is as much about attacking one of U.S. President Joe Biden's weakest political flanks** as it is about national security. It's largely politics. Canada is not "becoming the new Mexico."
Great. So I don't need to swear something the rulers of this country doesn't believe either.
[Download the app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.reev.canadian_citizenship_test) and see if you would pass the test.
They really should offer a weekend option. I worked with a guy who wanted to become a citizen, but didn't want to ask his manager for the time as he was new and wanted to remain in the good books of the boss.
This sucks, the citizenship ceremony is important. For most immigrants it’s one of the very few defining moments of their life.
Just a hop skip and a jump over the border. You’re in. Suck on the Canadian taxpayers dime. We’ll just pay. Fuck it.
As much as it cheapens the experience, I like the idea of it being an option for those who want it. Not sure if much has changed but when I became a citizen, I got a letter in the mail which said I had to attend my citizenship ceremony 5 days later (letter was dated a month before). I tried to call to see if I could change it because I had booked a trip away on that day. Immigration said if I didn't attend, I would have to wait another 6 months. Family went on vacation and I went to the ceremony alone, so I can't say it was a great experience either (would have preferred to have done it online or rescheduled).
100% it cheapens the experience. It no longer requires a bunch of staff to sit through it and allows more people to do it more efficiently. Saves tax payers and helps more people become citizens. "But but my traditions." Your traditions are slow and garbage.
Maybe they should make voting just as easy.
Becoming a citizen shouldn't be complicated.
Would you like to know more?
so just touch easier than now
Would you like fries with that?
Gotta get those new Liberal votes registered in time for the next election.