1. Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada

2. Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Canadian citizenship grants many rights and privileges
the definition of a citizen in Canada has changed over the years

3. History of the Citizen in Canada:
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
History of the Citizen in Canada:
Before 1947: we were still considered British subjects despite 80 years since Confederation
Women were not legally considered ‘competent persons’ (persons who could hold political office) legally until 1929, though they’d been voting for more than ten years at that point. Though Canadian courts determined women were legally persons (people), women weren’t being given the full political rights of other (I.e. white male) persons until the Famous Five fought The Persons Case, which they won in 1929.
Jan. 1, 1947: Canadian Citizenship Act
People born in Canada, or outside Canada whose fathers held Canadian citizenship (mostly for war brides) were considered citizens.
February 15, 1997: the Canadian Citizenship Act was revised

4. Canadian Citizenship Act of 1997 (revised)
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Canadian Citizenship Act of 1997 (revised)
A citizen is:
A person born within Canadian borders (or the child of Canadian diplomats serving Canada in another country).
Person born outside Canada after Feb. 15/77 with one Canadian parent
citizenship is by descent
If you aren’t living in Canada, you will lose this when you turn 28 if you do not apply for permanent citizenship

5. Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Every year, over 150,000 people take the Oath and become citizens
You are first classed as a permanent resident → with many, but not all, rights of citizenship

6. Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
If you are only a permanent resident, you must then undergo a process called ‘naturalization,’ for which you must:
o       Be a permanent resident of Canada for 3 of last 4 years
o       Be 18 years of age
o       Have knowledge of Canada including geography, politics, law, and the right/responsibilities of citizenship
Speak/read/write English OR French

7. Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
To complete your citizenship, you must:
Complete an application and meet all requirements
Pass the citizenship test (only ages 18-54)
Take the Oath of Citizenship
Pay money for fees

8. Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
You CANNOT become a citizen if:
o   you are (or were in the last 4 years) in prison, on parole or probation
o   convicted of an offence under the Citizenship Act (i.e. fraud)
you are being investigated for war crimes or crimes against humanity

9. Rights and Privileges of Citizenship
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Rights and Privileges of Citizenship
·    protection under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (also applies to permanent residents)
·    right to vote in municipal, provincial, and federal elections
·    permanent residents may vote in municipal elections ONLY
·    right to be a candidate in an election
right to leave the country and return at any time

10. The Oath of Citizenship:
Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
The Oath of Citizenship:
“I affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian Citizen.”

11. Citizenship: Being A Citizen of Canada
Your Views
Some people think our immigration policy is too hard, and that we want to increase our population more rapidly than it allows.
Other people think our immigration policy is too lenient, and feel that immigrants compete with born-citizens for jobs, and bring problems from their countries with them.
And what do you think?