Citizenship revocation process is flawed

The Record
Letters to the Editor
Nov. 4, 2002

Citizenship revocation is a topic of utmost significance. In recent years, I have become familiar with the citizenship revocation process and have engaged in considerable debate with my colleagues on this issue.

I strongly believe this process, as it exists in current legislation, will continue to be a source of contention within the Canadian immigration system.

The current process of citizenship revocation is flawed in that it does not provide an opportunity for an appellate review of a federal court trial division ruling.

In my opinion, to ensure an equitable system, the process must provide opportunity for the individual to participate in a judicial appeal that would enable a three-judge panel to reconsider the facts that were presented during the trial. The appeal would examine the review criteria and consider criminal involvement first."

It is important that Canada's Citizenship revocation process is equitable to all parties involved. This is not exclusively an issue dealing with war criminals from the Second World War living in Canada; we must recognize, that crimes against humanity continue to occur. Our system must be rational and responsive to this challenging and complex issue of citizenship revocation.

The policy of the Canadian government is unequivocal that Canada is not and will not become a safe haven for persons who have committed war crimes. Clearly, a process of this magnitude must involve a thorough review of all facts and arguments. This issue continues to be of great importance to Canadians.

As a member of Parliament, I will continue to make every effort to ensure the citizenship revocation process provides an outcome that is defensible for all Canadians.

Karen Redman
MP Kitchener Centre