Enhancing the Fairness of Canada’s Citizenship Revocation Process
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of Citizenship Revocation Changes
On February 5, 2018, the Canadian government, led by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the implementation of new provisions under Bill C-6. These changes aim to enhance the fairness of the citizenship revocation process.
Key Changes to the Process
Individuals facing possible citizenship revocation can now opt for their cases to be heard either by the Federal Court or decided by the Minister. This option ensures a fairer process by allowing an independent judicial review. Before referring a case to the Federal Court, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials will conduct an initial review to determine if revocation should proceed.
If the Minister handles the case, the individual still has the opportunity to seek a judicial review of the decision at the Federal Court. Previously, under Bill C-24, the Minister was the sole decision-maker for certain fraud cases, while the Federal Court handled more severe violations.
For a comprehensive overview of the changes to the Citizenship Act, please refer to the Bill C-6 Backgrounder.
Statements from the Minister
“With the completion of another significant amendment to the Citizenship Act, the government fulfills its commitment to enhance the procedural fairness of citizenship revocation. By improving this process, we maintain the program’s integrity and uphold the value of Canadian citizenship.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Essential 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, and revised the revocation decision-making model established by Bill C-24.
- Expected changes later in 2018 will empower citizenship officers to seize fraudulent documents under the Citizenship Act.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Hursh Jaswal
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bill C-6?
Bill C-6 is legislation that amends the Citizenship Act to improve the citizenship revocation process and ensure fairness.
How does the new process enhance fairness?
The new process allows individuals to choose whether their case is heard by the Federal Court or decided by the Minister, ensuring judicial oversight and fairness.
What happens if the Minister decides my case?
Even if the Minister decides your case, you can seek a judicial review of the decision at the Federal Court.
Read our immigration guide for more information on citizenship procedures and requirements.
