The new immigration minister is currently exploring a controversial option that would allow new Canadians to take their oath of citizenship with just a click of a button. However, there are no immediate plans to implement this change, as stated by the minister on Monday.
The government sought public feedback in February regarding the possibility of skipping virtual or in-person ceremonies and opting for an online oath. The new regulations were expected to be enforced by June 2023, but since then, the government has not provided any updates.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller mentioned on Monday that the department is still considering the option and believes it’s a good idea. He emphasized the need for technological advancements while acknowledging the significance of these citizenship moments.
“The department has rightfully been criticized for not adjusting to the 21st century, and I believe we should preserve this option,” Miller explained when entering Question Period.
This option holds particular importance for individuals residing in remote or rural areas. They shouldn’t have to travel long distances to attend a ceremony and take their oath, according to Minister Miller.
Earlier this year, former immigration minister Sean Fraser proposed the one-click option as a temporary solution for clearing the backlog of citizenship applicants. The government expects this change to save individuals up to three months of processing time, as mentioned in their consultation documents.
Feedback from the public consultation varied; while some praised the forward-thinking approach, others expressed concern about diminishing the value of in-person ceremonies.
In a statement, Minister Miller emphasized the importance of in-person ceremonies, stating that maintaining this option is paramount. He acknowledges the mixed views on the matter but believes in keeping options open in the 21st century.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
