Again—
Evidence of meeting #5 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was c-3.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #5 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was c-3.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dzerowicz
Hold on. I'll stop the clock, Minister.
Ms. Rempel Garner, please allow the witness to finish.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Chair, on a point of order, I do not have to let the Liberals word-salad my answer when I'm asking about the value of Canadian citizenship.
I'm sorry, you can't do that.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dzerowicz
Here is the problem, Ms. Rempel Garner: There is crosstalk, and it is very hard for the interpreters to interpret. It's very difficult for them to do their jobs.
Kindly allow.... We'll have one person at a time.
Minister—
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
No, it's me. I get to ask the question again, since you interrupted me again.
Liberal
Conservative
Michael Ma Conservative Markham—Unionville, ON
On a point of order, if the witnesses answered direct questions, then we wouldn't get into these kinds of situations. If we allow the witnesses to continue off—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dzerowicz
This is debate, Mr. Ma, not a point of order.
Ms. Rempel Garner, please go ahead.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Thank you.
Chair, since we're not going to get an answer...obviously, the Liberals have written a chain migration bill that's going to allow for rampant fraud. The minister doesn't include a requirement for taking a citizenship test in this chain migration bill. She said that this bill is the right thing to do.
Is it right to grant Canadian citizenship to somebody without having them take a citizenship test?
Liberal
Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS
Madam Chair, as I was saying, officers will assess the totality of the information that's presented when an application is in front of them and determine whether or not they're satisfied and whether or not the individual should be given—
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
But there's no citizenship test. Are you saying it's the right thing to do to give Canadian citizenship to somebody who can't speak one of Canada's official languages and who doesn't have to take a citizenship test—and with no security screening? Is that what you are telling this committee we are supposed to vote for with this chain migration bill?
Liberal
Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS
Madam Chair, this bill was drafted to have reasonable limits that would surpass the constitutional rights of people. It strikes a balance by protecting the value of Canadian citizenship. It's fairness to Canadian families—
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dzerowicz
Ms. Rempel Garner, please allow the witness to answer the question.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Listen. Listen. Okay.
Minister, yes or no, do you think it's right to give Canadian citizenship to somebody without that person having to take a citizenship test?
Liberal
Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS
This bill is here to protect Canadian values, and I believe we've struck a balance. If you have any amendments, the committee is happy to look at those.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
You'd support an amendment to make somebody take a citizenship test, then.
Liberal
Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS
I said that if there are amendments, that's why the committee is here.
Conservative
Liberal
Liberal
Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS
—the value of citizenship, and it is something that is very important to all Canadians.