Mr. Speaker, at a time when our immigration system has been stretched and faith in its fairness is fading, Bill C-3 tells the world that one could be Canadian without ever truly living here. Canadian citizenship is one of the most valuable things in the world. It is something that generations have worked hard to earn and to honour, but Bill C-3 would give automatic citizenship to children born abroad, even when their parents have spent little time living in Canada.
We used to have an immigration system that was the envy of the world. It was rooted in fairness, contribution and community, but the bill risks turning citizenship into a paper privilege, rather than a lived commitment.
Before granting citizenship, should we not expect at least some genuine connection and some proof of interest in, effort for or belonging to the country we call home?