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As for English or French proficiency being required only for those aged 18 to 54, Watt calls it “a grave mistake,” noting that there are already in several linguistic and cultural communities in Metro Vancouver that are large enough that “individuals from those homelands can and do immigrate to Canada, but in several senses, are not here.”

These “language ghettos,” as he called them, are barriers to new Canadians “realizing the full dimension of citizenship and engagement with the wider Canadian society.”

The intent to reside clause is more problematic, he acknowledged. It is one of the clauses in the current act, along with the revocation of citizenship, that is being challenged in Federal Court by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers. They argue that requiring new Canadians to stay here violates the Charter’s mobility rights guarantee.

Imperfect as it may be, however, he said, “It at least recognizes that citizens should be casting their lot with Canada, something that I suggest the majority of Canadian citizens expect.”

Watt had wanted to speak to the committee, even offering to fly to Ottawa at his own expense. But he was told there wasn’t enough time.

It’s likely the court challenge is one reason that the Liberals are trying to rush through this legislation. Politics is, no doubt, the other.

But Watt raises serious issues that literally go to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. They deserve a serious response because most Canadians believe that being a citizen means more than just having the right to a passport. Most of us believe that citizens ought to be engaged in the country’s economic, social, political and cultural life, and contribute what we can to it.

We have already had the investor-immigrant fiasco when passports were granted in exchange for a limited-time loan for as little as $100,000.

Canada does need more immigrants. We have an aging population and we need more people with skills and training who are willing to make a commitment to Canada.

What we don’t need are any more citizens of convenience.

dbramham@postmedia.com

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