Okay.
In the case of Marcel Gélinas, is it the same thing?
Evidence of meeting #22 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was child.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:45 a.m.
NDP
9:45 a.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Marcel, do you know the reason you were denied and when were you denied?
9:45 a.m.
As an Individual
Both my parents were born in Canada. They were married in Canada. My entire ancestry is in Quebec.
9:45 a.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Your entire.... Yes, I can tell from your last name. Your grandparents are from Quebec and your parents were born in Canada, but you were denied this year, in 2009, by the department?
9:45 a.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
No. Then tomorrow the minister, if he chooses to, can enact Governor in Council and grant under subsection 5(4) in these special cases. Am I correct?
9:45 a.m.
Lost Canadian Organization
It solves the problem. It was promised; however, the minister turned it over to the bureaucrats, and the bureaucrats denied it. A ministerial permit is for the minister, not the bureaucrats. He has somewhat abdicated the responsibility for these cases and turned it over.
9:45 a.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Am I correct in understanding that all 71 cases applied and were denied by the department?
June 11th, 2009 / 9:45 a.m.
Lost Canadian Organization
We have 65 Mennonites who are in limbo, and his daughter is in limbo, so we don't know about them. The others have all been denied.
9:45 a.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Jacqueline, how did it feel when this gentleman on the phone who runs the magazine said that it could be citizenship by convenience? I saw your expression when he mentioned that, and you covered your mouth. Can you tell me what you felt at that time?
9:45 a.m.
As an Individual
I can tell you that it's not a convenience. It's my nationality. It represents the right to call Canada my home and to let everybody know that's where I'm from and that I'm proud to be a Canadian. When I'm asked what my citizenship is now, how can I answer? I don't know. I'm not comfortable where I live. I don't feel connected with where I live. Canada has always had that loyalty.
9:45 a.m.
As an Individual
We're snowbirds. We're half of the time in B.C. and we spend half the time, the winters, in Arizona.