moved that Bill S-235, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, be read the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce Bill S-235, an act that would amend the Citizenship Act and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
I would like to thank my colleague, the member for Edmonton Griesbach, a determined champion for the rights of the child, for seconding this bill. As well, retired senator Mobina Jaffer and Senator Kim Pate for drafting and guiding it through the Senate at all its stages.
On any day, there are an estimated 61,000 children in out-of-home care. Each of these children, like all children, deserve the best care and to have the rights of the child respected, yet we know there are times when the system fails them and they fall through the cracks.
It is the responsibility of the government to apply for citizenship for children in care who came to Canada as minors, yet the government routinely fails to do so. As the children age out at 18, and if they come in conflict with the law, they could face deportation, even though they may not have any connection to the country they left.
Bill S-235 would ensure children who come to Canada and are in the care system obtain their Canadian citizenship. Children aging out of care already face far too many extraordinary systemic barriers.
I call on all parties in the House to support this bill to protect the rights of some of the most vulnerable children in Canada.
(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)
