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.
Conservative
Alice Wong Conservative Richmond, BC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
We probably are very much aware of the fact that there are expatriates working overseas.
My question for Mr. Nichols is this. Could you please tell us how you would ensure that citizens have a tangible connection to Canada?
Executive Director, Concerned Group Representative, Canadian Expat Association
Certainly.
The tangible contributions to Canada would refer to economic contributions that are made by these Canadians. I mentioned the chambers of commerce, the local business councils that are in virtually every major city of the world, that are working hard to promote Canadian businesses. They also work to promote businesses that are trying to invest in Canada as well, in conjunction often with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
There are individuals such as Glenn Williamson of the Canada Arizona Business Council. In 2005 the bilateral trade value between Arizona and Canada was set at $2.5 billion. The goal of that organization was to bring that to a total of $5 billion by 2008, and they've succeeded in doing that.
That's one example of how, economically, they've contributed significantly to Canada.
Conservative
Alice Wong Conservative Richmond, BC
That I understand, but when we talk about citizenship, a citizen is an individual. You can't say I belong to this business association and therefore I get citizenship.
How about ensuring the individuals that those citizens will have a tangible connection? How would you work it out?
Executive Director, Concerned Group Representative, Canadian Expat Association
The recommendation that we are suggesting I believe recognizes the desire of our members and also, I believe, the public of Canada to improve the value of Canadian citizenship, while at the same time enabling Canadians with significant ties to become contributors if they decide to become expatriates themselves. The suggestion we're making is that if there was an introduction of a residency requirement for the parents of those children....
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
Thank you, Mr. Nichols and Ms. Wong.
Before I dismiss the witnesses, the analysts need some direction from the committee. I hope I have the consent of the committee to go in camera. I assume that is okay.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank you for coming and giving us your thoughts on Bill C-37. Thank you very much for your time and your consideration.
The committee will be going in camera, so I'm afraid all of those except the committee members and one staff member will have to vacate the committee room.
The meeting is adjourned.