That's why we say citizenship is very important in having rights. It is a very important bond that links the individual with the state. Someone who is a citizen has the protection of the state. If you are a legal resident, you are not a citizen. That means that a Canadian citizen who is also a legal resident of another country cannot invoke the protection of the state from that other country. Had that person lost citizenship because of the acts included in this bill, he would remain a stateless person, a legal resident of another country. Legal residency cannot be equated with citizenship. Citizenship is the strongest bond of rights and duties that link individuals to the state.
On March 26th, 2013. See this statement in context.