Mr. Chair, the amendment would seek to remove the intent to reside requirement from citizenship grant applicants. It would also remove the minister's ability to waive the intent to reside in Canada requirement in the case of minors.
Mr. Chair, the government does not support this amendment because the requirement in the bill sends a strong signal that citizenship is for those who intend to make Canada their home, which would help deepen their attachment to the country and deter citizens of convenience. Once newcomers become citizens, Mr. Chair, we all know that they enjoy all the rights of citizenship common to all Canadians.
For those reasons, we will be opposing this amendment.
(Amendment negatived: nays 5; yeas 4)