Citizenship and Immigration Committee on June 5th, 2023

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I have amendment 28.

If you can have it sent around, I will be willing to speak to it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Just hold on for a minute so that it can be distributed to everyone.

Brad, I will see which religious holiday you will miss.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Will I be marked afterwards?

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

No.

Go ahead. Mr. Redekopp.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

New clause 1.4 is that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada's multicultural identity

24.1 (14) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Muharram (Islamic New Year).

Again, this is another significant date for Muslim people. It's the whole idea of respecting these dates when people are not really available to do citizenship ceremonies.

Zunaib told me that the Islamic New Year marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, which was a turning point in the history of Islam. Muslims use this occasion to reflect on their journey of faith, renew their commitment to God and seek forgiveness for their sins. The Islamic New Year is a time of introspection, prayer and gratitude for the blessings of life.

He said that overall, Islamic holidays are significant not only because they celebrate historical events or religious beliefs, but also because they offer an opportunity for Muslims to connect with their faith, their community, and their humanity.

Mumtaz told me that recognizing these holidays would demonstrate Canada's commitment to religious freedom and respect for the diversity of its citizens. It would also be a way to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Muslim community to Canadian society.

He added that recognizing these holidays would enable more people to participate in the celebrations without having to miss important things. Recognizing these holidays would also promote social cohesion and unity by bringing people of different faiths and cultures together. It would provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn and promote greater understanding and respect for diversity.

I couldn't have said that better myself.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Redekopp.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4)

CPC-28 is defeated.

Go ahead, Mr. Kmiec.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

I have CPC-29. There will be a CPC-30 and CPC-31 as well.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

It is being distributed.

Go ahead, Mr. Kmiec.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Once again, I will read amendment CPC‑29, beginning with the French version.

Je propose que le projet de loi S‑245 soit modifié par adjonction, après la ligne 19, page 1, du nouvel article suivant:

1.4 L'article 24 de la Loi est modifié par adjonction de ce qui suit:

Respect des jours fériés et des jours d'importance pour la promotion de l'identité multiculturelle du Canada 24.1(15) Les cérémonies de citoyenneté ne peuvent avoir lieu le jour de Newroz.

Newroz is the first day of spring. I do say “Newroz” because it is also considered a national Kurdish celebration, and I also chair the Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group on Parliament Hill, which I started. I've been a big advocate of recognition of the Kurdish people in Canada for who they are. They are a distinct indigenous group in the Middle East.

In Kurdish mythology, Newroz combines nature's awakening from a long, cold winter with a nation's awakening from a long life of captivity and repression. The lighting of fire, gatherings and dancing hand in hand at Newroz symbolizes unity, tolerance and the victory of light over darkness.

Canadians of Kurdish heritage celebrate Newroz. They see it as an opportunity to share their rich culture with other Canadians and to keep the spirit of Newroz alive mainly in three ideas [Technical difficulty—Editor] and resilience.

For those who may not know, especially in the city of Akre in south Kurdistan.... There are four parts of Kurdistan that are important here. In south Kurdistan, which is also called Bashur, Bashuri Kurds celebrate in Akre, where the entire mountainsides are lit on fire. Fire is so important because it's a representation of the spring, the starting of something new. They light large bonfires. This happens in all four regions of Kurdistan. It also happens in Bakur, which is the territories in Turkey; Rojhilat, which is the western provinces in Iran; and Rojava, which is the northeast region in Syria.

I think it's an important time of the year. There are also picnics that are planned for afterwards, but this first night is incredibly important and it should be set aside so that Canadians of Kurdish heritage don't need to choose between attending their citizenship ceremony to swear an oath to become citizens and celebrating Newroz with families.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Kmiec.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4)

Go ahead, Mr. Redekopp.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I have another amendment. It is amendment 30. I'll wait until it's distributed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Go ahead, Mr. Redekopp.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Thank you, Madam Chair. This amendment relates to proposed new clause 1.4.

I move that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity

24.1 (16) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Yalda Night.

This is a really important Iranian holiday, and I have two very good leaders in Saskatoon, Bijan and Pooyan. They're very strong Iranian leaders in the community and they're doing lots to hold up Iranian causes in Saskatoon and literally across the country.

Bijan told me, “Most Iranian holidays are based on natural phenomena, given that the Iranian calendar is synchronized with the earth's revolution around the sun. Yalda happens during the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year, and is a celebration of enduring and passing the longest of nights and moving toward a future with more sun and sunlight, both literally and also as a sign of moving from evil to good.

His brother Pooyan said, “Personally, these traditions play an important role in maintaining identity and a sense of self, besides their benefits. I also believe living through governments like Iran's creates a sense of distance and distrust among people. These holidays are an opportunity to heal the wounds of our relationships, practice kindness and trust, and love each other again.

“When I look at people's faces during these celebrations, I see decades of tiredness and of being alert and anxious. I love seeing them laugh and smile and embrace each other. It also helps that these occasions remind me of my childhood when I didn't know much and life was simpler and more fun!”

Again, I would hope that I could find support to pass this amendment.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Redekopp.

We have CPC amendment 30 on the floor.

Seeing no debate, we will go for a vote.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4)

Go ahead, Mr. Redekopp.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Thank you. I see we're becoming very efficient at distributing these amendments. I'll pause for a moment.

This amendment also relates to proposed new clause 1.4.

I move that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada's multicultural identity

24.1 (17) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Thai Pongal.

This is also a very important holiday. I found that the best description of this holiday actually came from Minister Hussen. He said, “Tamils celebrate the end of the harvest season by coming together and enjoying pongal, a sweet and savoury dish made with rice and fresh milk.”

His statement continued, saying, “At the heart of Thai Pongal are the values of respect, compassion, and mutual support within families and communities—values that unite all Canadians and speak to who we are. Coinciding with Tamil Heritage Month, Thai Pongal also highlights the enduring strength and resilience of the Tamil community, while also serving as a continued reminder of the great impact they have made and continue to make.”

This is an important holiday for Tamils. I think it's important that we recognize that and respect that as we're setting citizenship ceremonies.

Before I finish, Madam Chair, I want to mention one thing: You'll notice that we have not mentioned Christian holidays. As a Christian, I can say why that is. It's simply because those holidays are already recognized, because those are on the calendar that we follow in this country. Those holidays are here, and all we're trying to do is add to those and bring some balance with all the other cultures and religions that we have in our country.

For those of you who are wondering why we haven't raised Christian holidays, that's the reason: We don't need to. They're already in the calendar and they are respected by the department for that reason.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Redekopp.

We have CPC-31 on the floor.

Seeing no debate, we will go to a vote.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 3)

Amendment 31 is defeated.

Go ahead, Mr. Redekopp.

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Yes. The next amendment, amendment 32, is being distributed. I'll just pause.

Let me read this amendment on proposed new clause 1.4.

I move that Bill S‐245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity

24.1 (18) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Puthandu (Tamil New Year).

Again, this is another significant day in the Tamil calendar, something that we need to respect and be careful of as we schedule citizenship ceremonies.

Puthandu is a significant celebration for the Tamil community, as it marks the beginning of a new year. It is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year as well as to look toward the future with hope and optimism.

To mark this occasion, friends and family will come together and begin the celebration by decorating the entrance of their homes with kolams, which are designs made of coloured rice flour.

They will also exchange gifts and greetings, dressed in new clothes, and enjoy delicious food together.

Just as in the previous amendment, this is an important time that we must be careful to respect, and make sure that we don't schedule citizenship ceremonies on these days so that we respect the Tamil culture in Canada.

I would just implore my colleagues to support and vote for this motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Redekopp.

We have CPC-32 on the floor.

Seeing no debate, we will go to a vote.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 3)

Mr. Kmiec is next.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

CPC-33 will be followed by CPC-34. CPC-33 is being distributed, so perhaps I'll just wait a moment.

CPC-33 also relates to proposed new clause 1.4.

I move that Bill S‐245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity

24.1 (19) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Vesak.

Vesak is the most important day in Buddhism, when Buddhists in Canada and around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. The community celebrates by going to prayer at the temple and meditating upon Buddhist teachings of kindness, generosity, peace and compassion.

It's an important day, and we should ensure that citizenship ceremonies are not scheduled on the same day that many Buddhists will be celebrating Vesak.

Thank you, Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

We have CPC-33 on the floor.

Seeing no debate, we will vote.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4)

Go ahead, Mr. Kmiec.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

This is amendment CPC-34. There is a CPC-35 and a CPC-36 as well. I move that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity

24.1 (20) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Hanukkah.

In brief, the eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah commemorates the rededication during the second century before Christ of the second temple in Jerusalem. Often called the “festival of lights”, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, games, traditional foods like latkes and doughnuts, and playing games with the dreidel, which is a little instrument that you spin. It's kind of like a die, but you get to spin it too.

I think it's important to ensure that we don't have citizenship ceremonies on days when persons practising the Jewish faith will be unable to attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath and would much rather spend time with their families. Hanukkah is a very important holiday. It's one of those high holy days in the Jewish calendar.

Thank you, Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Mr. Kmiec.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4)

Go ahead, Mr. Kmiec.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

CPC-35 will be distributed. There is also a CPC-36 and a CPC-37.

I move that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity

24.1 (21) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).

Rosh Hashanah, as I said, is the Jewish new year according to the Jewish calendar. It does move around during the year. It's considered one of the high holy days. There's a focus on renewal and wishing for a prosperous new year. Traditions include hearing the blowing of the shofar. For those who don't know, the shofar is a ram's horn that is pierced through, so it has a deep, long bellowing sound.

They feast together. The eating of sweet foods and the dipping of apples in honey are part of the tradition. Orthodox Jews refrain from using electricity, driving, riding and other forms of prohibited work. Many of these are Talmudic laws as well. I think it's important that we not hold citizenship ceremonies on those days.

There was an election at one point scheduled around Rosh Hashanah, and it resulted in some areas of the country having a difficult time finding election workers. Equally, in this situation, I think it would be best to have citizenship ceremonies avoid this day so that persons of the Jewish faith can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with their families.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you.

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 3)

CPC amendment 35 is defeated.

Go ahead, Mr. Kmiec.

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I am just noting that CPC-36 should be distributed, but there are also CPC-37, CPC-38 and CPC-39.

On amendment CPC-36, I move that Bill S-245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:

1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:

Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada's multicultural identity

24.1 (22) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. It falls 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. It's a solemn day spent reflecting on one's actions in the previous year and spent asking for forgiveness and pleading for divine mercy.

Jewish law mandates a 25-hour fast from sundown to sundown and the observance of a special religious service, as well as a prohibition on washing and bathing oneself and on wearing leather shoes. Orthodox Jews as well, refrain from using electricity and from driving or riding, and from other forms of prohibited work.

From that description, it would be quite difficult for one of them to make it to an oath of citizenship. It might be considered as work, and therefore they would be unable to go. As I said, Yom Kippur is a Day of Atonement, but it is also a day of reflection, and it's one that's typically spent at home with family.

Madam Chair, I don't think we should have citizenship ceremonies scheduled for that day.