Mr. Speaker, I must admit the question of the member for Bourassa is a bit puzzling. He knows full well we are examining all aspects of the citizenship issue. This includes citizenship for children born in Canada.
Furthermore, the hon. member knows this because he is on the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, as he has just stated, and the committee recommended that children born in Canada should be Canadian citizens only if one or both of their parents is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
I am particularly surprised that the hon. member is showing such concern over recommendation number 12 of the standing committee report, especially since there was no dissenting opinion on this particular recommendation from the Bloc Quebecois member of the committee when the report was submitted.
It should be of no surprise to anyone, in particular a member of that committee, that the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration takes the standing committee's advice and opinions very seriously.
The government, however, has made no final decisions regarding proposed amendments to current citizenship legislation. We are still in the process of reconciling issues brought forward from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration and by the Canadian public. It is important that a consensus be reached on a number of issues.
Let me assure all members of the House that when decisions are taken on these important issues they will be informed.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of our citizenship. This will be a welcomed opportunity for everyone in this House and for Canadians across the country to celebrate the common bonds which unite us all. I know we are all eagerly anticipating this very special milestone in the life of our country.