moved for leave to introduce Bill C-223, an act to amend the Citizenship Act.
Madam Speaker, I wish to move this bill to amend the Citizenship Act with respect to the oath of allegiance.
At present, those persons who present themselves to become new citizens of Canada must pledge alliance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors. This is confusing to some and objectionable to others. Many individuals are ready and willing to pledge their allegiance to Canada and to the Canadian Constitution, but not to Queen Elizabeth whom they associate with the United Kingdom, another independent country.
This bill would replace the present citizenship oath with a new oath which would read:
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Canada and the Constitution of Canada and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)