(Ottawa) Allowing new Canadians to take the oath of citizenship by clicking a box on the Internet is far from unanimous among the population of the country.
For some it’s a dreadful idea that distorts the whole process, but for others it’s a cutting-edge measure that will make life easier for newcomers.
The federal government has received several hundred comments over the past few months after asking for public opinion.
According to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, who launched the idea in 2022, it is a way to reduce the waiting list of those who want to take the oath and officially become Canadians.
PHOTO DARREN CALABRESE, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser (centre) attends a Canadian citizenship ceremony in Halifax on May 24.
Nearly 700 comments have been received since February. The comments have been posted online, but the authors’ names have been removed.
Some believe that the solution of a digital oath could give more flexibility, especially to immigrants who settle in remote areas or those who cannot take time off to do so.
“It’s a progressive and visionary idea. Such a measure is truly commendable. It should be implemented as soon as possible, writes one supporter. This would increase the rate of obtaining citizenship, particularly among Aboriginal communities and racialized minorities. These people who do not have high incomes have less flexibility when it comes to scheduling a traditional swearing-in ceremony. »
But some worry that allowing people to evade the citizenship ceremony risks devaluing a long tradition. The measure would depreciate the value of Canadian citizenship.
“That’s a HORRIBLE idea!” exclaimed a citizen. This proposal will transform one of the most meaningful gestures an individual can make into the equivalent of ordering underwear on Amazon. »
Others called the proposal “disgusting”, “shameful” and “a sham”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, new Canadians began taking the oath during a Zoom-streamed ceremony presided over by a citizenship judge or other official. Even when the government relaunched in-person ceremonies, a majority of new Canadians were instructed to take the oath online to speed up the process.
In the second half of 2022, less than 10% of citizenship ceremonies took place in person. Most took place by video conference, according to government data given to parliament.
The government has not identified people who have asked to take their oath of citizenship in person. However, he expects that number to decrease if the proposed change is adopted.
This new proposal could eventually eliminate the need for a judge to preside over the ceremony. The oath could be taken simply by means of a mouse.
“While I’m an enthusiastic supporter of in-person ceremonies, if that only delays citizenship acquisition, then I prefer the quicker route,” writes one Canadian.
Others point out that a longer wait can also delay the delivery of a new passport needed to travel outside the country.
“I liked my ceremony and the opportunity to mark the occasion. However, it had tightened the time to get my new passport when I needed it. The opportunity to reduce the wait is great. »
Some worry about possible fraud, but the government plans to use a secure portal for the online oath.
If the government approves these changes, they would come into force this month. It would cost about 5 million over the next 10 years.