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November 18, 2005
Towards smart integration --
the choice for Canadian Muslims
By Dr. Mohamed Elmasry
Although Canada's political and social cultures are highly inclusive, minorities tend to follow a pattern of either assimilation or isolation. Both of these choices overlook a third option -- smart integration.
This paper focuses first on the historical and social bases for the assimilation and isolation of Canadian minorities. It then goes on to explain how some ethnic and religious minorities became Canadianized under these two models, but with devastating results for themselves and the country.
It has become increasingly obvious that all of Canada stands to gain if a new model -- that of smart integration -- is defined through criteria that incorporate a balanced blend of three models: the melting-pot, the mosaic (or cultural pluralism), and that of foundational Canadian core values.
Finally, this paper applies the smart integration model to Canadian Muslims, showing how this model has been applied successfully in real-life practice.
Read More: http://www.canadianislamiccongress.com/ar/smart.php
Canadian Islamic Congress bulletin – December 24, 2005
The importance of becoming a Canadian citizen
By Edward C. Corrigan
With the Federal Election being held on January 23, 2006 it seems appropriate to discuss the advantages of becoming a Canadian citizen. First, only Canadian citizens are entitled to vote or run in Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections. Canadian citizens also cannot lose their right to remain in Canada provided they have not made any misrepresentations in obtaining Canadian citizenship. It is also important that immigrants to Canada become citizens and contributing members of our society, with full legal and political rights.
Some individuals, however, do not become citizens and choose to remain Permanent Residents of Canada. Permanent residents have almost the same legal rights as Canadian citizens, in that they have full access to health care, employment, school system, and other benefits of residing in Canada. However, it is important to understand that there are legal limitations on the status of being a permanent resident.
First, because you are a Permanent Resident does not mean that you have the right to reside permanently in Canada. There are specific requirements set out in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that require an individual to reside here at least two years out of a five-year period, in order to maintain permanent residence status in Canada. You also have to obtain a Permanent Resident Card. If you do not have one, you will not be allowed to return to Canada; in particular, you would be denied entry and access to planes, and refused admittance at Canada’s airports, and most other ports of entry. The requirement for a PR Card is strictly enforced on all commercial modes of transport.
Many individuals were not aware that they were required to have a Permanent Resident Card, or were out of the country when the requirement became law. On December 31, 2003, it became a legal requirement for all PR individuals -- including children -- to have a Permanent Resident Card to re-enter Canada by any commercial transporter; plane, train, boat, bus, taxi, etc. A number of individuals failed to obtain their Permanent Resident Card and this created very serious difficulties for them on trying to return to Canada. The cost of obtaining a Permanent Resident Card (which must be renewed every five years) is only $50.00.
In terms of rights and entitlements, permanent residents have the right to enter Canada. Like Canadian citizens, permanent residents also enjoy rights to guarantees under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as equality rights, legal rights, mobility rights, the freedom of religion, the freedom of expression, and the freedom of association. However, permanent residents cannot run for political office, nor are they eligible to vote until they obtain Canadian citizenship. Permanent residents generally may apply for citizenship after accumulating three years of residence in Canada. Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge of either English or French, knowledge of Canada as a nation, and also understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
People who came to Canada and made refugee claims and were accepted also get to use one-half of the time they resided in Canada prior to becoming permanent residents (up to a maximum of 1 year) toward the three-year period for accumulating time of residence in Canada in order to acquire citizenship.
You can spend upwards of one month a year outside of Canada visiting family or relatives and still qualify for the residency requirement for Canadian citizenship. In total, you must have 1095 days of residency in a three-year period to be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
As Canadian citizens are exercising their right to vote in our democracy, this may be a good time to consider applying for Canadian citizenship. And if you meet the requirements for citizenship, you would be entitled to vote in the next election to be held in your area. If you are not a Canadian Citizen it is also very important to know that you need a Permanent Residence Card and that you also need to meet the minimum requirements to stay in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period, or you will lose your right to reside in Canada.
Edward Corrigan is a Certified Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration, and in Immigration and Refugee Protection, by the Law Society of Upper Canada.
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