Minister open to allowing appeal process in revoking citizenship

Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen says he’s open to the idea of adding a new appeal process in cases where people are being stripped of their citizenship. (Photo: Ahmed Hussen/Facebook)

OTTAWA—Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen says he’s open to the idea of adding a new appeal process in cases where people are being stripped of their citizenship.

He says he would carefully consider any amendments the Senate proposes to Bill C-6, echoing comments made last fall by his predecessor, John McCallum.

The legislation would revoke some of the measures passed by the previous Conservative government, including a provision that would allow the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals convicted of terrorism or treason.

The bill also eases up some residency and language requirements imposed by the Conservatives.

Hussen has defended the bill before the Senate social affairs committee.

He says he believes the legislation is sound, even though there is no guarantee of an independent appeal when someone loses their citizenship because of a fraudulent application.