LoP – Canadian Citizenship: Practice and Policy

2025/02/22 Leave a comment

Good comprehensive review by the Library of Parliament of legislative and policy issues along with related history. Lots of familiar references to declining rates of citizenship, “lost Canadians” and birth tourism. Executive Summary below:

Canadian citizenship can be obtained through birth on Canadian soil, by descent through birth or adoption outside of Canada to a Canadian citizen, or through naturalization (the process by which citizenship is obtained by a foreign national). Requirements related to citizenship are laid out in the Citizenship Act, as well as in the Citizenship Regulations and Citizenship Regulations, No. 2.

Responsibility for implementing the Citizenship Act lies with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, who is supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in managing the citizenship application process. The Citizenship Commission – an administrative body under IRCC that is made up of citizenship judges – also plays an important role, with duties including assessing citizenship applications to ensure they meet certain requirements under the Act and administering the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship.

To become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, an individual must first obtain permanent residency in Canada and then apply for citizenship after meeting residency and other requirements. Applicants between 18 and 54 years of age must also complete a written test based on the official citizenship study guide (Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship) and attend an interview to test their abilities in English or French and to discuss their application. Successful applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, through which they swear or affirm their allegiance to the King of Canada.

Loss of citizenship can occur if it is revoked (for example, due to citizenship being acquired or retained through false representation) or it can be renounced voluntarily (for example, if an individual chooses to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship).

Several issues are currently at the forefront of discourse on citizenship policy. For example, census data show that the rate of citizenship among recent immigrants to Canada declined between 2006 and 2021. The citizenship rate varies for different groups, with contributing factors including income level, education level and country of origin.

Another key issue is that of “lost Canadians,” which refers to individuals who were born before the 1977 Citizenship Act came into force and who should have been Canadian citizens under that Act but were deprived of Canadian citizenship because of outdated or obsolete provisions in the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947. Many of the problems associated with “lost Canadians” have been addressed through amendments made to the Citizenship Act since 1977. Those whose cases are not covered by legislative amendments may be granted citizenship on a case-by-case basis at the minister’s discretion. Following a December 2023 Ontario court ruling, the federal government introduced Bill C‑71, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, to address “lost Canadians” issues that remain following previous legislative amendments. This bill died on the Order Paper on 6 January 2025 when the 1st session of the 44th Parliament was prorogued, but the Court’s order is scheduled to come into effect on 19 March 2025.

Finally, the concept of birth tourism refers to the practice by foreign nationals of coming to Canada to give birth for the sole purpose of securing Canadian citizenship for their child. While data suggest an increase in non-resident births in the past two decades, it is difficult to determine how many non-resident births are cases of birth tourism. A federal initiative linking health and immigration data has shed further light on the topic….

Source: Canadian Citizenship: Practice and Policy

Filed under Birth Tourism, Birthright Citizenship, Citizenship Tagged with , ,

Violent extremists are using antisemitism to recruit in Canada: CSIS report

2025/02/21 Leave a comment

Not surprising, and presumably many are also using anti-Muslim commentary for the same purpose:

Ideologically motivated violent extremist groups are using antisemitism in a bid to recruit followers and inspire violence, according to a report from Canada’s spy agency.

The report dated May 2024, released under the access to information law by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), said the extremist groups are also tapping into current events, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, to build support.

“Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremists routinely weave antisemitic commentary into their narratives in order to inspire violence and recruit individuals,” says the report. “These new adherents, in turn, use antisemitic commentary, often tailored to current events, in order to disseminate violent messaging.”

“Thus, antisemitic beliefs, with violent undertones, are disseminated jointly to an ever-expanding circle of recipients.”

The report, obtained by the University of Ottawa’s Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic and shared with CBC News, says much of that antisemitic content is circulated via social media.

“Social media is the main pathway for the consumption of antisemitic and violent extremist content, be it via popular rhetoric available from mainstream providers, or via influencers who actively convey antisemitic content or conspiracy theories,” says the report. “The narratives encourage hate crimes, violence and terrorism.”

The report says the continual increase in incidents targeting the Jewish community will normalize antisemitism in mainstream Canadian society and will likely be exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East.

It also says pro-Palestinian protests and university encampments “are unlikely to lead to or be staging grounds for violent extremist acts.”

The agency places a number of different groups into the category of Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist (IMVE) including far-right extremists, anti-authority groups, anarchists, xenophobic violence and violence related to gender such as incels and anti-2SLGBTQ+ groups. Religiously Motivated Violent Extremist (RMVE) groups such as those that support Al-Qaida or Daesh, also known as the Islamic State, fall into a separate category.

While the report says it is difficult to measure the precise level of antisemitism in Canada, it says the number of hate-motivated incidents directed at the Jewish and Arab/Muslim communities reported to police since Oct 7, 2023, have risen….

Source: Violent extremists are using antisemitism to recruit in Canada: CSIS report

Filed under Antisemitism, Multiculturalism, Radicalization Tagged with ,

Canada’s cuts to newcomer English language programs puts communities’ well-being at risk

2025/02/21 Leave a comment

While one can always make the case for more, harder to justify when the government implements reductions to permanent and temporary migrants.

Would also be helpful if the article made reference to the 2018 IRCC evaluation of the settlement program and the degree to which recommendations were implemented.

Still surprising that IRCC does not update settlement services data on open data (it is available upon request but should be updated on a monthly basis like other data sets:

…By reducing funding available for English-language classes, the federal government is denying thousands of people their fundamental right to education. The current budget cuts will inevitably contribute to growing social stratification and increase the challenges faced by the already overwhelmed immigration and educational sectors. 

A recent statement by TESL Ontario, the certification body for educators who teach English as another language in Ontario, urges the Canadian government to consider impacts on language teachers who face precarious employment and low pay, a concern shared by unions across the public sector. 

Language learning programs are foundational to ensuring sustainable settlement in Canada. A truly sustainable development strategy would see the continued funding of English-language programs as essential to ensuring the continued economic and societal well-being of all people living in Canada.

Source: Canada’s cuts to newcomer English language programs puts communities’ well-being at risk

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Finland Considers Introducing Citizenship Test to Candidates

2025/02/21 Leave a comment

Believe last of the Nordics to consider doing so:

  • The Finnish Interior Ministry wants to include a citizenship test for candidates.
  • This test could include language exams, which are already mandatory for applicants for citizenship in other EU countries.
  • A citizenship test could serve as proof that the candidates have integrated well into Finnish society.

A working group tasked by the Finnish Interior Ministry is looking into the possibility of introducing a citizenship test, further tightening the requirements for citizenship candidates.

According to a press release by the Interior Ministry, the citizenship test would prove that the candidates have “successfully integrated” into Finnish society, including here labour market, Schengen.News reports.

The cross-administrative working group examined how a citizenship test could be implemented in Finland, and also assessed the relationship between the citizenship test and the language skills requirement. 

Finnish Interior Ministry

The new measures are part of a reform that plans to tighten rules for citizenship as well as permanent residents. Previously, the Finnish authorities discussed introducing more stringent requirements for permanent residence permit applicants, including here language requirements.

Language Exams Likely to Be Included in the Finnish Citizenship Test

Candidates for Finnish citizenship already have to prove they have mastered the Finnish or Swedish language to some extent like most EU Member States have similar requirements for citizenship candidates.

The citizenship test is one part of this reform. To qualify for Finnish citizenship, the applicant would be required to be successfully integrated into Finnish society, in employment, and able to comply with the rules of Finnish society. 

Interior Ministry

Of the other Nordic countries, Denmark and Norway have citizenship tests in place while Sweden is also planning to tighten the rules for those acquiring Swedish citizenship….

Source: Finland Considers Introducing Citizenship Test to Candidates

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Gazan families sue Canada for visa application delays

2025/02/21 Leave a comment

Not unexpected but may be hard to prove in court. But ongoing issue in lack of transparency on progress or not of applications:

Eleven families from Gaza are taking the Canadian government to court for prolonging their “exposure to life-threatening and inhumane conditions” by delaying application processing under a program meant to offer relief from the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The families represent 53 people, including 27 babies and children, who have applied for visas under the temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended family in Gaza program, launched in January 2024. 

The measure provides a temporary haven for Palestinians directly affected by the war in Gaza who have ties to family members here who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are willing to support them.

Canadian anchor relatives are required to submit a web form to the Immigration Department with supporting documentation on behalf of their family members in Gaza. Officials then review the forms and documents before providing each applicant in Gaza a unique reference code to begin the visa application process.

All of the litigants’ Canadian relatives say they submitted web forms with the proper documentation within a month of the program’s opening. To date, none have the codes, nor do they have a refusal for incompleteness, or any justification for the delay.

The program, which had been expanded from the initial intake of 1,000 applications to 5,000, ends April 22 or when all spots are filled. As of Jan. 4, immigration officials said 4,782 applications were accepted into processing.

“They were afraid that they would lose their opportunity,” said lawyer Damey Lee, who represents the group along with colleagues Hana Marku and Debbie Rachlis.

“They are just frustrated and wholly disappointed in the Canadian government for not even providing them an explanation as to where their family members are in the process and why it has taken a year to issue codes.”

According to affidavits submitted to the court, the applicants — all with identities withheld under a court order to protect their safety — have experienced attacks first hand, witnessing airstrikes and bombings, sometimes with “no warning.”…

Source: Gazan families sue Canada for visa application delays

Filed under Immigration Tagged with , ,

Nicolas | Reconnaître la Palestine

2025/02/21 Leave a comment

Missing, unfortunately, a first point regarding the violence and brutality of Hamas on October 7 and following treatment of hostages. Not to excuse Israeli excesses but important not to ignore those of Hamas. Always find it perplexing that some on the left verge on tolerating Hamas despite its religious and political fundamentalism:

« Ce n’est pas nous qui libérons la Palestine. C’est la Palestine qui nous libère. » Je traduis ici librement une formule qui circule abondamment sur les médias sociaux depuis octobre 2023. L’idée peut être comprise et déclinée sous mille et une formes. Voici quelques exemples de ce que j’en comprends, personnellement, en février 2025.

1. Sur la violence. Celles et ceux qui ont vu pratiquement en direct sur les médias sociaux les images des hommes, femmes et enfants palestiniens morts, démembrés, déchiquetés par des bombes principalement américaines ont compris le niveau de violence dont non seulement Israël, mais les États-Unis d’Amérique — et leurs alliés — sont capables. Ces images rendent inadmissible la dichotomie hollywoodienne selon laquelle l’ordre mondial serait nettement divisé entre les barbares sanguinaires d’un côté et les humanistes occidentaux de l’autre. En particulier pour la jeune génération, ces images ont non seulement suscité l’horreur, mais aussi provoqué une grande réflexion politique.

2. Sur la solidarité. Il y a eu et il continue d’y avoir un grand écart entre les images brutes d’une violence inouïe que les Palestiniens eux-mêmes rendent accessibles sur les médias sociaux et les sujets et angles priorisés par les grands médias européens et nord-américains. Devant cet écart, plusieurs se sont demandé : quels sont les autres massacres de populations civiles auxquels les médias traditionnels ne font pas attention ?

C’est ainsi que TikTok et, dans une moindre mesure, Instagram sont devenus des lieux d’éducation populaire sur les crises au Soudan et au Congo, où l’insécurité, la faim et la violence touchent des millions de personnes. L’accès facile aux images d’un peuple qui se meurt dans l’indifférence des grandes puissances a nourri une volonté d’apprendre sur l’autre peuple, et l’autre peuple encore. C’est là un mouvement de prise de conscience planétaire dont bien des médias devinent à peine l’existence.

3. Sur la liberté de presse. La semaine dernière, un rapport spécial du Committee to Protect Journalists a annoncé que l’année 2024 avait été la plus meurtrière pour les journalistes depuis la fondation de l’organisme en 1981. Ce sont 124 journalistes qui ont été tués dans le monde l’an dernier, dont 85 par Israël (82 à Gaza et 3 au Liban). Mais pour comprendre le rôle du conflit dans les attaques à la liberté de presse, il faudrait aussi parler des salles de nouvelles bombardées à Gaza ou fermées de force en Cisjordanie. Et ce, insistons, alors que Nétanyahou bénéficie d’un appui inconditionnel des Américains.

Alors que Donald Trump s’en prend à la liberté de presse à la Maison-Blanche, garder en tête la Palestine nous fait voir que les États-Unis, même sous les démocrates,permettaient déjà une attaque sans précédent contre le travail des journalistes sans qu’il y ait de dénonciation des principales associations de journalistes américaines — ni canadiennes d’ailleurs. Encore aujourd’hui, alors qu’il y a supposément un cessez-le-feu à Gaza, on a normalisé l’idée que les journalistes occidentaux n’ont pas accès au territoire. Peu de résistants ont encore la force de réclamer la réouverture d’un passage.

Avec tout ce qui se passe depuis le 20 janvier, on voit à quel point se battre pour la liberté de presse en Palestine, c’était se battre pour la liberté de presse tout court. Endiguer le virus de l’autoritarisme en périphérie de l’empire américain aurait certainement contribué à ce qu’il ne puisse en atteindre le cœur.

4. Sur le droit international.En janvier 2024, la Cour internationale de justice a trouvé qu’il était « plausible » qu’Israël ait commis des actes de génocide à Gaza. Elle a demandé qu’un ensemble de mesures soit pris pour diminuer ce « risque » pendant qu’elle continue d’étudier la question. Puisque les bombes qui tombent sur Gaza sont surtout américaines, la situation en Palestine a soulevé la question plus large : de quoi les États-Unis se croient-ils permis ?

Depuis janvier 2024, la situation humanitaire et politique de Gaza s’est détériorée. Donald Trump met la pression sur les pays arabes voisins pour évacuer la population palestinienne sans droit de retour — ce qui correspond à la définition du nettoyage ethnique.

Surprise, surprise : le gouvernement Trump se permet aussi de négocier le sort de l’Ukraine avec la Russie en marginalisant l’Ukraine même — voire toute l’Europe — de la table de négociation. Et ce, tout en menaçant la souveraineté nationale du Danemark, du Canada et de Panama. Alors, de quoi les États-Unis se croient-ils permis ? Pas mal tout. Et comment ont-ils renforcé cette conviction ?

En fin de compte, défendre le droit à l’autodétermination du peuple palestinien, c’était défendre le droit à l’autodétermination de tous les peuples. Ça l’est toujours. Il est encore temps pour le Canada et la poignée de pays du G20 qui n’ont pas reconnu l’existence de l’État palestinien d’enfin changer leur vote aux Nations unies. Vu les menaces qui pèsent sur Gaza comme sur le droit international en général, cette reconnaissance tomberait à pic pour la protection des Palestiniens… et de nous tous. Une chose est sûre : on serait certains de se dissocier de Trump et de son impérialisme.

—

Vous remarquerez que, dans ce texte, j’ai peu parlé concrètement des Palestiniens mêmes. C’est-à-dire comme humains qui vivent leur humanité comme nous tous, tant bien que mal, dans le meilleur et le pire, dans l’imperfection, bien sûr — et pour qui les droits de la personne devraient exister de manière inaliénable et inconditionnelle, comme pour nous tous. La Palestine, c’est bien sûr des gens, mais aussi — et c’est ce que j’ai tenté de démontrer ici —, vu le contexte politique, elle est devenue depuis longtemps une idée.

Et le problème avec les idées, c’est qu’elles ne meurent pas. Elles circulent. Et transforment notre manière de voir le monde. Malgré Biden. Malgré Trump. Donc, vous vous imaginez : certainement aussi malgré l’ingérence politique de Pascale Déry dans la liberté d’enseignement.

Source: Chronique | Reconnaître la Palestine

Filed under foreign policy, Multiculturalism Tagged with ,

Johnson: Ye and the Limits of Free Speech Online

2025/02/20 Leave a comment

Good and balanced:

…When social media first became mainstream, many dismissed it as a playground for personal photos and status updates. Today, it’s a communication hub where politicians campaign, businesses market and journalists break news. Without professional moderation, it’s too easy for toxicity to flourish, for people with intent to harm to take advantage and for foreign bots to hijack the national conversation. Even deleted content lingers, retweeted and screenshot, fueling bigotry that can embolden others. Community Notes might eventually offer context, but context isn’t always enough to quell the harm done.

As users, we, too, must be vigilant. We should report content that crosses the line, scrutinize sources before sharing dubious claims and support policies that uphold the free exchange of ideas without enabling abuse. But, just as we expect a city to have traffic lights, fire departments and emergency services, we should expect and demand that online environments are similarly protected.

Companies must invest in professionals who understand cultural context, language nuances and how threats evolve online. They should leverage emerging advanced A.I. systems that can examine text, images and other forms of communication, and also the context in which they are shared, to more accurately and consistently identify dangerous content and behavior. They should invest in getting this right, rather than scaling down moderation to cut costs or acquiesce to a particular political movement. And regulators or independent oversight bodies need the power and expertise to ensure these platforms live up to their responsibilities.

This isn’t about nostalgic longing for the old days of moderation; it’s about learning from failures and building a system that’s transparent, adaptive and fair. Whether we like it or not, social media is the public square of the 21st century. If we allow it to devolve into a battlefield of unchecked vitriol and deception, first the most vulnerable among us will pay the price, and then we all will.

Free speech is essential for a healthy democracy. But social media platforms don’t merely host speech — they also make decisions about what speech to broadcast and how widely. Content moderation, as flawed as it has been, offers a framework for preventing the loudest or most hateful from overshadowing everyone else.

Fay M. Johnson, a fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard, has run product teams at Meta’s Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor focusing on trust and safety.

Source: Ye and the Limits of Free Speech Online

Filed under Multiculturalism, Social Media Tagged with , , ,

Sarwal: Australian multiculturalism isn’t failing; radical ideologies threaten our shared values

2025/02/20 Leave a comment

Similar commentary could apply to Canada:

In response to Nick Cater’s recent Sky News op-ed on the Bankstown Hospital anti-Semitic outbursts, I feel compelled to address a common misconception about Australia’s multicultural experiment. While Cater rightfully condemns the vile actions of the nurses involved, his assertion that the entire Australian multicultural model is failing misses a crucial point.

Cater’s article highlights the deeply disturbing incident in which two nurses were caught on video making anti-Semitic remarks. It is, without question, a chilling example of hate and prejudice that has no place in any society, least of all in a country like Australia that prides itself on tolerance and diversity. However, Cater’s conclusion that this event signals the failure of Australia’s multiculturalism oversimplifies a far more complex issue.

While these nurses’ actions were reprehensible, the underlying issue is not the multicultural model itself, but rather the harmful ideologies that certain migrant groups may bring with them. Cater himself notes that “the demoralising conclusion from this incident is that hatred of Israelis is unremarkable in Bankstown and in the suburbs where Nadir and Abu Lebdeh live.” This, however, is not indicative of the failure of Australian multiculturalism as a whole. Instead, it exposes the reality that there are pockets of isolation where radical and extremist views take hold. These communities, driven by political, social, or religious ideologies, often fail to fully engage with mainstream Australian values. This does not mean that multiculturalism is inherently flawed—it simply highlights that certain groups may resist assimilation or integration into the broader social and cultural fabric of the nation.

Cater’s article points to the existence of “Ethnoburgs”—areas where ethnic communities live in relative isolation from the rest of society and, as he suggests, may be more susceptible to radical ideas. These communities may struggle with the integration process for various reasons, whether due to language barriers, limited economic opportunities, or entrenched cultural beliefs. It is important to recognise that such challenges are not exclusive to any one ethnic or religious group. Every migrant community faces its own struggles in adjusting to life in a new country. However, the focus should not solely be on these challenges but also on the solutions that encourage better integration and shared understanding.

The key issue at hand is not multiculturalism itself but the failure of some individuals or groups to embrace the fundamental values of Australian society—values that prioritise equality, respect, and non-violence. As Cater rightly points out, “Australian citizenship is not just a flag of convenience. It is an obligation to put our shared identity as Australians first.” The challenge is ensuring that all migrants, regardless of background, understand that the key to a successful Australian society lies in mutual respect, coexistence, and commitment to the shared ideals that unite us as citizens.

It’s crucial to remember that multiculturalism has been an overall success in Australia. The vast majority of migrants who arrive here do so with a genuine desire to build better lives for themselves and their families while embracing the core values of this nation.

Multiculturalism in Australia thrives because the majority of migrants and their descendants understand that diversity does not mean division but the enrichment of society. We should not allow the actions of a few individuals or communities who have failed to adapt to sour our perception of the broader multicultural project.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that not all migrant groups face the same struggles. As Cater mentions, “Pakistani migrants are not at war with Indians, and Serbian and Croatians no longer fight proxy wars in the grandstands at soccer games.” Similarly, it is wrong to generalise or scapegoat entire communities based on the actions of a few. Just as past waves of migrants—such as the Irish and Italians—integrated into Australian society and contributed to the country’s cultural fabric, so too will those from more recent migrant communities, provided we offer them the right support and opportunities.

In fact, Indian-Australians are one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant communities in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural, economic, and social landscape. They are among the highest taxpayers in Australia, particularly within the skilled migration sectors, as many in the community work in high-paying professions such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and finance. Despite occasional challenges such as racial discrimination, Indian-Australians continue to thrive, making significant contributions to Australian society.

That said, when extreme ideologies take root within any community, the responsibility falls on both the government and society to address them head-on. This means confronting hate speech, educating about Australian values, and ensuring that radical ideologies are not allowed to fester unchecked. The incident at Bankstown should serve as a wake-up call not to abandon multiculturalism, but to double down on our efforts to create a more inclusive society where extremism has no place.

Australia’s multicultural identity has always been about more than just tolerance; it’s about actively embracing diversity and promoting inclusion. But for that to work, all members of our society must be willing to accept the underlying principles that make Australia the fair and just country it is. These principles demand mutual respect, a commitment to social harmony, and the understanding that, while our differences make us unique, we all share the responsibility to uphold the values that unite us.

The real threat to multiculturalism lies not in the model itself, but in the failure of some individuals and groups to integrate into it. It is not the diversity of cultures that threatens our social fabric, but the intolerance and extremism that, when left unchecked, undermine the very foundation of the Australian way of life.

Ultimately, the way forward is not to abandon the ideals of multiculturalism but to ensure that those who come to our shores are willing to adopt and uphold the values that make Australia the inclusive, tolerant, and prosperous society that it is. It’s time to confront these challenges directly, rather than dismissing the entire multicultural experiment based on the actions of a few.

Amit Sarwal is Melbourne-based academic, writer, translator, and former radio broadcaster. He is the Founding Convenor of Australia-India Interdisciplinary Research Network (AIIRN), Co-founder of the Australia Today news network and Founder of Kula Press.

Source: Australian multiculturalism isn’t failing; radical ideologies threaten our shared values

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New research explores presence, experiences of Black Canadians in politics

2025/02/20 Leave a comment

Interesting study (similar studies could be conducted for other groups):

…Ultimately, the group’s best efforts identified about 380 Black Canadians who have run for or been elected to office, largely from the past two decades. Of those, 75 people ran federally, with former Progressive Conservative MP Lincoln Alexander’s 1968 election in Hamilton West, Ont., being the earliest such entry. But as the report highlights, Black Canadians have been involved in politics for more than 150 years, going back to Wilson Ruffin Abbott’s participation in local Toronto politics in the late 1840s and 1850s, and abolitionist and civil rights activist Abraham Doras Shadd’s election to Raleigh,Ont.’s town council in 1859.


“Part of the reason for focusing on compiling these lists and acknowledging who has run for office, and who has served is to help in that process of excavating that history and providing an archive of those contributions and those achievements to rewrite that historical record and to rewrite the narrative that Black Canadians haven’t had a long-standing and durable presence in Canadian politics,” said Tolley.
Still, Tolley stressed that the lists are not complete, and highlighted theironline call for people to submit information about individuals who may have been missed.


“That’s a really important part of the project because a lot of times in the country’s political history, Black Canadians really just don’t appear in those historical records,” she said.


Thirty-three Black Canadians who have run for or served in public office were interviewed for the project. On top of that, a survey was sent to 212 individuals across Canada, garnering 95 responses.


Survey respondents were split almost evenly by gender—with 52 per cent identifying as women,and 48 per cent as men—and 60 per cent had run for office within the past year. Of those surveyed, 45 per cent had been elected to office at some point.


The survey found a majority of respondents had run at the local level—for school boards, local or regional councils, or for mayor—while 19 per cent had run provincially, and 21 per cent federally. Local levels of government were also where a majority of respondents made their first run for office, with only 17 percent starting at the federal level.


Of the roughly 380 past candidates identified through research, a majority similarly ran or were elected at the local level, with 46 per cent of that poolhaving run for school boards or municipally, while 20 per cent ran federally.


Tolley said she suspects there’s an “element of accessibility” at play as local races don’t require the same “fundraising capacity and volunteer base that you might need to have at the federal and provincial level[s]”—two key hurdles highlighted through the survey. Tolley also noted that 52 percent of respondents cited a desire to address a policy problem as a factor that influenced them to run for office, and policy problems “might be … more evident” at the municipal level…

Source: New research explores presence, experiences of Black Canadians in politics

Filed under Multiculturalism, Peel, Politics Tagged with ,

Khan: Political leaders need to be challenged on the notwithstanding clause 

2025/02/20 Leave a comment

Unlikely to become an election issue, provincially or federally, but good points:

…Constitutional clauses that grant considerable powers can become destabilizing over time. Down south, the rule of law is being threatened by the rule of the presidential pardon. Here, we are morphing into the “True North, Strong and Free – Notwithstanding.”

We can reverse the trend through sustained public engagement. We must demand that our elected officials refrain from using the notwithstanding clause – and if they do use it, to not to do so pre-emptively. We must ensure that laws with the potential to harm basic freedoms are fully challenged in court in the light of day so that the public is fully aware.

We can also make it an election issue. As premier, Mr. Ford has threatened to use or has used the clause four times: in 2018, to reduce the size of Toronto’s municipal council; in 2021, to restrict third-party spending before an election; in 2022, to prevent education workers from negotiating or striking; and in 2024, to clear homeless encampments. If he truly cares about fairness for all Ontarians, make him pledge not to use this threat again. Other provincial and federal leaders should also be challenged on their views on the clause.

During this period of intense patriotism, let’s define who we are: a generous, centrist people who believe in fairness. Especially when it comes to our basic freedoms.

Source: Political leaders need to be challenged on the notwithstanding clause

Filed under Multiculturalism Tagged with ,

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