Meet a Few “Citizens of Convenience”

2014/04/15 Leave a comment

Along with some illustrative scenarios, some of the questions I suggest in considering whether one is or is not a citizen of convenience in my recent piece in New Canadian Media:

Is it only time away from Canada following becoming Canadian that counts? Or should the reasons for being away from Canada also be a consideration? Examples include:

  • Someone working abroad for a Canadian or a non-Canadian firm

  • Someone working for an international organization like the UN, WTO or non-governmental organization

  • Someone moving abroad to accompany a spouse

  • Someone moving abroad for study

  • Other contributions to Canada

Meet a Few “Citizens of Convenience” – New Canadian Media – NCM.

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Role of Media in Integrating Immigrants: Metropolis Panel Discussion

2014/03/21 Leave a comment

For those interested in the role of ethnic and mainstream media in integration, please find below a transcript of the Metropolis discussion last week, organized by New Canadian Media and involving yours truly. Fairly long but it was a good and interesting discussion.

Thanks to CIC for deeming it important enough to merit transcription (tax dollars at work!).

Role of Media in Integrating Immigrants: Metropolis Panel Discussion

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Reasonable Accommodation: What is Reasonable? – New Canadian Media

2014/01/11 Leave a comment

My piece on reasonable accommodation, trying to clarify what is reasonable and what is not, focussing on common spaces, common norms, and encouraging participation, and providing examples of what is more or less reasonable:

Reasonable Accommodation: What is Reasonable? – New Canadian Media – NCM.

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An Insider’s View of the Harper Government

2013/10/22 Leave a comment

Another book review, this time by New Canadian Media, my first in the ethnic media. Quote:

Policy Arrogance or Innocent Bias is a must-read for anybody in Canada who is part of the vast immigration sector (nay, industry) or is interested in the sausage-making policy apparatus in Ottawa. It offers unique insight into how Ministers relate to the public service, how bureaucrats try their hardest to have their way in dubious “Yes, Minister” style, and the extent of disconnect between these two pillars of democracy in particularly contentious areas such as citizenship-immigration, environment or foreign affairs. This consummate public servant of 30 years must be given credit for calling it like it is: “After all, governments are elected, whereas public servants are not, and governments are ultimately accountable for their decisions before the public.”

An Insider’s View of the Harper Government

Filed under Citizenship, Government, Multiculturalism, Public Policy Tagged with ,

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