Maryam Monsef, Liberal MP and democratic institutions minister, could be stripped of her citizenship after it was revealed that she was born in Iran — not Afghanistan as she had previously believed.
Under Bill C-24, the citizenship revocation law, Canadians may lose their citizenship status if information on their residency application has proven to be false. This can occur regardless of the misinformation being provided intentionally or by mistake. The law also does not offer citizens the chance to have their case heard in court.
It was denounced by Liberals in the past — specifically by John McCallum, now Canada’s immigration minister — who called the law “dictatorial”. But since he took over his role in the federal cabinet, the law has been strictly enforced. Targets have been set to strip 40 to 60 Canadians of their citizenship each month.
Several Canadian organizations that advocate for refugees have said the law is unjust and in violation of human rights — insisting Monsef’s situation showcases the absurdity of it all.
Monsef said she will correct her birth place on her birth certificate to reflect that fact that she was born in Iran. In a statement released by her office, the minister is said to be “committed to addressing this matter and has stated she will work to resolve it.”