Need to hand in my old expired passport to home country

[silkman]

I intend for citizenship next month and was informed that I need to keep my expired passports for the citizenship test.
However my home country's policy requires me to hand over my expired passport to them when I apply for a new one. This is clearly stated on their application form.
I need to go away on business so I definitely need a new passport.
I have stayed continuosly in Canada for more than 1095 days. If I make a photocopy of all the pages in my old passport before handing it in will CIC accept the photocopies to prove my stay.
I just don't want any hiccups in my citizenship application.
All help is appreciated.
Thanks