New rules - Any face-coverings must be removed before citizenship oath

[Baloo]

OTTAWA - If you want to become a Canadian, you'll have to show your face.

Under sweeping regulations that take effect Monday DECEMBER 12, 2011, Muslim women will have to remove their niqabs or any other face-coverings such as burkas before reciting the oath of citizenship to become Canadian, QMI Agency has learned.

More information here: http://www.torontosun.com/2011/12/11/face-time-required-to-become-canadian-citizen

Sun news is not famed for balanced reporting, but clearly Janson Kenney will be releasing more information on this and other rule changes.

[Baloo]

More from CBC - a live video link.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/12/12/pol-kenney-citizenship-rules.html

From his comments, it seems that this "show your face" rule will expand into other areas of Canadian life.

Conditional sponsorship rules will follow.

[newtone]

Covering of face is cultural trait and NOT religious obligation, which is why not all muslim women cover their face. Also by covering face someone else can take oath on your behalf in case they cant be present for the ceremony

[Baloo]

"Starting today, any individual will have to show his or her face when taking the oath of citizenship. Recently I received complaints from members of the Parliament, citizenship judges and even participants in citizenship ceremonies to the effect that it is difficult to ensure that the individuals whose faces are covered are really taking the oath," Kenny said.

"But this is not a simple or technical measure, far from it, this is really a matter of pure principle which is at the very heart of our identity and our values with respect ti openness and equality," Kenny said. "The oath of citizenship is basically a public gesture, a public declaration that shows that you are joining the Canadian family and this has to be done freely and openly, not secretly. Isolating and separating a group of Canadians or allowing that group to hide their faces while they are becoming members of our community is completely counter to Canada's commitment to openness and social cohesion."

"The new rule requires the citizenship judge to see the person's face as the oath is being spoken. Once the oath is completed and the national anthem sung, the individual can cover her face and begin a new life in Canada as a citizen,"

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/12/12/new-niqab-rules-ban-citizenship-ceremonies_n_1143101.html

[Baloo]

Covering of face is cultural trait and NOT religious obligation, which is why not all muslim women cover their face.

Mr Kenny mentioned that in his speech.

Kenney says he doesn't accept that it's a religious obligation to wear the veil, explaining that when Muslim women perform the Hajj, the pilgrimmage to Mecca required in their faith, they are required not to cover their faces.

More info' from CBC:

The government is placing a ban on face coverings such as niqabs for people swearing their oath of citizenship, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Monday.

The ban takes effect immediately.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/12/12/pol-kenney-citizenship-rules.html

Also take time to read the comments.

[Baloo]

More details:

Operational Bulletin 359 -December 12, 2011
Requirements for candidates to be seen taking the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony and procedures for candidates with full or partial face coverings


http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/12/sourcedocwatch-cic-operational-bulletin-on-full-and-partial-face-coverings-at-citizenship-ceremonies.html


As a way to communicate in advance to applicants wearing full or partial face coverings of the need to be seen by the presiding official taking the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony, these candidates must be informed:

At the test/interview session (first notice to applicant):

CIC officials must make applicants aware that, should they meet all the requirements for citizenship and be invited to take the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony, they will need to remove their face covering during the taking of the oath. Failure to do so will result in the candidates not receiving their Canadian citizenship on that day.

At a hearing (if applicable - second notice to applicant):

Judges are to remind applicants wearing full or partial face covering that, should they meet all the requirements for citizenship and be invited to take the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony, they will need to remove their face covering during the taking of the oath. Failure to do so will result in the candidates not receiving their citizenship on that day.

[Baloo]

Make your own judgement on what some Canadians think:

The number of comments are now over 1300

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/12/12/pol-kenney-citizenship-rules.html

Also check the poll:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2011/12/should-veils-be-banned-during-oaths-of-citizenship.html

In Canada, all is not what it seems.

[salivatingwolf]

If one who want to settle in Canada, sure, it must be their willingness to integrate into Canadaian culture, and not the the other way around. If they like to respect their religion and don't respect our heritage culture, why not stay put in their home country.

[Baloo]

CIC link

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2011/ob359.asp