Karygiannis grills Solberg
OTTAWA – Today, at the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, questioned the Minister, Monte Solberg, on his position on dual citizenship.
“The Minister is causing concern among Canadians with his “trial balloon” on dual citizenship.” said Mr. Karygiannis. “People with dual citizenship are proud of their new home, Canada, and of their homeland. The Minister is talking about taking away their birthright.”
The Harper government began to look at the issue of dual citizenship after the evacuation of Canadians from Lebanon this past summer. Monte Solberg announced that a review of the “rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship” was underway and that it could focus on dual citizenship.
“Solberg doesn’t have his facts straight. He doesn’t seem know that Canada has treaties with other countries concerning the payment of personal income tax and other related matters.” Mr. Karygiannis further stated. “How can he review a situation if he doesn’t know the facts. He is showing his true colours and is perpetuating the Reform position that immigrants are taking advantage of Canada. He knows better.”
Canada has bilateral tax treaties with dozens of countries around the world. These treaties were negotiated to ensure that Canadians would pay their fair share of personal income tax. The treaties apply to Canadians living and working abroad and to Canadians, with dual citizenship, living and working in Canada.
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