Hon. Victor Oh: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak on Bill S-235, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, introduced by my friend and colleague the Honourable Mobina Jaffer.

I want to begin by stating that I will be supporting this bill. As a country, we must judge ourselves by how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

As Senator Jaffer mentioned in her speech, in 2017, I had the opportunity to introduce an amendment to Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act, to ensure equitable access to citizenship for individuals under the age of 18. Today, I remain proud to have played a small role in advancing the rights of non‑citizen children, including those in care.

That being said, I knew then — and I know now — how much more work is needed. I commend Senator Jaffer for introducing this legislation, and I commit to working with her to secure its passage.

This bill aims to amend both the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to support some of most vulnerable members in our society — non-citizens involved in the child welfare system.

In essence, this bill ensures that young people can obtain citizenship while in care. Failure to obtain this status before transitioning into adulthood can significantly impact the outcomes of this population, including limiting their access to federally or provincially funded health services, post-secondary educational opportunities and employment prospects. It can also jeopardize their ability to stay in Canada.

If passed, this bill would help fill some of the current gaps found at the intersection of the child welfare system, which is a provincial responsibility, and the citizenship and immigration system, which is a federal responsibility. It is time for both sides to work together for the benefit of non-citizen children.

There are multiple reasons why children in care might not have citizenship. Some might have arrived in the country with parents or relatives, while others did so on their own as unaccompanied minors. They might have lived here for years, or they might have only just arrived. Some might be permanent residents but lack documentation or be parents who are facing deportation due to the rejection of a refugee claim. Others might be in the process of applying for compassionate consideration or be victims of human trafficking.

In all circumstances, these young people have come into the care of the state because they are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Once a child is placed in the care of the state, it is our responsibility to support their long-term safety and well-being. No one should be left in limbo without the full rights and protection that citizenship entails.

As it stands, non-citizen children and youth are protected while in the care of the child welfare system, but what happens once they transition into adulthood and become involved with the criminal justice system?

Youth who leave care without citizenship and receive a criminal conviction in an adult court risk being deported. As many such youth have lived in Canada for most of their lives, they have no family, friends or connections in their country of origin. They might, in fact, no longer be familiar with their birth language or culture. Could you imagine being forced to leave everything you know and everyone you love, and having to adapt and live in a country that is no longer yours?

Let us not forget that some of these individuals will have fled political unrest, civil war or political oppression. As a result of these or other traumatic experiences, this population might grapple with mental health issues and traumas.

Why is Canada leaving these vulnerable young people at risk of deportation and other adverse outcomes in adulthood? This population is in dire need of long-term protection and support. Many of these young people have been raised in Canada and feel a strong sense of belonging and attachment. They cannot imagine living anywhere else.

Over the years, many stories have been shared with me of young people stunned to find out that they were not legal citizens. I have also met many who, as a result of the previous amendment, have been able to become citizens. How many more lives could we change with this bill?

Senators, citizenship is more than just about being able to vote, accessing consular services or having legal rights. It is about belonging, and feeling secure and protected in the land that you consider home. I believe that these young people are every bit as Canadian as you and me.

I believe this bill will provide a pathway to citizenship for these vulnerable young people as they transition out of care and grant them the same rights and opportunities that their peers in the general population enjoy. I believe we have a legal and moral obligation to support these children and youth who are living among us and who are in need of our care. That is why I support this bill.

Colleagues, now you know why I’m a friendly critic. I urge you to support this bill. Thank you.