Preamble
Whereas Canada is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Whereas the protection of children and the upholding of children’s rights is a fundamental value in Canadian society;
Whereas the best interests of the child are a primary consideration under Canadian and international law in matters affecting children;
Whereas there nonetheless remain significant inconsistencies and gaps in the protection of the rights of children who arrive in Canada as immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers;
Whereas the vulnerability of children in care is compounded if those children also lack the security of citizenship;
Whereas the State acts in loco parentis in respect of children who are in its care, in foster care or under agreements to receive state services to improve their living conditions while not residing with a relative, and therefore has a legal obligation to provide care, guidance, counselling and other services generally expected of parents;
Whereas citizenship is required to ensure that children in care are afforded their fundamental human rights in Canadian society, such as equal access to health care, education and employment;
And whereas citizenship is required to ensure that persons who were in care as children do not face, following their transition out of care, an increased risk of deportation from Canada to states with which they have no connection;