Canadian Citizenship Oath Changes are almost complete. A revised oath of citizenship will require new Canadians to faithfully observe the country’s treaties with Indigenous Peoples in addition to swearing loyalty to Queen.
Related Reading: Changes in Discover Canada Study guide for Canadian Citizenship Test
The oath has been in development since earlier this year as reported earlier. It was tested in March during focus groups held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Canadian Citizenship Oath Changes are no more than an addition of reference to the long ago treaties established by Queen with indigenous people of Canada.
The Canadian Citizenship Oath now reads:
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
The final Oath wording was established after 94th revised recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which examined the legacy of Canada’s residential schools.
Implementing that recommendation was one of the tasks given to Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen when he was sworn into his portfolio in January 2017, but work on it began soon after the commission delivered its recommendations in late 2015, briefing notes for the minister suggest.
As reported by by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act, show the government also wants to modify the script delivered by those who preside over citizenship ceremonies. The proposed notes say the script should refer to ceremonies taking place on traditional territories, and include remarks on the history of Indigenous Peoples.
This is expected to be followed with a major refresh of the study guide used for the citizenship exam, also including extensive references to Indigenous history and culture.
When it comes to the oath, the inclusion of a reference to treaties is the only proposed change.
Changing the wording of the oath requires a legislative amendment to the Citizenship Act, which the Liberals are currently in the process of overhauling.