Citizenship for Immigrants and Refugees

2018.03 Citizenship for Immigrants and Refugees

Whereas:

1. The National Council of Women has policies ensuring equality, safety, and prevention of sexual abuse for refugee women.
2. Canada’s Parliament passed Bill C-6, eliminating the obligation for spouses or partners to live together for two years before qualifying for residency.
3. While intended positively, this change can lead to fraud, forced marriages, and other crimes.
4. Canada’s Civil Marriage Act requires mutual consent between spouses and prohibits marriage for individuals under 16.

Resolved #1:

The NCWC adopts a policy to enforce laws protecting women and girls from underage, forced, or fake marriages. The citizenship process must include resources to educate, assist, and protect vulnerable individuals.

Resolved #2:

The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:

1. Educate and protect women and girls from underage, forced, or fake marriages. Reinstate the two-year cohabitation requirement for residency qualification, except for:
2. Cases of abuse (verbal, physical, or mental), where abused individuals can leave the shared living space while retaining their eligibility for permanent residency and full legal protections.