Citizenship not just for convenience

I am a Canadian of Lebanese origin who chose Canada as his home. I am proud to be Canadian first even though I carry Lebanese citizenship not by choice but by birth.

Dual citizenship should not be an obstacle. We should be loyal, proud, loving, productive and a builder for this nation we chose as our home.

Andrew Coyne is right, “No political leader should carry a dual citizenship.” Let’s engrave it in the law. Our prime minister is wrong when he said “A Canadian is a Canadian, is a Canadian.”

Citizenship should never be a card of convenience.

A Canadian who carries the citizenship for convenience and lives in his country of origin should not be entitled to the benefits Canada has to offer while he or she is living abroad by choice.

Please remember the 2006 war in Lebanon, when all of a sudden 8,000-plus Canadian citizens living there cost us millions of dollars to bring here, only to go back to Lebanon when things were settled. This is a prime example of citizenship of convenience.

My fellow citizens with dual citizenship, let’s give our utmost loyalty to our home, Canada. Let’s respect the laws of this land, live with dignity and high morals, and let’s respect one another and keep building this country on strong foundations, not only for us but for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

A true Canadian is a Canadian who respects himself and a true believer in what (former U.S.) president John F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Badih Shadid, Ottawa