Media release
Citizenship oath should be to Canada not Queen
New citizens to protest by recanting oath to Queen
Toronto, May 13, 2005 - Citizens for a Canadian Republic, the non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting an end to the monarchy in Canada, will be repeating last year's successful protest of the outdated Citizenship Act this coming Saturday, May 21. The event, which was televised last year on all major news networks, will again be held at the Ontario Legislature grounds on Victoria Day weekend, the official celebration of the Queen's birthday.
CCR member Ashok Charles, a Canadian citizen since 1977, will be leading the ceremony on the front lawn of Toronto's Queen's Park, where he'll recant or take back the portion of the Oath of Citizenship that declared his allegiance to "Queen Elizabeth II and her heirs and successors". To acknowledge his allegiance only to Canada, he'll then reaffirm his commitment to the remainder of the oath requiring him to fulfil his duties as a Canadian citizen.
According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, it's not illegal to recant a portion or even all of the Citizenship Oath and the procedure in no way effects citizenship status.
Mr. Charles hopes this symbolic action will prompt an examination of Canadian values in regards to democracy and citizenship.
"On a personal level", he says, ''I simply do not have the slightest shred of allegiance to Queen Elizabeth or to her heirs and successors and I don't think, to be a good Canadian, that I need to".
"I also find it deeply disturbing that, in the 21st century, Canadians are still stuck with a non-resident, British monarch as Head of State", he adds. "As a progressive, independent nation, Canada deserves much better".
Among others, Charles will be joined in this action by Richard Gonsalves, another new Canadian who's equally offended by the oath.
"I delayed becoming a Canadian Citizen for twenty-seven years because of the oath", says Gonsalves."I found it very distasteful to swear allegiance to a foreign monarch. I finally decided to take the oath with fingers crossed and then proceed to fight to have it changed".
According to CCR's National Director, Tom Freda, "It's a major embarrassment that Canada hasn't yet dealt with this relic of colonialism. Australia took care of it twelve years ago. It's time for Canada to take action as well".
New Canadians who wish to join in the recantation or simply show up to provide support, are encouraged to attend. Members of the media are also welcome. Interviews and comments are available on request.
DATE Saturday, May 21, 2005 (Victoria Day weekend)
TIME 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
LOCATION The front lawn of the Queens Park Ontario Legislature building. Free parking is available at the front and rear of the legislature building.
DJ and refreshments will be provided.
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