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In the course of the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon, a raging debate has started over how much consideration is owed to dual citizenship holders who are permanent residents of Lebanon. Wherein one side insists that Canadian citizenship entitles the holder to the universal rights and privileges held therein, the other side insists that a person who holds dual citizenship, but does not make Canada their home, should take second priority to Canadian residents.
The one point missing from this argument is that of responsibility. Not the responsibility of the government to service the citizen, but the responsibility of the citizen to the institution of Canada. Citizenship is not just a right it is a responsibility - one that comes with inherent expectations. For example, all citizens are expected to follow the rule of law and make a productive contribution to society. These expectations apply to both those who were born here as well as those who have adopted Canada as their home.
So if the citizens expect primary consideration from Canada, why is it unreasonable for Canada to expect the same primary consideration from them?
Why should a dual citizenship holder, who does not live here, makes no contribution to the economic and societal structures of this country, and who takes little or no active participation in their citizenship, get the same consideration and privileges as one who does?
Not only are the tax dollars of Canadian residents being used to rescue these Canadians-in-name-only, but there is also a reasonable expectation that when these non-residents arrive in Canada, they will have to rely considerably on our extensive social safety net in order to house and feed their families, and that is an expense which can drag on for years.
Lastly, once the conflict in the Middle East abates, will these same Lebanese-Canadians politely thank (or not) us for our overwhelming hospitality and depart back to their nationality of choice, never to be a valuable contribution to the society they are so keen to take advantage of?
I have never been an advocate of dual citizenship, and this is a prime example of the reason why. An immigrant who chooses to make Canada their home should be expected to renounce their previous citizenship as a measure of allegiance to their new home and any Canadians who choose to make their permanent residence elsewhere should be expected to do the same. If we ever want Canadian citizenship to be anything more than ink on the pages of a passport, we should expect no less. Privileges are a reward for sacrifices. Or at least, they used to be.
I am certainly sympathetic to all the families, of any nationality, who are caught in the midst of this sudden, brutal conflict…but hard-working, tax-paying, productive Canadian citizens with family and a home here would understandably resent giving up their space in the evacuation to someone who has never made a meaningful sacrifice to earn their citizenship and made no measurable contribution to the furtherance of the society to which they suddenly make such extensive demands.
Ask not, what your country can do for you...cheesy but apt.
North American Patriot
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