Federal Government: Citizenship

Oath Of Citizenship Dept: UNDER no exception will new Canadians be able to continue wearing a face covering when taking their oath of citizenship, the federal government announced Monday in a move that's stirring controversy within and outside the Muslim community, according to Winnipeg Free Press. The move follows complaints from citizenship judges, MPs and others who've participated in citizenship ceremonies who say it's hard to tell whether veiled individuals are actually reciting the oath, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said in Montreal, where the new measure was unveiled and new federal policy is to take effect immediately. CHRIS MIKULA / POSTMEDIA NEWS ARCHIVES The new rule, which takes effect immediately, means Muslim women will have to remove their niqabs, burkas and other veils before crossing that final hurdle toward becoming a Canadian citizen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.