MP Rob Oliphant expresses outrage over Harper Conservatives' ignoring of citizenship rights

For Immediate Release
August 14, 2009

TORONTO – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, called on the Harper Government to apologize immediately to Toronto resident Suaad Hagi Mohamud and review government policies to better protect Canadians travelling abroad. 

“Canadian citizenship should be an inalienable right,” Oliphant said.  “This Government continues to demonstrate a selective disregard in its responsibility to protect and serve Canadian citizens abroad.”  Mr. Oliphant was incensed over the recent decision by government officials to declare Ms. Mohamud an imposter, thus handing her over to Kenyan officials to face prosecution and imprisonment.  Despite having over ten pieces of identification, Ms. Mohamud was still denied her rights as a Canadian.  Mr. Oliphant continued, “Her Government wasted no time in turning its back on her.”

Even after a DNA test proved Ms. Mohamud’s identity, Stephen Harper and the Conservatives continue to be missing in action.  Instead of issuing the necessary emergency travel documents to bring her home, they continue to hide behind procedure, bureaucracy, and a Minister of Foreign Affairs who cannot be found.

This situation sheds further light on the policies of Stephen Harper and his Conservative Government with regard to citizenship rights of Canadians abroad.  “What makes this situation so terrifying for Canadians is the frequency with which it continues to happen,” added Mr. Oliphant.  “Ignoring the rights of Canadian Citizens abroad appears to be standing operating procedure for the Conservative Government.”

 

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Contact:

Office of Rob Oliphant, MP
416-467-7275