The citizenship oath - important changes!

As of June 21, 2021, Bill C-8: Citizenship Amendment Act became law in Canadaafter being approved by Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the past few years, the Canadian government has worked diligently to update the Oath of Citizenship to include respect for Indigenous interests so that all new Canadians understand their important role in the development of their country's past, present and future.

According to official Ontario, the move is a direct response to calls for action on the national Truth and Reconciliation project, which should involve Canadian citizens at both the governmental level and the work of educational and religious institutions and civil society groups in general.

The updated Oath recognizes that Indigenous rights are enshrined in section 35 of the Constitutional Act of 1982 and derive from the historical use of the land by Indigenous peoples.

Now, by reading the Oath of Office, new Canadians will make a personal commitment to respect the rights of Aboriginal peoples and the treaty rights of Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people. After all, the Oath of Canadian Citizenship is more than just words, it is a public statement of belonging to this country and to all its communities.

Updated text of the Oath of Office

The updated text of the Oath reads as follows: "I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors, and that I will abide strictly by the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the rights of Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfill my responsibilities as a Canadian citizen."

According to official Ottawa, by this action, the government recognizes that updating the text of the Oath is a very meaningful step forward in restoring relations with IPs. The most important thing is for every citizen to play their part in the journey towards reconciliation, to realize the significance and acceptance of every culture that has a place in this land.

Canadian Senator of Inuit descent Margaret Dawn Anderson noted the significance of the work done: "It may seem like a small step, but each step is very important progress towards a more understanding and inclusive Canada."

In addition, since June 14, indigenous peoples in Canada have had the legal right to use their traditional names on passports and other documents.