Canada introduces citizenship oath act

The Canadian government Friday introduced the Oath of Citizenship Act to ensure Canadian citizenship applicants show their face while taking the Oath of Citizenship during citizenship ceremonies.

"Canadians expect that new citizens should show their face when swearing or affirming the oath in community with others, at the very moment they become part of the Canadian family. This means they are committing publicly to embracing Canada's values and traditions, including the equality of men and women," said Canadian Minister of State for Multiculturalism Tim Uppal in an announcement.

The Oath of Citizenship Act is designed to ensure that candidates are seen and heard reciting the oath in community with others, to confirm their commitment as new citizens to Canada's laws, values and traditions.

Swearing or affirming the oath is a legal requirement, a public declaration that a citizenship applicant is committed to adopting and upholding Canadian values.

The act will require that the oath be sworn or affirmed publicly and openly, and in a way that others can verify: aloud and with face uncovered. Endi