Stephane Dion. Liberal leader or "modern man?"

I've written about dual citizenship before. This issue came up last summer with the whole evacuation-of-dual-citizenship-Canadians-from-Lebanon-during-the-strife-that-went-on-with-Israel thing. My conclusion was that as long as the Canadian government has a policy to support dual citizenship, that they need to support their policy, not just when they think it's convenient. The important thing was there not be two class of citizens, within that policy, unless specifically stated otherwise (I added this last bit for the purpose of this entry).

The exceptions to dual citizenship should be made clear to the people who immigrate to Canada, or Canadians seeking other citizenships, as well as what the consequences of their actions would be.

One policy that should be implemented, and has been making the news of late, is that some politicians and political appointments currently hold dual citizenship. The most recent case to make the news? The newly minted federal Liberal leader, Stephane Dion. He also holds French citizenship, through his mother.

Mr. Dion's defence? He doesn't think it's an issue. He "is 100 percent to Canada first." Well, if that's the case, then he should give up his French citizenship. Even if there is no conflict of interest, he should take the high ground because there is a perception of a conflict of interest. Ask any lawyer and they'll tell you the same thing.

If you decide to go into Canadian politics, or the politics of any country for that matter, you must renounce citizenships of any other country that you may hold. Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean renounced her French citizenship when she felt the pressure. And why not? As Canada's appointed head of state and commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, there should be no question of her loyalty to Canada and its citizens.

So why is it that Mr. Dion is choosing not to renounce his French citizenship? I can't even venture a guess.

In fact, it has been reported that approximately 40 of the over 300 MPs in Ottawa have dual citizenship, represented by three of the major parties (Conservatives, Liberals and NDPers). None of the other parties have the right to criticize Mr. Dion (let he who is without sin, cast the first stone comes to mind), but that doesn't make it right. In fact, NDP leader Jack Layton stated that Mr. Dion should renounce his French citizenship, although he qualified it by saying that the leader of any party should do so. Why did he qualify his stance? His wife Olivia Chow, who is a part of his NDP caucus, holds dual citizenship. You can bet Mr. Layton would have gotten an ear full over dinner that night if he pressed harder.

When you hold public office, then you must renounce any significant allegiance outside of Canada, especially citizenship. More so for Federal politicians than lower levels of government, because by their very nature, they are dealing with foreign governments. If Mr. Dion becomes Prime Minister and an issue regarding France comes up, will he excuse himself from the debate, as well as the vote? Not acceptable! If in the future you return to private life, then I see no issue with regaining renounced citizenships. I'm sure most countries would allow this.

Politicians, because they are public figures and our representatives in government, are held to a higher standard. They are a reflection of their constituents and their country, in the eyes of the rest of the world. To Stephane Dion (Liberal), Vic Toews (Conservative), Tony Clement (Conservative), Olivia Chow (NDP), and all the rest in Ottawa who hold foreign citizenships I say this, renounce any citizenships and significant allegiances outside of Canada, or step down. Simple as that.

Don't believe that this is good idea? Just ask separatist Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe. He doesn't see a problem with Mr. Dion holding dual French citizenship. Do I need to say more?

Wings Over The World

(photo courtesy of www.ctv.ca)