Immigrants urge Justin Trudeau to repeal 'discriminatory' Bill C-24

There are many things 33-year old Germain Zima would like the new Liberal government to do. But one of them stands out.

“Just kill Bill C-24,” he says.

Zima, a Toronto-based human resources analyst, was just weeks away from submitting his citizenship application when, in June, the Conservative’s controversial bill took effect.

The law, among other things, requires permanent residents to wait four years before they can apply for citizenship, regardless of the amount of time they’ve already spent in Canada.

“The Liberals’ victory brought hope to people like me who felt unfairly treated by the Conservative government,” said Zima, the proud father of a newborn son.

Zima’s not alone on the issue. Calls have been mounting for prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau to follow through on a promise to repeal parts of the legislation.

Josh Paterson’s voice has been among the loudest. As executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, he launched an online petition against C-24.

Paterson calls the legislation “nothing short of discriminatory.”

“We’re very pleased and looking forward to seeing an end to second-class citizenship,” he said. “It’s unconstitutional, and we’re hoping to see swift government action on it.”

With a majority government, it shouldn’t be difficult for Trudeau and the Liberals to repeal a law, especially if it hampers civil rights, said Raoul Boulakia, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers.

C-24 is “unduly repressive,” Boulakia said, noting Canada already has ample laws in place to deal with the issues the new law is meant to address.

The Liberals will need to make good on their promise or run the risk of losing credibility, he said.

“This is hope people should insist on. Don’t let the government feel you’ve forgotten.”