“New Canadians should focus on duties first, then on rights” –Toronto Star, Letters /web forum,

As a onetime immigrant myself, I cannot resist adding my “two cents” worth to this subject. I am in full agreement with letter writer Orlando Martini that there should be more emphasis on duties and responsibilities of newcomers, and less on “rights”. It seems to me that many of today’s immigrants come here fully equipped with knowledge of all the rights this country can afford them, but little in the way of commitment and duty. Pledging a memorized allegiance in unison at a citizenship "corral" after mere three years in the country does not automatically a citizen make; nor does it ensure loyalty to their new home. I believe there should be a compulsory course in citizenship which includes basic Canadian history and social values. This might help discourage the opportunistic and economic migrants that use our country as a “flag of convenience”.

I can understand that a new-Canadian has affinities to his “old country” and its culture; such things as the foods one grew up with, our native language and even religion, has strong emotionally strings attached to it. I too had these feeling, especially in the early years; though they waned as I became more involved and immersed in Canadian life. When after five years I became a citizen, it was so I could vote and take an active part in the political life of this wonderful democracy we call Canada. When it comes to politics and societal commitment, your loyalties must be here, not there. If you cannot accept this, then you don’t belong, and unless you are a true refugee, you should be encouraged to return to whence you came.