T-2636-95
IN THE MATTER OF the CITIZENSHIP ACT,
R.S.C. 1985, c. C-29
AND IN THE MATTER OF an appeal from the
decision of a Citizenship Judge
AND IN THE MATTER OF
Loc Van Le
Appellant
REASONS FOR ORDER
(Delivered orally from the Bench
at Toronto, Ontario on March 11, 1997, as edited)
McKEOWN J.
This matter came for hearing before me at Toronto on March 11, 1997.
The appellant appeals the decision of the Citizenship Judge, dated August 31, 1995, refusing his application for Canadian citizenship on the basis that he did not have an adequate knowledge of Canada's political system and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. The Citizenship Judge also declined to make a recommendation under subsection 15(1) of the Act requesting that the Minister exercise his discretion under subsection 5(3) to grant citizenship on compassionate grounds for reasons of special hardship.
The appellant was born on November 28, 1972 in Vietnam. He was granted permanent resident status on September 18, 1985. He appeared before me and answered questions, which were directed by the amicus curiae to him. It is evident that the appellant, since appearing before the Citizenship Judge, has recovered to a substantial degree from his medical problems and was able to study and learn from the documentation provided to citizenship candidates. He was able to answer most of the questions and he has a basic fundamental understanding of the composition of Canada and its history. He was able to identify most of the provinces. He knew the capitals of Canada and Ontario. He knew the names of the Prime Minister of Canada and of the Premier of Ontario. He was aware there were ten provinces and two territories. He knew that the two official languages were English and French. He was able to identify some of the rights and privileges of a Canadian citizen, as well as the duties and responsibilities. I also am aware of his medical condition. A letter dated March 10, 1997 was provided by Dr. Zevallo.
I am satisfied, in light of all of the foregoing, that Mr. Le qualifies for citizenship and that he meets the requirements of paragraph 5(1)(e) of the Act. Accordingly, the appeal is allowed.
_______________________________
Judge
OTTAWA (ONTARIO)
April 15, 1997