8 thoughts on “NDP leader Mulcair's dual citizenship – will this become a problem?”
I don’t know about Canadian law, but under the citizenship laws of Kenya and Mexico, President Obama, having been born abroad to a Kenyan citizen father (Kenya did not exist when he was born, but those, like his father, became Kenyan citizens when that nation was created so presumably that citizenship of his father was also transmitted to Obama).
Mitt Romney’s father was a dual US-Mexican Citizens, having been born in Mexico to US citizen parents. And Mexican citizenship is transmitted to a child of a Mexican citizen born outside of the US.
I am reasonably sure that neither has ever held passports of their other countries of citizenship, but neither has Obama been stripped of his, nor would Romney lose his, if he were to be elected president.
Given the US tax laws, why would anyone living permanently outside of the US today want t keep a US passport?
I am sure Mr. Obama aware of his possible dual citizenship status. Also I am sure he must have broken many Kenyan laws, being Islamic state. How would is feel, if he is told that he is a criminal and punishable not only prison but also 300% of his offshore assets?
How he would feel that his daughters are also must know and obey Islamic laws. It would help him see the pain of many dual-citizens and effect of the most complex tax code and obscure laws many US departments (e.g. DOS, DOJ or FDA) such as FBAR, which is not tax code.
Separate issue – As some of you know the US Supreme Court made a ruling in 2010 that allows big corporations to contribute to campaigns via shadowy PAC in unlimited volumes of money. This
will drown own the voice of ordinary people – bad idea.
However, they have a great website which could be used as some sort of template to orgainise anti-FATCA protest going forward.
Of course it’s probably part funded by Robert Reich’s upcoming book next week – Outrage. He’s been shrewd about it – about £2 each and only by e-book on Amazon. Probably will sell lots of downloads.
Also I am sure he must have broken many Kenyan laws, being Islamic state. How would is feel, if he is told that he is a criminal and punishable not only prison but also 300% of his offshore assets? How he would feel that his daughters are also must know and obey Islamic laws.
“The predominant religion in Kenya is Christianity, adhered to by about four-fifths of the population” …
In today’s increasingly multinational world, dual citizenship is becoming far more common. I understand that “patriotism” issue that many people bring up, but aside from that, why do we care if he has a French passport? Do people think he’s going to sell Canada to France or something? Or maybe he’s so long-term sleep agent dumb enough to have gotten a passport?
While I realize I’m probably in the minority on this one, but I just don’t think this is a bit deal. I want to know if the person can govern, if their values align with mine, if they’re smart enough to not give impromptu public massages to world leaders (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQY1Aw9zcs) and so on.
Agree with Curtis above – All of the fuss over dual citizenship with a country other than the US is just a bunch of hot air. Mulcair got a French passport so that he could go through the same immigration queue as his family whilst on holiday. Now if France were to adopt a citizenship tax similar to the Eritrean model as Sarkozy has mentioned then that would be different, because that would result in the salary of a head of government being subject to tax by a foreign power. This is why I would consider a dual US or Eritrean citizen as unfit for public office due to this breach of national sovereignty.
northernstar says
October 30, 2013 at 12:10 am
@AtticusinCanada and Bubblebustin
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am feeling better today with all your support.
Now some good news. I received a real email from Mr. Mulcair with an attached letter from Mr Murray Rankin. I would like to share it with you..What post would be good?
When I saw his name on the Email I thought another acknowledgement letter but no, it is quite good.
I will answer him on Wednesday. I would like hear your suggestions as what I should ask him when I write back to thank him. .
The Murray Rankin letter is dated September 25, to Mr. Flaherty. I think I saw that letter on Brock.
I will put in Mr. Mulcair’s e letter here now. If it needs to be put on another post I give permission to move it.
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns with current US tax and foreign bank account reporting laws, and, more specifically, the U.S. Foreign Account Compliance Act (FATCA). Your points about consulting with knowledgeable experts is well taken.
I share your concerns that FATCA’s sweeping provisions on financial disclosure will have significant consequences for dual Canadian-American citizens and Americans with landed immigrant status lawfully living here in Canada. Please know that New Democrats have consistently challenged the over-reaching aspects of FATCA and have urged the Conservative government to negotiate protective measures for those citizens who would be affected by FATCA’s onerous regulations.
We are also troubled that the secrecy of these negotiations with the US is detrimental for citizens with legitimate concerns relating to privacy and financial pressures. They must rely on media reports for developing news and have no opportunity to have their views considered in a meaningful way.
In discussing this matter with my NDP colleagues, we felt that it was important to reinforce how serious and unfair the consequences of FATCA could be for Canadians if unilaterally imposed. In taking the lead on this issue, Official Opposition critic for National Revenue, Murray Rankin, has written to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty calling on his government to reject any agreement that may violate the privacy rights of Canadians, erode Canadian sovereignty, or fail to offer Canada equal benefits to those provided to the United States. Please see the attached copy of Murray Rankin’s letter to Minister Flaherty.
Going forward, please be assured that New Democrats will remain vigilant on this issue. We will continue to pressure the Government to help address the above-mentioned concerns and ensure the rights of Canadians who hold dual citizenship with the United States are protected.
Again, I appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns with me.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mulcair, M.P. (Outremont)
Leader of the Official Opposition
New Democratic Party of Canada
I don’t know about Canadian law, but under the citizenship laws of Kenya and Mexico, President Obama, having been born abroad to a Kenyan citizen father (Kenya did not exist when he was born, but those, like his father, became Kenyan citizens when that nation was created so presumably that citizenship of his father was also transmitted to Obama).
Mitt Romney’s father was a dual US-Mexican Citizens, having been born in Mexico to US citizen parents. And Mexican citizenship is transmitted to a child of a Mexican citizen born outside of the US.
I am reasonably sure that neither has ever held passports of their other countries of citizenship, but neither has Obama been stripped of his, nor would Romney lose his, if he were to be elected president.
Given the US tax laws, why would anyone living permanently outside of the US today want t keep a US passport?
I am sure Mr. Obama aware of his possible dual citizenship status. Also I am sure he must have broken many Kenyan laws, being Islamic state. How would is feel, if he is told that he is a criminal and punishable not only prison but also 300% of his offshore assets?
How he would feel that his daughters are also must know and obey Islamic laws. It would help him see the pain of many dual-citizens and effect of the most complex tax code and obscure laws many US departments (e.g. DOS, DOJ or FDA) such as FBAR, which is not tax code.
Separate issue – As some of you know the US Supreme Court made a ruling in 2010 that allows big corporations to contribute to campaigns via shadowy PAC in unlimited volumes of money. This
will drown own the voice of ordinary people – bad idea.
However, they have a great website which could be used as some sort of template to orgainise anti-FATCA protest going forward.
Have a look and see what everyone thinks – http://www.amend2012.org
Of course it’s probably part funded by Robert Reich’s upcoming book next week – Outrage. He’s been shrewd about it – about £2 each and only by e-book on Amazon. Probably will sell lots of downloads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Kenya
“The predominant religion in Kenya is Christianity, adhered to by about four-fifths of the population” …
In today’s increasingly multinational world, dual citizenship is becoming far more common. I understand that “patriotism” issue that many people bring up, but aside from that, why do we care if he has a French passport? Do people think he’s going to sell Canada to France or something? Or maybe he’s so long-term sleep agent dumb enough to have gotten a passport?
While I realize I’m probably in the minority on this one, but I just don’t think this is a bit deal. I want to know if the person can govern, if their values align with mine, if they’re smart enough to not give impromptu public massages to world leaders (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQY1Aw9zcs) and so on.
Agree with Curtis above – All of the fuss over dual citizenship with a country other than the US is just a bunch of hot air. Mulcair got a French passport so that he could go through the same immigration queue as his family whilst on holiday. Now if France were to adopt a citizenship tax similar to the Eritrean model as Sarkozy has mentioned then that would be different, because that would result in the salary of a head of government being subject to tax by a foreign power. This is why I would consider a dual US or Eritrean citizen as unfit for public office due to this breach of national sovereignty.
I am posting this from another thread…
It came from here..
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/10/29/i-wont-back-down/comment-page-1/#comment-612140
northernstar says
October 30, 2013 at 12:10 am
@AtticusinCanada and Bubblebustin
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am feeling better today with all your support.
Now some good news. I received a real email from Mr. Mulcair with an attached letter from Mr Murray Rankin. I would like to share it with you..What post would be good?
When I saw his name on the Email I thought another acknowledgement letter but no, it is quite good.
I will answer him on Wednesday. I would like hear your suggestions as what I should ask him when I write back to thank him. .
The Murray Rankin letter is dated September 25, to Mr. Flaherty. I think I saw that letter on Brock.
I will put in Mr. Mulcair’s e letter here now. If it needs to be put on another post I give permission to move it.
thomas.mulcair@parl.gc.ca
5:24 PM October 29, 2013
Dear ******
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns with current US tax and foreign bank account reporting laws, and, more specifically, the U.S. Foreign Account Compliance Act (FATCA). Your points about consulting with knowledgeable experts is well taken.
I share your concerns that FATCA’s sweeping provisions on financial disclosure will have significant consequences for dual Canadian-American citizens and Americans with landed immigrant status lawfully living here in Canada. Please know that New Democrats have consistently challenged the over-reaching aspects of FATCA and have urged the Conservative government to negotiate protective measures for those citizens who would be affected by FATCA’s onerous regulations.
We are also troubled that the secrecy of these negotiations with the US is detrimental for citizens with legitimate concerns relating to privacy and financial pressures. They must rely on media reports for developing news and have no opportunity to have their views considered in a meaningful way.
In discussing this matter with my NDP colleagues, we felt that it was important to reinforce how serious and unfair the consequences of FATCA could be for Canadians if unilaterally imposed. In taking the lead on this issue, Official Opposition critic for National Revenue, Murray Rankin, has written to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty calling on his government to reject any agreement that may violate the privacy rights of Canadians, erode Canadian sovereignty, or fail to offer Canada equal benefits to those provided to the United States. Please see the attached copy of Murray Rankin’s letter to Minister Flaherty.
Going forward, please be assured that New Democrats will remain vigilant on this issue. We will continue to pressure the Government to help address the above-mentioned concerns and ensure the rights of Canadians who hold dual citizenship with the United States are protected.
Again, I appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns with me.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mulcair, M.P. (Outremont)
Leader of the Official Opposition
New Democratic Party of Canada
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