Oath challenge an insult

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Indeed, Canada would not exist were it not for the loyalty of its subjects to their monarch in Britain -- something our neighbours to the south rebelled against. That is an historical fact and one of the foundations of this country. Some people like it, some people don't and many don't care. Nevertheless, it is who we are and why we exist as a country.

The monarchy and the parliamentary system and rule of law that we inherited from Britain is one of the reasons -- if not the main reason -- for Canada's stability, good government, relative lack of corruption, peace and prosperity.

It's also why millions of people from every corner of the globe often risk everything -- sometimes even their lives -- in an attempt to come to Canada to live here.

That's why a recent legal challenge against the government's requirement of new Canadian citizens to pledge allegiance to our Queen is so galling and wrong.
You dream it. We have it.

Toronto lawyer and permanent resident Charles Roach, who wants to launch a class-action lawsuit against the oath to an "offshore queen," argues that the mandatory oath is a violation of Canada's

Charter of Rights and Freedoms' provision of freedom of conscience.

Hogwash.

No person is forced to make the pledge because no person is ever forced to become a Canadian citizen.

Last time anyone checked, there is no barbed wire at the border and no guns to wannabe citizens' heads.

If someone doesn't like the conditions of citizenship in this great country, they should simply go elsewhere.

Canadian citizenship for foreign-born residents is not a right but a privilege -- a very grand, sought after privilege paid for by those who settled the land and fought in wars for our freedoms and way of life.

The federal government tried to have the case dismissed on the grounds that it was frivolous. Mr. Justice Edward Belobaba reserved his decision.

He should have thrown this disrespectful legal challenge out of court.

Whether Canada remains a monarchy or becomes a republic is something its citizens should decide -- not one judge or one legal resident with a thirst for attention and a chip on his shoulder.

By Licia Corbella
Ottawa Sun