Temelkovski calls on PM not to get involved over Dion’s citizenship

Oak Ridges — Markham MP Lui Temelkovski is angry at Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s focus on Opposition Leader Stéphane Dion’s dual citizenship.

“The government should concentrate on issues that matter to Canadians,” Temelkovski said in a statement issued by his office last week. “Mr. Dion is a Canadian citizen and has a solid record and reputation. It is clear that the Conservatives are grasping at straws to try to diminish his integrity.”

Canada is one of 59 countries which recognize dual citizenship. “A Canadian citizen is a Canadian citizen,” Temelkovski stated. “We must not begin making distinctions between those that hold dual citizenship and those that do not.”

He also pointed out that Canada’s early prime ministers were not Canadian and that Governors-General were not Canadian citizens until 1952. “History and circumstance demonstrate that this is not a matter that has preoccupied Canada or Canadians,” Temelkovski observed. “Once again, this is another issue that Stephen Harper is using to drive wedges between Canadian citizens.”