Part 1 - Same-Sex Marriage in Canada
Using this interactive timeline created by the Globe and Mail, you will examine the events leading up to and following the legalization of Same-Sex Marriages in Canada. The timeline covers from 1999 until 2007.
1. You will create a timeline in your notes which summarizes the major events of this civil rights movement.
2. As you are creating your timeline, put the events into your own words.
3. In documenting these events, focus on: key public figures, central conflicts, pieces of legislation, "first times", victories and defeats.
Click this link to find the timeline:
http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/v5/content/features/timelines/same_sex/
Part 2 - Marriage Fraud
After reading the two short articles below, respond to the following questions. I will be collecting the questions in hardcopy, rather than via e-mail.
1. These two articles address the legal issue of a "Marriage of Convenience", one which is not emotionally genuine and is entered to obtain immigrant status. What emotional, legal and financial burdens does this form of marriage fraud have on the abandoned partner?
2. At this time, when Foreign Nationals marry someone with Canadian citizenship, they immediately receive "permanent-residence status" upon arriving in the country - something almost no other countries provide. What benefits are included in this permanent-residence status?
2. At this time, when Foreign Nationals marry someone with Canadian citizenship, they immediately receive "permanent-residence status" upon arriving in the country - something almost no other countries provide. What benefits are included in this permanent-residence status?
3. According to this article, close to 1000 convenience marriages are reported each year. Given the rigidity of marriage laws in Canada, does this "loop hole" in the laws addressing marriage/immigrant sponsorship surprise you? Why or why not?
4. Yesterday we learned that Marriage is governed at the Provincial level. Why are these cases of fraudulent marriage brought to Federal courts? What Canadian organization was the first to do this?
5. What solutions are being proposed in order to prevent these "marriages of convenience" from occurring?
6. Why is this issue of marriage fraud so complex? Why has is caused difficulty for immigration officers, policy makers and lawyers?
Article #1
Beilski, Zosia. "I do ... and I'm Gone". The Globe and Mail. 15 May, 2009.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/i-do-and-im-gone/article1138892/page2/
Article #2
"True Love or Marriage Fraud?". CBC - The Passionate Eye.
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/passionateeyeshowcase/2010/truelove/
