Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced that the federal government is exploring the possibility of revoking the citizenship of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, a Toronto man accused of planning a terrorist attack. The move comes after Eldidi and his son, Mostafa Eldidi, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit of a terrorist group. The elder Eldidi is also accused of participating in a violent assault linked to ISIS in 2015.
At a press conference in Church Point, N.S., Miller expressed his disgust and emphasized the need for a thorough review of the timeline and circumstances under which Eldidi obtained Canadian citizenship. He has ordered a review to determine whether Eldidi’s citizenship should be revoked, especially if it was acquired through misrepresentation or fraud.
This development follows growing concerns about the integrity of Canada’s immigration and security screening processes, particularly in cases involving individuals with potential links to terrorism. A parliamentary committee has also launched an investigation into how the Eldidis were allowed to enter and remain in Canada.
Opposition parties have called for swift action and greater transparency from the government. Conservative immigration critic Tom Kmiec and NDP critic Jenny Kwan have both criticized the Liberal government for what they see as failures in protecting national security.
The legal process for revoking citizenship is complex and involves multiple steps, including the potential for Federal Court involvement. This issue has reignited debates over Canada’s citizenship laws and the balance between national security and individual rights.