immigrantscanada.com

Independent topical source of current affairs, opinion and issues, featuring stories making news in Canada from immigrants, newcomers, minorities & ethnic communities' point of view and interests.

Canadian Laws: Residents and Cast Ballots

canadian laws: Permanent residents can live, work or study anywhere in the country, and are required to pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.article continues below Trending Stories Canada's Most Dangerous Places Whistler's rankings don't paint full picture What driving in Vancouver was like in 1966 compared to now VIDEO NPA councillor blasts colleagues for failing to rescind duplex voteDTES graffiti artist Smokey D. earns permission to paint opioid crisis memorial The one thing permanent residents cannot do is cast ballots in elections, according to Vancouver Courier. Many permanent residents choose to become citizens of Canada after a few years in the country, but this process can be costly, especially for low-income families. In Canada, permanent residents are eligible for most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive including health care coverage and are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The idea of allowing permanent residents to vote might seem new, but there are other jurisdictions around the world where people who are not citizens have a say in the formation of their municipal government. In spite of the many efforts from municipal governments to provide registered voters with the opportunity to cast ballots, the turnout level in last month's municipal election was very low across the province. Australia and Colombia are just two countries where foreigners who have not attained citizenship, but who reside and pay taxes in specific municipalities, have the opportunity to vote for their local representatives. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.