Analysis
This phrase was part of Trudeau's criticism of the Conservative government's Bill C-24, which allowed citizenship to be revoked from dual nationals convicted of terrorism or treason. Trudeau used the phrase to emphasize his belief in the principle of equal citizenship rights for all Canadians, regardless of dual nationality. The statement was widely reported in Canadian media at the time.
Background
Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, was introduced in 2014 and granted the government the power to strip citizenship from dual nationals under certain conditions. Trudeau, then Leader of the Liberal Party, opposed the bill, arguing it created a two-tiered system of citizenship. His phrase became a rallying cry for opponents of the legislation.
Verdict summary
Justin Trudeau did state 'A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian' in response to the 2014 citizenship revocation bill.