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January 12, 2023

A book review by political science student, Juliana Cotacio

What does it mean to be a Canadian citizen? While this question might seem straightforward, its deep-rooted complexities are explored in the book, Canadian Club: Birthright Citizenship and Belonging, by Lois Harder. Harder is the dean of the faculty of Social Science and a professor of political science at the University of Victoria.

 The book considers the formal law of citizenship in new and unfamiliar ways. As Harder describes, “Canadian identity is rooted in race and thus whiteness.” Membership within a nation-state, or citizenship, is tied to the manifestations of family, gender, race, and nation.

 The book's emphasis on these issues reveals deeply held assumptions. The chapters explore how previous laws establishing the framework of citizenship disadvantaged certain groups, with effects that continue to be felt today. We can see these effects in the phenomenon of the Lost Canadians.

 Citizenship, and the security it provides, continue to be a source of struggle, as described in the book.  And citizenship law lags behind societal change. Drawing from the many cases that she analyzes, Harder also proposes ideas for revising Canada’s citizenship legislation – and citizenship generally - to be more inclusive.

Canadian Club is a must read for all students and those beyond the academic field. Citizenship is an issue that significantly affects society as we are all shaped by immigration and the history of colonialism.