Statement by MP Zimmer Regarding the Citizenship of Quia Birch

Fort St. John, BC – Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, made the following statement following his congratulatory phone call to Quia Birch on becoming a Canadian Citizen.

“Finally, after years of jumping over one hurdle after another, I am pleased to be able to say that Quia Birch is now an official citizen of Canada. Due to extraordinary circumstances, Quia has been living as a stateless person since he was a toddler.

“Quia was born in Arizona but his birth was never registered and his mother left him in McBride, BC with nothing more than a note asking a local family to take care of him. But Quia persisted and with a swearing-in ceremony that took place this morning in Surrey, BC, he has overcome.

“My office has been working with Quia on this since I was first elected in 2011 and I’m very pleased that we are able to announce a positive resolution. Quia is a determined young man who wants to continue his education and continue to live and work in Northern BC, and now he will be able to do just that with all the rights and privileges that come with citizenship.”

“Congratulations Quia, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and I know you will be an asset to Canada and to British Columbia.”

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