BURRIS WANTS TO BE CANADIAN
FROM CBC.CA:
Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris, who has lived in Canada for many years, says he can’t secure his Canadian citizenship because his job is classified as part-time work.
Soon to be 40, Burris is entering his 16th year in the Canadian Football League that’s seen him play across Canada from Calgary to Saskatchewan to Hamilton and now Ottawa. He’s also won two Grey Cups.
Burris, born in Spiro, Okla., says he has lived in Canada with his wife Nicole for about a decade, and his two sons were born in the country.
The CFL only plays six months a year — June to November — so Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) only grants Burris a temporary work permit for each contract he signs.
He still needs to obtain permanent residency status before he has any chance at Canadian citizenship.
“The CFL, being a player, it isn’t deemed as a full-time job,” Burris said.
“But if you look at the hours I’m putting in. I’m in at 6:30 and there until five in the afternoon during the key parts of the season.”
Burris said he’s exhausted after three years and more than $7,000 spent on an immigration lawyer.
He does not want to jump a queue or receive preferential treatment, but said he worries about what his family will do as he nears the end of his career. Burris has two years left on his current contract with the Redblacks.
“I come as a father, as a husband, and as a person who wants to be a citizen and a resident of the great country of Canada, and here in Ontario,” Burris said.
Burris pointed to his work outside of football as reasons he should be a citizen. He has an ownership stake in The Rock, Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits in Calgary. He also runs The Burris Foundation, which raises money for children’s charities in the Calgary area.
“We’re investing in the economy, investing into this country because it’s done so many great things for us. It’s just been great to give back. It would all be a shame to see it come to an end,” he said.
The main roadblock remains being a quarterback in the CFL — a part-time job.
On Sunday, CIC spokesman Kevin Menard released this statement on Burris’s quest for permanent residency.
“Mr. Burris has shown a great commitment to Canada over many years, and his community work through his foundation is an example for Canadian youth and all Canadians,” the statement read.
“We will work with the Ottawa Redblacks and Mr. Burris to ensure he can remain in Canada.”
Government at it's finest ! Hank is more Canadian than most ppl I know.
Here is a guy that has made his living in Canada for years, Has 2 canadian born kids. Would be a shame for a good hard working tax payer who has invested in this country with charities and started a business which employs tax payers. These are the kind of immigrants that should be rubber stamped without all the Gov't BullSh@t. Has many character references I am sure from credible canadians. Yet have to waste money(his and tax payers) on Gov't red tape. Such B.S.
Here's hoping a couple of MPs read that story. They should be embarrassed.
Let him go through the process just like everyone else. This is not a slam on any part of Henry's character but why should he be bumped to the top of the line because he throws a football for a living? Process is to get permanent residence, which it sounds like he should have started the second he decided to finish his career in the CFL. From there after permanent residence he gets citizenship, in fact permanent residence allows him to do everything but vote in this country. What might be missed in here is he is afraid of returning… Read more »
I hope it starts to go well soon, so it can also pave the way for others like Weston Dressler who may wish to emigrate here.
Henry Burris is a good man. I'd be proud to call him a fellow Canadian.
Typical government bureaucracy. We actually pay these guys in Ottawa??? Volunteers would bring more common sense and Logic.
To the 4th poster;
You totally missed the point, you should read it again. He's been at it for 3 years now and hasn't got to first base.
get a friggin part time job in the offseason that would qualify.
Then secure your status as a Canadian and then quit.
Doesn't seem that tough.
Hey "friggin'" If you aren't a resident or have a work visa you can't get a job in Canada. Although seemingly in Sask there seems to be some strings pulled so that a certain pothead RB could get a job in the offseason…
We will let terrorists in this country but won't let a guy who you know will cause no harm, pay his taxes, and contribute to society.
I am sorry, but there should be two lines.
One for guys like Henry, another one for guys who you have no idea who they are.
Signed,
An Airline Pilot who dosent like nut bars trying to destroy our society.
2007 Sam Dalembert took citizenship test and became a Canadian Citizen to play in Olympics for basetball. He came from Haiti to Canada at 14. He went to play HS basketball in New Jersey and then college at Seton Hall also in Jersey. Is/Can Burris go that route?
Also agree considering the CFL a part time job is ridicualous. A guy like Burris has been in the CFL and living in Canada well over a decade. Wife Canadian kids born in Canada.
I would also think as well that upon his retirement OSEG/REDBLACKS likely will have a full time job awaiting him.
Considering he moved his family to Ottawa ASAP upon signing it point to the RREBLACKS/OSEG wanting him in a PR position.
Just curious as to whether Burris will be able to become a citizen but is just bringing attnetion to the ridiculous ruling of CFL being part time job. especially for longevity of guys like Burris, Geroy Simon, etc.