The Trouble with Robert's Name
When Robert first came to Canada, his immigration officer suggested that he adopt an English first name to make it easier to use in Canada. In this story he tells us how this has affected his life several years later.
Robert emigrated to Canada from Europe in 1968 . As was required, he entered the country using his given name, the name which appeared on his baptismal papers. At the time that he entered the country, his immigration officer suggested that he adopt an English first name to make it easier to use in Canada. He began using the name Robert.
Over the years he has used his adopted name in all his day to day transactions. He uses it on his driver’s licence, his bank accounts, paycheques etc. Everyone knows him as Robert. Everyone that is except the federal government. Because he did not apply for a legal change of name the government still knows him by his original name. As a naturalized Canadian he has a Canadian citizenship certificate which bears his name of record when he entered the country.
In the last several years his job has required a lot of travelling both in Canada and outside the country. Whenever he travels his company, which knows him as Robert, always books his flights and hotels under that name. All his business transactions are conducted under that name. And this is where the trouble starts!
In order to get a passport he must use his Canadian citizenship certificate as proof of citizenship and of course the name Robert does not appear on the card. Every time he applies for a passport ( especially since 911) he has to go through hoops providing extra documentation and sworn affidavits from other Canadians who know him by his adopted name.
After several years of hassles he finally gave in and decided that he should make his name change official. He filled in all the paperwork and asked his federal member of parliament to help get the application processed. His member of parliament was extremely helpful but unfortunately before the application process could be completed, there was a federal election and the new Conservative government took over.
Rather than start over with a new clerk, he decided to send the paperwork in himself. After waiting the 20 weeks as indicated on the application his paperwork came back – "page 16: Commissioner’s signature not accepted".
He has finally hired a lawyer to get his name changed. It will cost some money but at least the matter will finally be settled and he can enjoy being Robert.
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