Hospitals in Richmond, B.C. face a growing demand for “birth tourism.”

Birth tourism is when foreign nationals take advantage of Canada’s birthright citizenship law to obtain citizenship.

Businesses advertising in Chinese and offering women birth tourism services have cropped up in Richmond. Currently, 66 per cent of non-resident births in B.C. take place in this municipality.

To curb the practice, Richmond’s Council passed a motion on Monday suggesting ending birthright citizenship. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino commended Richmond’s mayor for taking action. However, Mendicino supported birthright citizenship for newcomers in genuine need.

Tensions between Richmond Council and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) ran high on Monday in a debate over the issue. Councillor Kelly Greene voted against the motion, citing concerns that it would harm vulnerable people and refugees. Councillor Bill McNulty argued that VCH and the federal government are out of touch with the issues in Richmond. Speaking to Richmond News, VCH spokesperson Catherine Loiacono noted that this is a federal issue. She also said that health care providers must prioritize providing care to those needing it.

Source: www.richmond-news.com/