Win Butler says global success is hindering plans to be a Canadian citizen

VANCOUVER – Arcade Fire’s Win Butler says he’s holding out for his Canadian citizenship.

After playing a Canadian-accented version of himself on “Saturday Night Live” earlier this month, Butler says he still doesn’t have an official stamp of approval from the federal government.

“I’m in line for my passport,” the American told reporters after members of the Montreal rock group accepted the international achievement prize at Saturday’s Juno Awards gala industry event.

Butler is married to bandmate Regine Chassagne, who was born in Montreal, but wedlock is only part of the qualification for becoming a Canadian citizen.

An applicant must also be physically present in the country for at least 1,095 days within five years, according to the Government of Canada website.

Butler says the “international achievement” Juno organizers have recognized him for is also what’s hindering him from meeting those requirements.

“Ironically I would just have to not achieve any international success in order to become Canadian, so tonight hits particularly close to home,” he joked.

“This counts as a day.”

Arcade Fire embarks on a European tour for their album “Everything Now” starting in April.

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