I find the column between patronizing and naive. 

Hundreds of Canadian troops died or were captured in Hong Kong during WW II. What conceivable right did Canada gain in perpetuity? Thousands of Canadians died in Europe. while defending Britain in WWs I and  II. Their sacrifice is still respected in those countries. But, no Canadian and certainly no British, French, Belgian or Dutch citizens would consider that Canada's sacrifice in Europe entitled us to a say in their politics. 

The only rationale for the author's position is that Hong Kong was a colony not a country and should not have the independent rights we grant to European countries without question.

Similarly, I disagree with his support for perpetual voting by Canadians who lived here, gained citizenship and then returned home.  Is that the level of commitment to Canada that should entitle a citizen to vote for life? No more than "Canadians" who returned to Lebanon after citizenship to free rescue if events turn negative.