New legislation could make getting Canadian citizenship easier

Getting a Canadian citizenship could soon be easier for some people due to new legislation proposed by the Liberal government.

On Thursday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab introduced Bill C-3, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act, which would extend Canadian citizenship by descent beyond the first generation.

"Citizenship is more than a legal status — it's a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada," said Diab in a statement. "By requiring those who pass citizenship to their children born abroad beyond the first generation to have a substantial connection to our country we are honouring that bond."

Essentially, the new legislation would automatically give Canadian citizenship to anyone who would be a citizen today if not for the first-generation limit, a rule currently in place.

The first-generation limit prevents people who were born outside of Canada to a parent who was also born or adopted outside of Canada to a Canadian parent from automatically becoming a Canadian citizen.

In 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared this law as "unconstitutional," but suspended that declaration until November 20, 2025, which is why it still applies until further notice.

Bill C-3 also proposes to establish a new framework for citizenship by descent that would allow for access to Canadian citizenship beyond the first generation based on a Canadian parent's substantial connection to Canada.

That is demonstrated by at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to their child’s birth or adoption.

"Canadian citizenship lies at the heart of what it means to be Canadian, providing a sense of belonging and connection to a diverse, inclusive and democratic nation,” stated Citizenship and Immigration Canada."“For many newcomers to Canada, citizenship is key to integration, and we are committed to making the citizenship process as fair and transparent as possible."

The federal government says the first Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947 contained “now-outdated” laws that caused many people to either lose their Canadian citizenship or not receive one in the first place. This group was dubbed the "Lost Canadians."

In 2009 and 2015, legislative changes restored or gave citizenship to a majority of "Lost Canadians." Around 20,000 people became citizens and were issued certificates as a result of these changes.

However, the first-generation limit was introduced in 2009, causing some individuals who were born abroad beyond the first generation between February 15, 1977 and April 16, 1981 to lose or fail to obtain citizenship at the age of 28.

Bill C-3 still needs to pass both the House of Commons and the Senate and receive Royal Assent before these changes can be implemented.