BREAKING: New bill would restore citizenship to lost Canadians
A groundbreaking new bill, known as Bill C-3, has been introduced by the Canadian government to address a long-standing issue affecting thousands of individuals known as “Lost Canadians.” The proposed legislation aims to restore citizenship rights to those who were unfairly excluded due to restrictive laws governing citizenship by descent.
The bill targets the “first-generation limit” (FGL), a controversial amendment introduced in 2009. The FGL prevented children born abroad to Canadian citizens—who themselves gained citizenship by descent—from obtaining citizenship. This created a second class of citizens and denied many individuals their rightful citizenship despite strong ties to Canada.
In a significant legal challenge, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that the FGL was unconstitutional. The court found that it violated Canadians’ mobility rights and unfairly excluded many from citizenship. The government agreed with the ruling and chose not to appeal, acknowledging the harm caused to Canadian families with children born abroad.
Bill C-3 seeks to rectify these injustices. If passed, it will automatically grant citizenship to anyone who would otherwise qualify but for the FGL or outdated laws. It also extends citizenship rights to future generations, allowing Canadian citizens by descent to pass on their citizenship to children born abroad, provided at least one parent demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada.
The bill introduces a “substantial connection test,” requiring parents to have spent at least 1,095 days (three years) in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption. This ensures that citizenship is granted based on genuine ties to the country. Additionally, Canadians who were born or naturalized in Canada before adopting a child abroad will still be able to apply for a direct grant of citizenship for their adopted children.
Introduced in June 2025, Bill C-3 is expected to benefit thousands of people, restoring citizenship to those previously excluded and aligning Canada’s citizenship laws with modern family realities. If passed by Parliament and given Royal Assent, the law will come into effect as soon as possible, with detailed guidelines to follow.
This legislative shift marks a significant step toward inclusivity, addressing historical injustices and ensuring that children born to Canadians abroad are no longer unfairly excluded from citizenship, provided their parents meet the substantial connection requirement.
Key Features and Implications of Bill C-3
Bill C-3 introduces several key changes to Canada’s citizenship laws, aiming to address both historical injustices and future challenges. One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the restoration of citizenship to individuals who were unfairly excluded due to the FGL or outdated laws. Under the proposed legislation, anyone who would be a citizen today but for these restrictive rules will automatically have their citizenship reinstated.
Looking ahead, the bill extends citizenship rights beyond the first generation for individuals born abroad. Canadian citizens by descent will now be able to pass on their citizenship to their children born outside Canada, provided at least one parent demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada. This “substantial connection test” is defined as a parent having spent at least 1,095 days (three years) in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. This requirement ensures that citizenship is granted based on genuine ties to the country, while still accommodating the realities of globally mobile families.
The bill also addresses the issue of adopted children. Canadians who were born or naturalized in Canada before adopting a child abroad will still be able to apply for a direct grant of citizenship for their adopted children, ensuring that these families are not unfairly excluded from the benefits of citizenship.
The legislative process for Bill C-3 began in June 2025, following a court-ordered deadline to address the unconstitutional FGL. If passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate, and after receiving Royal Assent, the law is expected to come into effect as soon as possible. Once enacted, detailed guidelines and procedures will be published to help impacted individuals and their families navigate the new system.
The changes proposed in Bill C-3 are expected to benefit thousands of people, restoring citizenship to those who were previously excluded and creating a more inclusive framework for future generations. The bill aligns Canada’s citizenship laws with modern family realities and values, ensuring that children born to Canadians abroad are no longer unfairly excluded, provided their parents meet the substantial connection requirement.
Summary of Changes: Old vs. New Citizenship by Descent Rules
| Feature | Old (FGL, 2009–2025) | Bill C-3 (Proposed, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Descent | One generation only | Beyond first generation with conditions |
| Substantial Connection Test | Not applicable | 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada required |
| Restoration for “Lost Canadians” | Not provided | Citizenship granted automatically |
| Adopted Children | Restricted | Allowed if parent born/naturalized in Canada |
| Court Challenge Outcome | Unconstitutional (2023) | Bill introduced to comply |
This table provides a clear comparison of the old and new citizenship by descent rules under Bill C-3, highlighting the significant changes aimed at restoring and expanding citizenship rights.
“`html
Conclusion
Bill C-3 marks a significant step forward in addressing the injustices faced by Lost Canadians, restoring citizenship to those unfairly excluded due to outdated laws. By repealing the first-generation limit and introducing the substantial connection test, the bill ensures that citizenship is granted based on genuine ties to Canada, aligning with modern family realities and promoting inclusivity.
The bill’s passage will not only correct historical wrongs but also create a fairer system for future generations, allowing Canadian citizens by descent to pass on their citizenship to children born abroad, provided they meet the substantial connection requirement. This legislative shift underscores Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that children born to Canadians abroad are no longer unfairly excluded from citizenship.
As Bill C-3 moves through the legislative process, it represents a meaningful effort to right past wrongs and build a more inclusive future for all Canadians.
FAQ
What is Bill C-3?
Bill C-3 is a proposed legislation aimed at restoring citizenship to Lost Canadians by addressing the first-generation limit and outdated laws that unfairly excluded many from citizenship.
Who benefits from Bill C-3?
Individuals who lost their citizenship due to the first-generation limit, children born abroad to Canadian citizens, and adopted children of Canadian parents will benefit from the bill.
What is the substantial connection test?
The test requires parents to have spent at least 1,095 days (three years) in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption to demonstrate a genuine connection to the country.
Does Bill C-3 cover adopted children?
Yes, the bill allows Canadian citizens who were born or naturalized in Canada to apply for direct grant citizenship for their adopted children born abroad.
When will Bill C-3 come into effect?
Once passed by Parliament and given Royal Assent, the bill is expected to take effect as soon as possible, with detailed guidelines to follow.
How can I get more information about Bill C-3?
Visit the official Canadian government website or contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the latest updates and detailed information on the bill.
“`
