Canada’s Bill C‑3 will restore citizenship for ‘Lost Canadians’ and expand rights for children born abroad, addressing long-standing legal gaps.
Canada Moves to Fix Citizenship Gaps
On June 5, 2025, the Canadian government introduced Bill C‑3 in Parliament—legislation aimed at correcting decades-old injustices in the country’s citizenship laws. The bill seeks to restore citizenship to so-called “Lost Canadians” and expand eligibility for children born abroad, following a court ruling that deemed current laws unconstitutional.
Thousands Affected by Previous Laws
The bill targets two main groups: individuals born abroad to Canadian parents who lost or were denied citizenship due to outdated legal provisions, and descendants of Canadians born abroad who were blocked from acquiring citizenship under the “first-generation limit”. This rule, in place since 2009, prevents Canadian citizens born overseas from automatically passing citizenship to their children born outside Canada.
New Rights for Children Born Abroad
Bill C‑3 proposes a two-part solution: automatically restoring citizenship to those impacted by past laws, and allowing future descendants of Canadians to obtain citizenship—if their parent can show a tangible connection to Canada. Specifically, that parent must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 cumulative days (roughly three years) before the child’s birth or adoption.
Background: Why This Reform Is Urgent
The legislation follows a December 2023 Ontario Superior Court decision, which found that the first-generation rule unfairly created a two-tier citizenship system. The court gave the federal government until November 20, 2025 to revise the law. Bill C‑3 responds directly to this mandate, with officials emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional equality and reunite families separated by bureaucratic barriers.
What’s Next in Parliament
The bill received its first reading in the House of Commons on June 5 and will now proceed through the legislative process, including debate, committee review, and Senate approval. The government has also signaled an interim support process for those affected, ensuring minimal disruption before the bill becomes law.
National Impact and Public Response
Communities across Canada, including members of the Indian and Chinese diasporas, have welcomed the bill. Many of them were directly affected by the previous restrictions. Immigration experts note that the move aligns Canada’s citizenship laws with its inclusive values, helping restore trust in the system.
Conclusion
Bill C‑3 marks a pivotal moment in Canadian legislative history, addressing long-overdue issues for “Lost Canadians” and ensuring future generations are not excluded based on geography. As the country prepares to meet its court-imposed deadline, the bill’s success could finally bring long-awaited justice and clarity to thousands of Canadian families.
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