After years of debate and legal challenges, Canada has brought major changes to its citizenship laws into effect. The updated rules close long-standing gaps that left many people without status and now allow more children born or adopted abroad to claim Canadian citizenship through their parents.
What the New Rules Change
Under the revised “Lost Canadians” policy, a child born or adopted outside Canada can now become a Canadian citizen if one parent holds Canadian citizenship. This applies even when that parent was also born outside the country.
That said, the government has drawn a clear line. To pass on citizenship, the Canadian parent must show a real and lasting link to Canada. In practical terms, this means living in the country for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption. Ottawa says the requirement ensures citizenship reflects genuine ties rather than convenience.
The new rules officially took effect on Monday.
Who Are the ‘Lost Canadians’?
“Lost Canadians” is a term used for people who lost their citizenship—or never received it—because of rigid rules in older versions of the law. Many of those rules were written decades ago, long before global travel, dual citizenship, and international families became common.
As time passed, these laws blocked many children of Canadians born abroad from gaining citizenship. The federal government has since admitted the system produced unfair and unintended results.
Why Ottawa Changed the Law
The reforms follow a 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which struck down parts of Canada’s citizenship-by-descent rules. The court found that denying citizenship to second-generation Canadians born abroad violated constitutional equality rights.
Rather than fight the decision, the Liberal government accepted it. Officials said the law caused harm to families and needed fixing.
The disputed rules traced back to 2009, when the Conservative government led by former prime minister Stephen Harper ended automatic citizenship for children of Canadians born outside the country.
How Many People May Benefit
Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates the changes could affect about 115,000 people over the next five years. For many families, the reform offers long-awaited clarity and a path to full legal recognition.
Political Pushback and Failed Changes
Not everyone supported the bill. In November, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, the party’s immigration critic, warned the changes could allow citizenship to pass too freely and create what she called “citizens of convenience.”
Conservatives, backed by the Bloc Québécois, tried to tighten the bill by adding requirements such as language tests and security checks for adults. Parliament rejected those proposals, and the legislation passed without extra conditions.
A Familiar Name Among New Citizens
One of the most high-profile beneficiaries is Alfie Jones, a British-born footballer selected to represent Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the Globe and Mail, he qualified for Canadian citizenship through his grandmother, who was born in Alberta.
