Ottawa moves closer to expanding citizenship rights for Canadians born abroad

Canada is nearing a major reform to its citizenship laws that could restore and extend rights to thousands of people born outside the country.

Bill C-3, which cleared the House of Commons on November 5 and passed second reading in the Senate the following day, is now scheduled for detailed study by a Senate committee on November 17. The proposed legislation aims to broaden citizenship by descent, addressing long-standing gaps that left many children of Canadian parents without automatic citizenship due to restrictive provisions in past laws.

If passed, the bill would also make it easier for internationally adopted children and those with strong family or residential ties to Canada to access citizenship. Advocates have called the legislation a long-awaited correction to decades-old rules that failed to reflect the country’s evolving understanding of identity and belonging.

Following committee review and Royal Assent, the changes would take effect on a date set by the Governor in Council, marking one of the most significant updates to the Citizenship Act in decades.