New Canada Measures To Grant Citizenship To Lost Canadians
Ottawa, March 14, 2025 – Canada’s government is requesting a 12-month extension to keep its “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent, a rule the Ontario Superior Court deemed unconstitutional in 2023. This limit blocks Canadians born abroad from passing citizenship to their kids born outside Canada. Bill C-71, meant to fix this, is stalled as Parliament sits prorogued until late March. Meanwhile, Minister Marc Miller offers interim relief, granting discretionary citizenship to affected families—like Maria in Australia, whose son Liam could now apply. With a deadline of March 19, 2025, looming, the extension aims to avoid chaos while balancing fairness and the value of Canadian identity. From expats to “Lost Canadians,” this fight’s personal—and global. Will Canada redefine citizenship, or cling to old rules? The clock’s ticking.
