Restoring Citizenship Rights for ‘Lost Canadians’

A recent development in the House of Commons has seen the advancement of Bill C-3, with the aim of restoring citizenship rights to individuals known as ‘Lost Canadians’. These are individuals who were born abroad and lost or were denied citizenship due to a law enacted in 2009.

One of the key provisions in the revised bill allows Canadians born outside the country to pass on citizenship to their children if they have resided in Canada for a minimum of 1,095 days within a five-year period. The bill also includes amendments proposed by the Conservatives, which introduce language, knowledge, and security checks similar to those required for other citizenship applicants.

Additionally, the committee overseeing the bill rejected a proposal put forth by the Conservatives to eliminate automatic birthright citizenship for children born in Canada to temporary residents. Justice Minister Sean Fraser strongly opposed this proposal, emphasizing the importance of birthright citizenship as a fundamental aspect of equal rights.

It is crucial for the bill to be passed before November 21, as this is the deadline set by the court for its implementation.