In today’s blog update, we’ll talk about the New Bill that will restore Citizenship Rights for Children Born Abroad. It’ll be an interesting and informational blog. So we highly suggest you to read it until the end.
Reversing the 2009 Amendments
The Canadian government has introduced a new bill in the House of Commons that aims to restore citizenship rights to children born abroad to Canadian parents. This legislative move seeks to rectify the 2009 amendments to the Citizenship Act, which had stripped some individuals of their Canadian citizenship.
The Impact of the 2009 Changes
In 2009, under former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the law was changed to prevent Canadian parents born abroad from passing down their citizenship unless their child was born in Canada. This change created a group of individuals known as “Lost Canadians,” who have been denied citizenship rights due to these amendments.
** Willing to migrate to Canada? V&I will guide you in step by step process.
Extending Citizenship by Descent
The new bill intends to undo the 2009 changes, which were recently struck down by a court challenge, and extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation born outside Canada. If passed, the legislation will automatically confer citizenship on children born since 2009 who were affected by the Conservative changes.
** Check your eligibility to Canada with V&I Canada CRS Points Calculator for free.
New Requirements for Citizenship
Under the proposed legislation, parents born outside Canada must have spent at least three years in Canada before the birth or adoption of their child to pass on Canadian citizenship. This new requirement aims to ensure a tangible connection to Canada while restoring rights to those previously excluded.
Government and Legal Perspectives
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of fairness and accessibility in Canadian citizenship laws, stating, “We’re a country that supports human rights, equality, and respect for all people.” He highlighted the global value of Canadian citizenship and the need for clear and transparent rules.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan, who collaborated with the Liberals on drafting the bill, expressed the severe impact the 2009 law had on families. She noted that some children were left stateless due to the previous amendments.
** Want to work in Canada? V&I is here to help you.
Moving Forward
The Ontario Superior Court had previously ruled the current system unconstitutional, creating two classes of Canadians and gave Ottawa until June 19 to address the issue. Minister Miller indicated that the government might need to request an extension while the bill progresses through the legislative process but stressed the urgency of resolving the problem.
This new bill represents a significant step towards correcting past injustices and ensuring that Canadian citizenship is inclusive and equitable for all.
For more updates on Canadian immigration, sign up for our newsletter today.
