Immigration minister tables bill extending citizenship rights to children born abroad

There's no doubt that Canadian citizenship is highly valued and recognized around the world. Where we want a citizenship to be fair, accessible, with clear and transparent rules. Not everyone is entitled to it, but for those who are, it needs to be fair. It's why when issues arise around citizenship law, it's important that Parliament addresses them. The proposed legislation will extend citizenship by dissent beyond the 1st generation in a way that is inclusive and upholds the value of our citizenship. If passed, the bill extends automatic citizenship to anyone who is born outside the country to a Canadian parent. Before the legislation comes into force, we also introduced amendments to respond to issues raised at parliamentary committees as well as in the courts. They will restore citizenship to those we call lost Canadians. That could be someone who is never able to become a citizen or lost citizenship because of previous and outdated legislative provisions. While the government previously brought forward changes that fix the status of most lost Canadians, a small impact did court remained. Under the new legislation, children born abroad to Canadian citizen who is also born outside Canada will be a Canadian citizenship from birth if their parent can demonstrate they have a substantial connection to Canada. As long as a Canadian parent who was born outside of Canada has accumulated three years of time spent in Canada before the birth of the child, they'll be able to pass down their citizenship to their child.