Summary of Bill C-3: Addressing the Lost Canadians Issue and Modernizing Citizenship Rules

Canada has passed Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, a significant update to the country’s citizenship framework. The legislation corrects long-standing gaps that affected Lost Canadians; individuals and families who, due to historical rules, were denied or lost citizenship despite strong ties to Canada.

What the Bill Achieves

Restoration of citizenship

People who lost or were excluded from citizenship under outdated or discriminatory provisions will now regain status.

Citizenship for descendants

The law extends citizenship to children and grandchildren who were previously omitted because of generational rules or historical technicalities.

A more consistent framework

By updating the Citizenship Act, Bill C-3 reduces reliance on discretionary fixes and brings greater clarity and fairness to the system.

Adoption and Citizenship Transmission

Bill C-3 maintains distinctions between children adopted within Canada and those adopted abroad. Internationally adopted children will continue to receive Canadian citizenship, but the rules governing future citizenship transmission may differ from children adopted domestically. Public guidance will be key to ensuring families understand how citizenship transmission will apply in future generations.

The Need for Clear Guidance on “Substantial Connection to Canada

An important aspect of the modernized framework is the concept of “substantial connection to Canada,” which is expected to guide decisions in some future citizenship transmission cases. IRCC has not yet published a detailed definition, and doing so will help ensure consistency, predictability, and fairness for Canadians who live, work, or adopt internationally.

A Forward-Looking Approach

Bill C-3 resolves long-standing historical inequities and modernizes the Citizenship Act. As the government implements the new framework, the next important step will be for IRCC to publish transparent, accessible guidance, particularly regarding citizenship transmission and the meaning of “substantial connection to Canada.

Capelle Kane Immigration Lawyers has been assisting applicants with generational claims to Canadian citizenship. We support you with your application for proof of citizenship under this new legislation.