‘Lost Canadians’ can now get citizenship while update to law faces delays

Immigration Minister Marc Miller is offering a lifeline to “lost Canadians” who have been unable to obtain Canadian citizenship due to a controversial law that was deemed unconstitutional by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2023. These “lost Canadians” are individuals who were born outside of Canada to Canadian parents who were also born abroad.

The issue stems from a policy change made by the Conservative government in 2009, which stated that individuals born abroad could not pass down their citizenship unless their child was born in Canada. This policy left many individuals in a state of limbo, unable to claim their rightful citizenship despite having strong ties to the country.

Following the court ruling, the current Liberal government had been given multiple extensions to pass new legislation that would rectify the situation. However, with the deadline fast approaching, Minister Miller has announced that the government will not be able to meet the deadline and is seeking a 12-month extension.

In the meantime, Minister Miller has stated that the government will be granting “discretionary” citizenship to those affected by the law. Additionally, individuals who believe they may be considered “lost Canadians” – with a parent who is a Canadian citizen and has spent at least three cumulative years in Canada – will also have the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

This move by the government is a step in the right direction towards rectifying a long-standing injustice faced by many individuals who have been caught in a bureaucratic loophole. It is a recognition of the importance of inclusive citizenship policies and the need to ensure that all individuals who have a legitimate claim to Canadian citizenship are able to obtain it.

As the government continues to work towards extending citizenship rights to “lost Canadians,” it is important to acknowledge the efforts of Minister Miller and his commitment to addressing this issue. This decision will bring relief to many individuals who have been waiting for years to be officially recognized as Canadian citizens.