On June 05, 2025, the Honorable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, introduced Bill C-3, ‘An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025)’, extending citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. She quoted, “Citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada. By requiring those who pass citizenship to their children born abroad beyond the first generation to have a substantial connection to our country, we are honoring that bond. It reflects our belief that being Canadian means more than just a place of birth; it’s about belonging, shared experiences, and a commitment to the inclusive and diverse community we all call home.”  

Bill C-3 would “automatically give Canadian citizenship to any person who would be a citizen today were it not for the first-generation limit or certain outdated provisions of previous citizenship legislation” Also, it would “establish a new framework for citizenship by descent going forward that would allow for access to citizenship beyond the first generation based on a Canadian parent’s substantial connection to Canada demonstrated by at least 1,095 cumulative days (i.e., three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to their child’s birth or adoption.”

Immigration analysts note the 3-year physical presence requirement safeguards the integrity of citizenship, while legal experts say this move corrects long-standing inequities, including restoring rights for “Lost Canadians” and their descendants. In short, Bill C-3 aims to modernize Canada's citizenship by descent rules, broadening access, righting historical wrongs, and embedding a meaningful connection requirement for future generations.