Latest news with #RefugeesandCitizenship
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
The Government of Canada introduces citizenship by descent legislation for Canadians Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian citizenship lies at the heart of what it means to be Canadian, providing a sense of belonging and connection to a diverse, inclusive, and democratic nation. For many newcomers to Canada, citizenship is key to integration and we are committed to making the citizenship process as fair and transparent as possible. As a result of the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent for individuals born abroad, most Canadian citizens who are citizens by descent cannot pass on citizenship to their child born or adopted outside Canada. The current first-generation limit to citizenship no longer reflects how Canadian families live today—here at home and around the world—and the values that define our country. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced legislation that would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a way that is inclusive and protects the value of Canadian citizenship. 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Canadian citizenship to any person who would be a citizen today were it not for the first-generation limit or certain outdated provisions of previous citizenship legislation establish a new framework for citizenship by descent going forward that would allow for access to citizenship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. People who may be impacted by the changes proposed in Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), will no doubt have questions about what this means for them and their families. If the bill passes both Houses of Parliament and receives Royal Assent, we will work as quickly as possible to bring these changes into effect and will provide more information for eligible individuals on our website. Quote: "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 honouring 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." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: The first Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947 contained several now-outdated provisions that caused many people to either lose their Canadian citizenship or not acquire it in the first place. Legislative changes in 2009 and 2015 restored or gave citizenship to the vast majority of "Lost Canadians" who had lost it or never received it due to outdated legislation. Approximately 20,000 people became citizens and were issued certificates of Canadian citizenship as a result of these changes. Under the former section 8 of the Citizenship Act, some individuals lost citizenship at the age of 28. These were people born beyond the first generation abroad between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981, who turned 28 and failed to retain their citizenship before the first-generation limit was introduced in 2009. On December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that key provisions of the first-generation limit, which generally limits citizenship by descent to persons who are born abroad to a Canadian parent who was themselves born or naturalized in Canada, are unconstitutional. The Government of Canada did not appeal the ruling because we agree that the current law has unacceptable consequences for Canadians whose children were born outside the country. SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Government of Canada introduces citizenship by descent legislation for Canadians
OTTAWA, ON, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian citizenship lies at the heart of what it means to be Canadian, providing a sense of belonging and connection to a diverse, inclusive, and democratic nation. For many newcomers to Canada, citizenship is key to integration and we are committed to making the citizenship process as fair and transparent as possible. As a result of the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent for individuals born abroad, most Canadian citizens who are citizens by descent cannot pass on citizenship to their child born or adopted outside Canada. The current first-generation limit to citizenship no longer reflects how Canadian families live today—here at home and around the world—and the values that define our country. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced legislation that would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a way that is inclusive and protects the value of Canadian citizenship. 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 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. People who may be impacted by the changes proposed in Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), will no doubt have questions about what this means for them and their families. If the bill passes both Houses of Parliament and receives Royal Assent, we will work as quickly as possible to bring these changes into effect and will provide more information for eligible individuals on our website. Quote: "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 honouring 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." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: The first Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947 contained several now-outdated provisions that caused many people to either lose their Canadian citizenship or not acquire it in the first place. Legislative changes in 2009 and 2015 restored or gave citizenship to the vast majority of "Lost Canadians" who had lost it or never received it due to outdated legislation. Approximately 20,000 people became citizens and were issued certificates of Canadian citizenship as a result of these changes. Under the former section 8 of the Citizenship Act, some individuals lost citizenship at the age of 28. These were people born beyond the first generation abroad between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981, who turned 28 and failed to retain their citizenship before the first-generation limit was introduced in 2009. On December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that key provisions of the first-generation limit, which generally limits citizenship by descent to persons who are born abroad to a Canadian parent who was themselves born or naturalized in Canada, are unconstitutional. The Government of Canada did not appeal the ruling because we agree that the current law has unacceptable consequences for Canadians whose children were born outside the country. Related products: Backgrounder – Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act Government of Canada introduces legislation for citizenship by descent Backgrounder - Bill C-71: An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2024) Canada will not appeal decision that strikes down first-generation limit to Canadian citizenship by descent Follow us: SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
STATEMENT - Celebrating Canadian Citizenship: Diversity, Resilience and a Shared Future Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement today to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025: "Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation. This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians. We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here. "As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, a proud Lebanese Canadian, and the daughter of immigrants, taking this week to celebrate our newest citizens is especially meaningful to me. "It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one's family. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home. "I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week. Being part of this important milestone in someone's life is an honour and a privilege. "Every day across the country, Canadians find ways to show pride in their citizenship and exercise their rights as citizens, whether through volunteering in their communities, speaking up on issues of importance, learning our official languages, voting in elections, or celebrating national milestones. Each individual act is an affirmation of all there is to celebrate about being Canadian. "To those becoming citizens this week: your stories, your skills, and your decision to make this country home strengthen our nation, and your contributions and resilience will help carry us all forward. "This Citizenship Week, let us come together in celebration of our shared Canadian identity and all that unites us." SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
STATEMENT - Celebrating Canadian Citizenship: Diversity, Resilience and a Shared Future
OTTAWA, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement today to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025: "Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation. This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians. We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here. "As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, a proud Lebanese Canadian, and the daughter of immigrants, taking this week to celebrate our newest citizens is especially meaningful to me. "It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one's family. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home. "I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week. Being part of this important milestone in someone's life is an honour and a privilege. "Every day across the country, Canadians find ways to show pride in their citizenship and exercise their rights as citizens, whether through volunteering in their communities, speaking up on issues of importance, learning our official languages, voting in elections, or celebrating national milestones. Each individual act is an affirmation of all there is to celebrate about being Canadian. "To those becoming citizens this week: your stories, your skills, and your decision to make this country home strengthen our nation, and your contributions and resilience will help carry us all forward. "This Citizenship Week, let us come together in celebration of our shared Canadian identity and all that unites us." SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada View original content:
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Travelling to Canada? Citizens of these 13 countries can now skip the visa
Listen to article The Canadian government has expanded its electronic travel authorisation (eTA) programme to include eligible travellers from 13 additional countries, allowing for easier and faster access to Canada without a visa. The announcement was made by Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, who said the move aims to strengthen Canada's international ties and streamline travel for thousands of visitors. 'This expansion will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months,' Fraser said. 'It will also help lighten the visa caseload and improve processing times for all applicants.' The new countries added to the eTA programme are: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. To qualify, applicants must either have held a Canadian temporary resident visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. The eTA applies only to air travel for tourism or business purposes. The application process is online, requires a valid passport, email address, internet access, and a credit card. The fee is CAD$7 (around US$5), and most approvals are issued 'within minutes,' according to Fraser. Travellers who are not eligible for an eTA or who are entering Canada by land or sea—such as by car, train, or cruise ship—will still need a visitor visa. The government said the update not only promotes travel and tourism but is also expected to contribute to Canada's economy through increased international business and reduced administrative burdens on immigration services. Travellers can visit to check their eligibility and apply.
