Legislative Milestones in Canadian Citizenship Law
Important historical markers that define who is a citizen and how citizenship is transmitted across generations.
January 1, 1947
The first Canadian Citizenship Act comes into force, creating Canadian citizenship as a distinct status from British subject status.
February 15, 1977
The modern Citizenship Act comes into force, replacing the 1947 Act and introducing significant changes to how citizenship is acquired and lost.
April 17, 2009
The "first-generation limit" is introduced, restricting citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent.
June 11, 2015
The Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act expands provisions to restore citizenship to many individuals known as "Lost Canadians."
December 19, 2023
The Ontario Superior Court rules in the Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada case that the first-generation limit is unconstitutional.
December 15, 2025
Bill C-3 officially comes into force, removing the first-generation limit for those born before this date and establishing new rules for substantial connection going forward.
