Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has once again received an extension to amend the country’s Citizenship Act, specifically concerning the contentious first-generation limit (FGL) for citizenship by descent. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted the extension on March 13, 2025, giving the government until April 25, 2025, to implement the mandated legal changes.
The first-generation limit, introduced in 2009, prevents children born abroad from inheriting Canadian citizenship if their Canadian parent also obtained citizenship by descent—effectively blocking citizenship beyond the first generation born outside Canada. In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled this provision unconstitutional, stating it violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by creating unequal classes of citizenship based on national origin.
In response, the federal government introduced Bill C-71 in May 2024. The proposed legislation aimed to lift the blanket restriction by allowing children to acquire citizenship if their Canadian parent demonstrates a strong connection to Canada—defined as having lived in the country for at least three years prior to their birth or adoption. However, Bill C-71 has yet to be passed into law, prompting a series of court extensions.
Complicating matters, the Canadian Parliament was prorogued by Governor General Mary Simon on January 6, 2025, at the request of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This suspension delayed all parliamentary activity until March 24, further confirming that the government would miss the previously extended March 19, 2025 deadline.
The federal government has now requested an additional 12-month extension. A hearing scheduled for April 11 will determine whether this extended delay is justified or whether the Court will take more decisive action—such as striking down elements of the Citizenship Act directly.
In the meantime, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented interim measures for individuals affected by the FGL. These measures allow eligible applicants to apply for discretionary grants of citizenship, along with prioritized processing to address the uncertainties they face.
If the government fails to meet the Court’s new deadline of April 25, 2025, the Court could take one of two possible paths: granting another extension, or overruling specific provisions of the Citizenship Act to bring it into compliance with constitutional rights.
The situation has become increasingly urgent for many families and individuals—often called “lost Canadians”—who remain in legal limbo due to delays and legislative inaction. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.