Maple News reports that Josh Duhamel, best known for the Transformers franchise, recently quipped that he’s “basically Canadian” given his proximity to the U.S.–Canada border—and Canada’s citizenship law changes have now made that claim literal.
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, took effect, removing the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Overnight, anyone who can trace an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor becomes eligible, regardless of how many generations separate them.
Duhamel is among millions who now qualify. He has French-Canadian, German, Norwegian, English, and Irish ancestry, with French-Canadian roots on his father’s side. Records indicate his father, Larry Duhamel, is one-eighth French-Canadian, and genealogical sources trace the family back to Ontario and Quebec.
The change broadens eligibility beyond celebrities to everyday Americans, with no generational cap. If you can prove an uninterrupted line to a Canadian ancestor—be it a grandparent or even a great-great-grandparent—you could be eligible for Canadian citizenship.
The geographic angle is notable in New England, where many French-Canadian families settled during the Great Hemorrhage migration of the 19th and early 20th centuries. That history increases the likelihood that many Americans have a qualifying lineage.
How to apply: eligible individuals do not need to pass a citizenship test, take an oath, or meet residency requirements. They apply for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship certificate and must submit documents — such as birth, marriage, and death records — showing the uninterrupted line to a Canadian ancestor to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing is typically around one year, though timelines can change.
After receiving the certificate, applicants can apply for a Canadian passport, which generally takes 10 to 20 business days to process. Beyond the passport, citizenship confers rights to live and work in Canada and participate in Canadian civic life.
Maple News notes that this policy shift reflects Canada’s broader interest in attracting talent and welcoming dual citizens, while also honoring deep historical migration patterns. Those exploring the pathway should verify current requirements with official sources before starting the process.