Maple News reports that several high-profile American celebrities—including Madonna, Hillary Clinton, and Viggo Mortensen—are now eligible for Canadian citizenship under a newly approved amendment to the Citizenship Act. Bill C-3, passed by the federal government on November 20, removes the long-standing first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent.
The FGL, first introduced in 2009, prevented children born outside Canada to Canadian citizens by descent from obtaining Canadian citizenship themselves. With the passing of Bill C-3, this restriction has been lifted, granting citizenship to individuals with Canadian lineage who would have been excluded under the old rules.
Among those set to benefit from the change is pop icon Madonna, whose maternal ancestors immigrated to Quebec in the 17th century. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also eligible, with deep French-Canadian ancestry tracing back to New France. Her maternal line makes her a distant relative of notable Canadians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and singer Céline Dion.
Actor Viggo Mortensen, known for his role in “The Lord of the Rings,” qualifies through his maternal grandfather who was born in Nova Scotia. Similarly, actress Lily Collins has Canadian roots via her maternal grandfather from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Musician Jack White, born in Detroit, also has Canadian ancestry through his paternal line. His grandfather was born in Nova Scotia, while his grandmother was born in Boston to Canadian parents from Inverness, Nova Scotia.
While Bill C-3 is now officially law, the exact date it will come into force has yet to be announced. In the meantime, interim measures introduced earlier in 2025 remain active, allowing eligible individuals to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship without waiting for the law’s full implementation.
According to Maple News, once the law is active, it will not only restore citizenship to those previously excluded but also allow future generations to inherit Canadian citizenship—provided they meet a new ‘substantial connection to Canada’ requirement.
This legislative shift has been welcomed by Canadians and foreign nationals alike, especially those affected by the so-called “Lost Canadians” scenario. It marks a meaningful move toward recognizing Canada’s diverse diaspora and reconnecting people with their rightful heritage.