A look at the complex evolution of Canada’s citizenship laws over the years
VANCOUVER — A British Columbia woman is speaking out after discovering she’s been ensnared by an obscure law that automatically revokes the citizenship of second-generation Canadians that were born abroad. Legal experts say the law is unfair and agree that the country’s citizenship laws are convoluted.
Here is a timeline of the most significant milestones in the snakes and ladders of Canada’s citizenship legislation over the decades:
Naturalization Act (May 22, 1868): Prior to 1947, anyone born in Canada was technically considered a British subject.
Canadian Citizenship Act (Jan. 1, 1947): Canadian citizenship is legally created, along with special recognition for British subjects. Requirements are introduced for anyone born outside the country to a Canadian parent in order for them to retain their citizenship.