In October 2025, Canada’s Conservative Party introduced a proposal to change the rule that gives automatic citizenship to every child born in Canada. The proposal
Proposed Change to Stop Birthright Citizenship for Temporary Residents in Canada
In October 2025, Canada’s Conservative Party introduced a proposal to change the rule that gives automatic citizenship to every child born in Canada. The proposal states that a child born in Canada would get automatic citizenship only if one of the parents is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This proposal has started a big debate about what is fair, how immigration works, and what it means to be Canadian.
What the Proposal Means
Currently, almost every child born in Canada automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, regardless of the immigration status of their parents. There are only a few exceptions, such as children of foreign diplomats.
The new proposal would end birthright citizenship to children born in Canada if their parents are temporarily in the country, such as international students, foreign workers, or visitors. If the rule changes, at least one parent would need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the child to get citizenship at birth.
Why the Change Is Under Consideration
There are several logical reasons for this proposed reform.
Birth Tourism Concerns: Some people believe that a small number of foreign nationals come to Canada mainly to give birth so their child can become a Canadian citizen. Supporters of the proposal say this is unfair and that the rule needs to change to stop such cases.
Pressure On Public Services: Canada has seen a large increase in temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers. Some argue that this growth puts pressure on hospitals, housing, and public benefits, especially in large cities.
Following International Examples: Many countries, like the United Kingdom and Australia, no longer give automatic citizenship to every baby born in their country. Supporters believe Canada should follow a similar system.
Public Opinion: Many Canadians have started to question if automatic citizenship is still fair. Political leaders say this proposal responds to that growing concern.
Arguments For and Against
The proposal has both supporters and critics.
Supporters of the proposal say citizenship should be based on a real connection to Canada, not just being born in the country. They believe this change would make the system fairer and stop people from using short visits to get citizenship benefits.
Opponents argue that the change could harm children of temporary residents, leaving some without any citizenship. They also note that “birth tourism” is rare and that the proposal goes against Canada’s values of fairness and inclusion.
Some legal experts have also warned that such a change could be challenged in court for possibly violating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Current Status of the Proposal
As of October 2025, this proposal is not law. The Conservative Party introduced it as an amendment to an immigration bill (Bill C-3), but it was rejected in committee by other parties. This means Canada’s law stays the same. Every child born in the country will still get citizenship automatically, except in a few special cases.
If the idea gains more political support in the future, it could be reintroduced, but any change would require full parliamentary approval and public consultation.
Conclusion
The plan to end birthright citizenship for children of temporary residents is a new important topic in Canada’s immigration debate. It questions the long-time rule about who should be a Canadian at birth. Even if it doesn’t become law, it has already started a national discussion about fairness, inclusion, and what being a citizen means today. If you need guidance on immigration policies, residency status, or citizenship matters, you can get professional immigration services at CWC Immigration Solutions.