Over the past decade, the Canadian Citizenship Act has undergone significant changes that reveal how a shift in government can reshape national policy—particularly around inclusivity and accessibility for new citizens.
Under the Conservative government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (2006-2015), the Citizenship Act saw reforms that tightened certain citizenship criteria. However, with the election of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party in 2015, a new approach emerged.
Trudeau’s government implemented Bill C-6 in 2017, which repealed many of the former Conservative policies. These changes were designed to make citizenship more accessible to a diverse range of applicants, especially those who had already begun building their lives in Canada.
It is clear that each new government brings its vision of what it means to be Canadian and the impact of government transitions on immigration laws.
Below is an overview of the key changes introduced by “Bill C-24” in 2014 and “Bill C-6” in 2017, highlighting their impact on the citizenship application process.
Bill C-24 (2014) vs. Bill C-6 (2017)
Residency Requirement
Before: The applicant must be physically present in Canada for “4 out of 6 years” before applying for citizenship.
Currently: Reduced the physical presence requirement to ‘3 out of 5 years’, Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person can count (up to 365 days).
Intent to Reside
Before: Applicants needed to declare an intention to reside in Canada once granted citizenship.
Currently: The intent to reside provision was repealed, providing flexibility for new citizens to live outside Canada if needed without losing their citizenship.
Revocation of Citizenship
Before: Allowed the government to revoke citizenship from dual citizens who were convicted of terrorism, high treason, espionage, or were part of an armed force engaged in conflict with Canada.
Currently: Now, dual citizens will face the same legal consequences as any other Canadian citizen for these crimes, reinforcing the equality of citizenship status.
Language and Knowledge Requirements
Before: Applicants aged 14 - 64 had to meet language (English or French) and knowledge requirements.
Currently: Narrowed the age range to 18-54 years, reducing the burden on younger and older applicants.
Counting Time as a Temporary Resident
Before: Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident did not count towards the physical presence requirement.
Currently: Allowed each day spent as a temporary resident or protected person to count as a half-day toward the physical presence requirement, up to a maximum of 365 days.
Minors Applying for Citizenship
Before: Minors could only apply for citizenship with a Canadian parent. There was no provision for minors to apply independently.
Currently: Minors can now apply for citizenship independently without a Canadian parent, as long as they meet other eligibility criteria. This change was aimed at increasing accessibility for vulnerable minors.
Conditional Sentences
Before: Individuals serving a conditional sentence (e.g., house arrest) were eligible to count this time towards physical presence requirements.
Currently: Prohibited individuals serving a conditional sentence from being granted citizenship, taking the Oath of Citizenship, or counting this time towards physical presence.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
Before: No explicit provision for accommodating applicants with disabilities.
Currently. Bill C-6 introduced a provision requiring reasonable accommodations for citizenship applicants with disabilities.
Waiver of Requirements
Before: The Minister could waive some requirements for certain cases of hardship or exceptional service.
Currently: Statelessness was added as an additional ground for waiver, allowing the Minister to grant citizenship under special circumstances.
Key Takeaways
Bill C-24 was seen as a more restrictive piece of legislation that emphasized security and limited access to citizenship.
Bill C-6 aimed to undo several restrictive measures of Bill C-24, making the path to citizenship more accessible and fairer, especially for temporary residents, protected persons, and minors.
Canadian Citizenship With InfoPlace
Canadian immigration has been a hot topic in political discussions, and it’s crucial to stay informed, as governments often adjust policies to meet public demand or address current national needs.
Remember, acting swiftly when policies align in your favor can make a difference. If you need guidance with the citizenship application process, we’re here to help!
Start by reading our article on applying for Canadian citizenship, or reach out to us directly.
You can also schedule a session with one of our licensed and experienced immigration consultants for personalized support.
Source: Government of Canada
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