Canada’s immigration system is facing one of its biggest political turning points in years. On October 8, 2025, the Conservative Party unveiled a plan to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born to temporary residents — a move that could redefine national debates on immigration and inclusion, according to CTV News.
The proposal, led by Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, seeks to amend the Citizenship Act so that citizenship at birth would be granted only if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Garner argued that the current jus soli policy, which grants citizenship to anyone born on Canadian soil, has created “loopholes” promoting birth tourism — where non-residents travel to Canada to give birth.
“The reform will align Canada with peer countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK,” Garner said. However, her proposed amendment was rejected on October 7 by Liberal and Bloc Québécois MPs on the immigration committee.
Why Conservatives Are Acting Now
The timing reflects growing public frustration over record immigration levels and a worsening housing crisis. In 2024, the number of temporary residents in Canada surged past 2.8 million, marking a 150% increase since 2019. Critics say the influx has strained public services, inflated housing costs, and eroded affordability.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is capitalizing on this sentiment. Polls show 62% of Canadians support tighter residency rules, suggesting growing public backing for immigration reform.
Liberal and Human Rights Pushback
Liberal Justice Minister Sean Fraser condemned the move as “fearmongering,” pointing out that birth tourism accounts for less than 1% of all births. Human rights organizations — including Amnesty International Canada and OCASI — warned the policy could harm mixed-status families and risk creating stateless children.
Public opinion remains divided: 48% support the proposed change, while 42% oppose it, with younger Canadians showing stronger resistance.
Global Context
Only about 35 countries worldwide still offer unrestricted birthright citizenship, most located in the Americas. Nations like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have already restricted the practice, while the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico continue to uphold it.
If Canada follows suit, it would join a growing global movement to tighten citizenship laws in response to rising migration pressures.
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