Canadian Citizenship

History of Canadian Citizenship The Citizenship Act (1947): anyone born in Canada was a citizen, as well as anyone born outside Canada with a Canadian parent In 1977: new Citizenship Act passed; made it much more fair for people immigrating to Canada from other countries--all restrictions and conditions were the same, no matter what

Canadian Citizenship Today Citizenship is outlined by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms You are now considered Canadian if: you were born in Canada; one or both of your parents is Canadian or; you have gone through the naturalization process

To become a Canadian citizen you must: Be 18 years of age or older Be a permanent resident who was legally and lawful permitted to live in Canada Have lived in Canada for three consecutive years in the last 5 years Speak either English or French Know and be able to communicate the information about Canada outlined in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada handbook, A Look at Canada

One you have met those requirements, you must swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen and you will be an official Canadian citizen. Oath: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

Being a Canadian citizen gives you the right to participate in the political process in Canada, by voting or running for a political office yourself.