<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-canadian-passport-with-a-boarding-pass-on-a-table.jpg?id=60508000&width=600&height=600&coordinates=60%2C0%2C60%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Significant changes to <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-immigration">Canada's immigration</a> and citizenship rules could be on the horizon, with new measures that would grant automatic citizenship to some individuals.</p><p>On Thursday, June 5, the federal government <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-government-of-canada-introduces-citizenship-by-descent-legislation-for-canadians-869508037.html">announced Bill C-3</a>, a proposal that would expand who gets to pass Canadian citizenship to their children — even if both parent and child were born outside Canada.</p><p>Currently, there's a limit known as the "first-generation rule." It means if you're a Canadian but were born abroad, you can only automatically pass your citizenship to kids born overseas if you yourself were born or naturalized in Canada. That rule has been in place since 2009.</p><p>However, Bill C-3 is looking to change it.</p><p>It would allow citizenship to be passed down beyond just the first generation, which is a significant shift for anyone with family ties overseas or parents who have moved around a lot.</p><p>Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says this would especially help "Lost Canadians" — people who missed out on citizenship rights due to outdated legislation or who lost their status under old rules.</p><p>Among those impacted are individuals who were affected by the now-repealed section 8 of the Citizenship Act. These were people born outside Canada beyond the first generation between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981. They lost their Canadian citizenship at the age of 28 if they did not take specific steps to retain it before the first-generation limit came into effect in 2009.</p><p>Although <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/act-changes/rules-2009-2015.html">updates in 2009 and 2015</a> helped approximately 20,000 people regain or gain citizenship, many individuals were still left out. </p><p>This new bill is intended to address that issue.</p><blockquote class="rm-embed twitter-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1930650525659197933">
<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitImmCanada/status/1930650525659197933"></a>
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<p>So, what exactly would Bill C-3 do?</p><p>First, it would automatically citizenship to individuals who were previously excluded due to the first-generation limit or other repealed rules. That means some people would suddenly qualify without needing to apply under special exceptions.</p><p>Second, it lays out a new system going forward. If you're a Canadian born outside the country and want to pass on citizenship to a child also born abroad, you'd need to prove a "substantial connection" to Canada. Specifically, you'd have to show you've lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) before your child was born or adopted.</p><p>Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said in a statement on June 5, "Citizenship is more than a legal status — it's a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada." She added that asking people to show a strong connection to the country when passing down citizenship honours that deeper bond.</p><p>This update comes after an Ontario Superior Court ruling in 2023 found parts of the current rules unconstitutional. Instead of appealing, the federal government decided to go the legislative route and just fix the problem — something IRCC says is overdue.</p><p>If you think this might affect your family, hang tight. Since March, an <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/proof-citizenship/application-first-generation.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interim measure</a> has been in place to support people caught in the citizenship limbo while the bill was being worked on. That support system will stay in place until the bill is passed.</p><p>Anyone with kids born outside Canada — or thinking about having some while living abroad — might want to keep tabs on this bill. Once it gets Royal Assent, more details will roll out.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/4-valentine-s-day-offers-for-a-romantic-staycation-in-the-heart-of-old-montreal.png?id=56121728&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Valentine's Day is approaching, and if you love Montreal, nothing beats staying in the most romantic part of the city with your special someone. </p><p>Whether you stroll the cobblestone streets hand in hand, get cozy in a glamorous restaurant, soak up the relaxation with a massage, or wake up in a luxurious room with your sweetheart, a staycation in Old Montreal is a magical way to spend Valentine's Day.</p><p>With the year's most romantic day around the corner, here are some darling deals in Old Montreal for the perfect Valentine's staycation.</p><h3>Hôtel Nelligan</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFGCr6rPhGu/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFGCr6rPhGu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: 106, rue Saint-Paul O, Montreal, QC</p><p>Offer: Enjoy 20% off your room rate and a special multi-course Valentine's Day dinner at Méchant Boeuf Steakhouse when you book a stay between February 8-16, 2025.</p><p>A charming blend of modern and historic, Hôtel Nelligan's 1850s architecture shines next to contemporary chic decor. </p><h3>Hôtel Place d’Armes</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFGgAXFxe4z/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFGgAXFxe4z/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: 55, rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, QC</p><p>Offer: Book a stay between February 8 and 16, 2025, and enjoy 20% off your room rate and a special multi-course Valentine's Day dinner at Brasserie 701 or Kyo Bar Japonais.</p><p>An icon of Old Montreal and Clef MICHELIN award-winner, Hôtel Place d’Armes delivers modern elegance in an unmatched location. After settling in, take your valentine to Brasserie 701 for a crafted cocktail or check out Montreal's largest sake list at Kyo Bar Japonais.</p><h3>Rainspa</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYBGs4zGj1/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYBGs4zGj1/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: 55, rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, QC</p>
<p>Offer: Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the Premium package, including massages, body exfoliation, aromatherapy, private Hammam, lounge access, wine and charcuterie for two. </p>
<p>On the third floor, above Hôtel Place d’Armes, Rainspa awaits. This Valentine's Day is the perfect time for the Premium package. At $285 per person (plus taxes), this top-tier spa experience for two will leave you both feeling refreshed, relaxed and pampered.</p><h3>Restaurants: Méchant Boeuf, Modavie, Brasserie 701 and Kyo Bar Japonais</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFdKvkqt2yg/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFdKvkqt2yg/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Sharing a meal with your special person is a Valentine's Day tradition, and you have plenty of restaurant options in Old Montreal to match the vibe you're after.</p>
<p>Méchant Boeuf (124, rue Saint-Paul Ouest) offers a luxurious steakhouse experience. Meanwhile, Modavie (1, rue Saint-Paul Ouest) is an upbeat French bistro that hosts live music. Brasserie 701 (701, Côte de la Place-d'Armes) serves French cuisine with a contemporary twist. At Kyo Bar Japonais, you can experience the vibrant energy of an izakaya alongside some of Montreal's best sushi and cocktails.</p><p>Old Montreal on Valentine's Day is as romantic as it gets. For a blissful escape with your sweetheart, indulge your senses with a delicious meal, pampering session or luxurious stay at one (or more) of these charming spots.</p><p><a href="https://sr.studiostack.com/c/link?l=1900008&s=1899223" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more</a></p>
